Enviro News Asia, Jakarta — Minister of Forestry Raja Juli Antoni conducted a working visit to PT Sarpatim, a Forest Concession Rights (HPH) company that has been operating since 1973 in Central Kalimantan, on Thursday, April 17, 2025. The visit is part of the Ministry of Forestry’s commitment to revitalizing the forestry industry, particularly in the sustainable management of forests and the wood industry.
In an official statement, Minister Raja Juli Antoni emphasized that one of the mandates given by President Prabowo Subianto is to reform the forestry sector, which has long been associated with negative images such as illegal logging and environmental degradation.
“We are familiar with the story of how Indonesia was once the center of illegal logging. Forest concession companies (HPH) became synonymous with environmental destruction and deforestation. This did happen, and we can’t deny it,”
said the Minister.
However, he continued by pointing out that Indonesia also has positive experiences and best practices, where HPH companies can actually produce in a productive way—such as timber production—while still maintaining conservation and ecological regeneration.
“One such example is right here at PT Sarpatim, which I’m visiting today. The company has been around since 1973,”
he added.
PT Sarpatim is considered a good example of responsible forest management. Through a science-based approach, research, and innovations like intensive silviculture and Reduced Impact Logging (RIL), the company has managed to maintain productivity while supporting forest regeneration.
Raja Juli Antoni also stated that the Ministry of Forestry is currently reviewing several regulations and policies that are still considered burdensome for businesses. A primary focus is on promoting a more efficient licensing system and reducing the high-cost economy that has long hindered the sector.
“As directed by the President, this trade war should be seen in a positive light—it’s both a challenge and an opportunity for us to improve our forestry governance,”
he added.
With this new approach, it is hoped that Indonesia’s forestry industry will not only become more productive and globally competitive but will also improve local community welfare through job creation and active involvement in forest management. (*)
