Enviro News Asia, Jakarta — The Minister of Forestry reaffirmed his commitment to establishing a merit-based human resource system within the Ministry of Forestry as one of the key legacies he wishes to leave during his tenure. This statement was delivered during his remarks at the inauguration ceremony of 1,161 high-ranking primary, administrative, supervisory, and functional officials within the Ministry of Forestry on Monday, April 21, 2025, in Jakarta.
In his speech, the Minister emphasized that a fair, transparent, and accountable human resource system is crucial to the success of any institution, just as it is in many major private companies. To that end, he has instructed the Agency for Extension and Human Resource Development (BP2SDM) and the Bureau of Organization and Personnel to conduct benchmarking with other ministries that have successfully implemented a merit system, and even with private companies that have a similar number of employees.
“Because only with a merit-based system are individuals evaluated solely based on their abilities, achievements, and quality—not due to personal connections, ethnic background, religion, or the university they attended. I firmly believe that only through such a system can an institution become truly competitive,” said the Minister, as stated in a press release on Monday (4/21/2025).
He also strongly reiterated the prohibition against the buying and selling of positions. “If any of my staff, close associates, or anyone claiming to be close to me is found trading positions, please report them directly to me, because this goes against my vision of leaving behind a legacy of a merit-based system,” he asserted.
During the event, the Minister also highlighted the importance of digital transformation in human resource management. He stressed the need for a system capable of objectively mapping and monitoring the career progression of every employee, including rotations and transfers based on performance rather than personal relationships.
In addition, the Minister announced the launch of several strategic task forces, namely:
Task Force for Accelerating the Recognition of Customary Forests, to expedite the acknowledgment and protection of indigenous peoples’ rights to forests.
Forestry Multi-Business Task Force, to promote better management and productivity of forest management rights holders (PBPH).
Carbon Trade Task Force, to promote, among other things, the voluntary carbon market, allowing private entities and social forestry farmers to receive incentives for forest conservation efforts.
Digitization Task Force, to strengthen forestry governance through the integration of a unified digital platform across directorates-general, as well as the implementation of a fast, transparent, and coordinated licensing system.
