Enviro News Asia, Samarinda — Indonesia’s Ministry of Forestry has launched the Forest Youthverse Summit 2026 to prepare a new generation of young leaders committed to forest conservation, emphasizing that the future of Indonesia’s forests depends not only on government policies and technology but also on the commitment of its youth.
Held on July 14–15 in Samarinda, East Kalimantan, the summit carried the theme “Rising Young Guardian of Himba Etam: Building a New Generation of Forest Guardians Through Real Action.” The program aims to develop participants into Green Leaders, Green Communicators, and Forest Heroes capable of driving forest conservation efforts across the country.
Organized by the Center for Forest Conservation Youth Development (Pusgenri) under the Ministry’s Human Resources Development Agency in collaboration with the Regional Human Resources Development Center (Balai P2SDM) Region V Samarinda, the summit marked the culmination of the Forest Youthverse mentoring and coaching program.
Thirty selected members of the Forest Conservation Youth Generation (Genries) joined representatives from schools, universities, youth organizations, environmental communities, and Saka Wanabakti in East Kalimantan. Participants took part in experiential learning activities designed to strengthen their knowledge of sustainable forest management while encouraging collaboration and innovation in addressing environmental challenges.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, Head of the Center for Forest Conservation Youth Development Luckmi Purwandari said East Kalimantan’s greatest asset is its forests, adding that their future depends on the awareness and commitment of younger generations.
She noted that Indonesia’s demographic bonus, with around 65 million young people, should become an ecological bonus by fostering a generation equipped with leadership, competence, and a strong commitment to protecting forests and the environment.
Throughout the two-day program, participants attended field learning sessions at the Himba Etam Arboretum, joined tree-planting activities, engaged in discussions with forestry and conservation experts, and presented innovative ideas through the Forest Innovation Parade. The projects covered biodiversity conservation, forest rehabilitation, waste management, community empowerment, and the use of technology to support forest protection.
The summit also strengthened the Forest Conservation Youth Generation network, which is expected to become a strategic partner for the government in promoting forest conservation initiatives at both local and national levels through collaboration with academia, businesses, communities, and civil society.
Head of Balai P2SDM Region V Samarinda Elpa Rifadi said the program plays an important role in strengthening youth participation in conserving East Kalimantan’s forests, particularly as the province supports the development of Indonesia’s new capital, Nusantara.
The summit concluded with participants reading the Forest Youth Commitment, a joint declaration pledging to continue learning, collaborating, innovating, and taking concrete action to protect Indonesia’s forests beyond the duration of the program. (*)
