Enviro News Asia, Jakarta – The Ministry of Forestry (Kemenhut) has established a partnership with the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) to protect Indonesia’s forests. This collaboration was marked by the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at the Ministry of Forestry office in Jakarta on Wednesday (February 12, 2025).
The MoU was signed by Minister of Forestry Raja Juli Antoni and TNI Commander General Agus Subiyanto. A similar signing was also conducted by Minister of Environment Hanif Faisol and General Agus Subiyanto.
Minister of Forestry Raja Juli Antoni stated that the signing of the MoU is expected to boost the spirit and courage to safeguard Indonesia’s forests. According to him, the ministers in the Red and White Cabinet are united in successfully implementing the programs set forth by President Prabowo Subianto.
“The signing of this MoU is part of the spirit in which we must succeed in carrying out President Prabowo Subianto’s directives by eliminating bureaucratic barriers,” said Minister Raja Antoni in his speech.
He hopes that the collaboration with TNI will inspire enthusiasm, courage, and a strong sense of duty among Forestry Ministry personnel to protect Indonesia’s forests. Additionally, it is expected to foster continued cooperation with the Village Supervisory Non-Commissioned Officers (Babinsa) in the field.
“I hope this MoU will instill new energy among our forestry colleagues in protecting our forests. There should be a spirit of cooperation with Babinsa officers on the ground,” said the Minister.
Meanwhile, TNI Commander General Agus Subiyanto expressed hope that this collaboration would continue and be well-sustained, particularly in the rehabilitation of forests and land.
“It is expected that a better and more sustainable collaboration will be established, including forest and land rehabilitation efforts, as well as public awareness campaigns to protect the environment,” said the TNI Commander.
General Agus also mentioned that he frequently conducts educational outreach on the importance of loving nature in his activities. According to him, if humans care for nature, nature will also take care of them.
“I always conduct outreach on how we should love nature. We also teach new Babinsa officers how to plant trees so they can become field educators,” he stated.
