Enviro News Asia, Bogor – Indonesia’s Ministry of Forestry of Indonesia held a Sacred Reflection ceremony to mark the 43rd Rimbawan Service Day, emphasizing the dedication and role of forestry personnel in preserving forests and protecting natural resources.
The event, held during the holy month of Ramadan, carried the theme “Sincere Work, Quality Governance: Foresters Building Sustainable Life.” The reflection ceremony served as the opening activity of the annual commemoration.
Speaking on behalf of the Deputy Minister of Forestry, Director General of Sustainable Forest Management Laksmi Wijayanti said the reflection event is an important tradition aimed at reinforcing the core identity and values of Indonesia’s forestry community.
She explained that the values guiding forestry personnel include honesty, responsibility, discipline, sincerity, vision, fairness, care, cooperation, and professionalism.
According to Laksmi, the commemoration should not merely be a ceremonial celebration but also a moment of deep reflection on the dedication and sacrifices made by forestry workers in protecting forests and maintaining environmental sustainability.
She added that foresters often face challenging conditions in the field, requiring both physical endurance and strong commitment to safeguarding Indonesia’s forest ecosystems.
In addressing increasingly complex forestry challenges, the ministry continues to strengthen policies and programs, including climate change mitigation, forest and land fire control, biodiversity conservation, social forestry development, poverty alleviation in forest villages, forest-based bioeconomy development, genetic resource bioprospecting, and integration of forestry with food, energy, and water sectors.
The ministry is also pursuing regulatory simplification and promoting transparent forest governance based on socio-ecological justice.
The Sacred Reflection ceremony also included the distribution of assistance to families of forestry personnel who lost their lives while performing their duties.
Through the event, the ministry hopes that the spirit and dedication of these “forest heroes” will inspire forestry personnel to continue innovating and contributing to sustainable development, while protecting forests and improving environmental quality. (*)
