Enviro News Asia, Boyolali – Minister of Forestry Raja Juli Antoni conducted a working visit to the Wono Lestari II Forest Farmer Group (KTH) located in Wonoharjo Village, Kemusu Subdistrict, Boyolali Regency, Central Java, on Monday (May 26).
The purpose of the visit was to directly observe the implementation of the Social Forestry Program and to support forest-based economic development through the utilization of eucalyptus oil and agroforestry practices.
During a discussion, the Minister of Forestry listened to concerns raised by the head of KTH, who reported that over the past two years, the price per kilogram of eucalyptus leaves has significantly dropped.
Perhutani also noted that the business has stalled due to the influx of imported eucalyptus from a foreign country, which has flooded the Indonesian market. Previously, the price of eucalyptus leaves could reach IDR 200,000 – IDR 210,000 per kilogram, but it has now fallen to around IDR 140,000 per kilogram.
In response, the Minister stated that his office would coordinate with relevant government agencies.
“I will coordinate with the Ministry of Trade to restrict these imports because they are harming our farmers. We will prepare comprehensive data from across Indonesia to show the extent of the losses caused by excessive import volumes, which are disadvantaging our farmers,” said the Minister in his official statement on Monday (May 26, 2025).
The Minister further emphasized that President Prabowo Subianto consistently prioritizes the interests of farmers.
“All of President Prabowo’s policies are directed toward collective welfare, especially for farmers, who have long been the backbone of our food security and self-sufficiency,” explained Minister Raja Juli Antoni.
KTH Wono Lestari II is a Social Forestry group managing an area of 400 hectares under the Community Forest (HKm) scheme. It consists of 345 active members, including 40 women.
Since obtaining its management permit in 2017 and its status transformation in 2023, the group has established 27 Social Forestry Business Groups (KUPS) operating in various sectors, primarily focused on eucalyptus oil production and distillation.
In 2023, the group’s eucalyptus oil production reached 1,600 kilograms, valued at approximately IDR 256 million. However, they continue to face challenges such as fluctuating market prices and limited access to industrial markets.
During the visit, the Minister reviewed the distillation facility, held discussions with group members, and provided guidance on improving market access, enhancing product quality, and securing policy support for community-based forest enterprises. *
