Enviro News Asia, Pematangsiantar – The Ministry of Forestry, through the Human Resources Extension and Development Agency (BP2SDM) and specifically its Center for the Development of the Forest Conservation Generation (Pusgenri), held the Forest Youthverse Summit 2026 as a platform for capacity building, collaboration, and youth innovation in support of Indonesia’s forest conservation and biodiversity. Held on June 17–18, 2026 in Pematangsiantar under the theme “Biodiversity-Verse: The Role of Youth in Conserving Biodiversity,” the event brought together students and representatives of Forest Farmer Groups from Aceh and North Sumatra.
Head of the BP2SDM Regional Center I in Pematangsiantar, Soleh Sena Santika, said Forest Youthverse was designed as a capacity-building platform for young people through a learning approach that goes beyond knowledge-sharing to also strengthen awareness, creativity, and real-world action. Through a series of mentoring and coaching sessions, participants were equipped with knowledge on forestry, biodiversity conservation, innovation development, and the formulation of action plans applicable in their own communities.
The summit opened with field learning at the Special Purpose Forest Area (KHDTK) of the Pondok Buluh Training Forest through a Youth Action for Nature activity, during which participants planted trees and explored the forest to gain a closer understanding of forest functions, potential, and management challenges. This field experience was then deepened through a Forest Reflection Circle session, providing a space for participants to share experiences and reflect on the forest conditions they had directly observed.
Participants subsequently worked in groups during Forest Connection and Forest Innovation Workshop sessions to design innovative solutions, which they presented on an Innovation Board. The ideas that emerged were rooted in problems identified in the field and designed to address forest conservation challenges through practical and sustainable approaches.
On the second day, the program was formally opened by Head of the Center for the Development of the Forest Conservation Generation, Luckmi Purwandari, who stressed that young people hold a strategic role in determining the future of Indonesia’s forests.
“The future of Indonesia’s forests is not determined by what we discuss today, but by what we do after we leave this room. That is why I hope the Genries can become a generation that is brave enough to offer solutions and bring them to life through real action,” Luckmi said.
One of the summit’s main highlights was a Forest Innovation Pitching: Ideas Into Action session, in which selected participants shared their experiences, lessons learned, real-world actions, and hopes for the future of forest and biodiversity conservation. The forum gave young people a space to voice their perspectives and contributions toward sustainable forest management.
Through the Forest Youthverse Summit 2026, the Center for the Development of the Forest Conservation Generation and BP2SDM Regional Center I in Pematangsiantar reaffirmed the importance of young people as strategic partners in safeguarding the future of Indonesia’s forests. Armed with knowledge, field experience, networks, and commitments built throughout the program, participants, known as Genries, are expected to become agents of change and inspire other young people to join in protecting Indonesia’s forests and biodiversity.
The Forest Youthverse Summit serves as the culmination of the Forest Youthverse Regional I program, which previously ran through mentoring and coaching sessions on June 8–10, 2026. A total of 30 participants, comprising students and Forest Farmer Group (KTH) representatives from Aceh and North Sumatra, took part after completing a learning and selection process during the mentoring class. (*)
