Enviro News Asia, Jakarta – To commemorate its 79th anniversary, Perwita Wana Kencana held its National Congress (Munas) in Jakarta on Tuesday (September 30, 2025). Vice Minister of Forestry (Wamenhut) Rohmat Marzuki, representing the Minister of Forestry, officially opened the congress, which carried the theme “Advancing the Sustainable Food Security Program.”
Perwita Wana Kencana is a social organization that brings together women within the forestry sector, consisting of the wives of active and retired civil servants of the Ministry of Forestry, female forestry employees, as well as wives of forestry advocates. The organization was founded in Malang on September 27, 1946, under the name Persatuan Wanita Kehutanan (Forestry Women’s Association), and later renamed Perwita Wana Kencana in 1983.
In his remarks, Vice Minister Rohmat Marzuki emphasized that this year’s theme is highly relevant to the nation’s current challenges. “Participation in the food security program is not only about good national governance, but also about empowering communities around the forests,” he said.
He highlighted simple initiatives that members of Perwita Wana Kencana could adopt, such as planting vegetables in home gardens or using hydroponic methods. “I believe Perwita Wana Kencana members can set an example of productivity by cultivating spinach, lettuce, water spinach, or tubers in their yards,” he added.
Beyond crops, Rohmat also encouraged utilizing land for fish farming and cultivating medicinal plants such as ginger, lemongrass, and aromatic ginger (kencur). Poultry farming, including laying hens and broiler chickens, he said, could also provide supplies for the government’s free nutritious meal program.
“Through Perwita Wana Kencana, we can inspire forest communities to optimize their land use, thereby supporting the national food security program,” he explained.
Concluding his speech, the Vice Minister urged all members of Perwita Wana Kencana to continue supporting forestry and environmental programs and policies. He expressed hope that the organization would grow stronger, make meaningful contributions to society, and further strengthen forestry development in Indonesia. (*)
