Enviro News Asia, Yogyakarta – Indonesia’s Ministry of Forestry has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening youth participation in environmental conservation and sustainable forest management. The message was delivered by Vice Minister of Forestry Rohmat Marzuki during an alumni sharing session titled “Collaborative Foresters, Transforming Sustainable Forests,” held as part of the Pioneer Conservation orientation program for new students at the Faculty of Forestry, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), in Yogyakarta.
Speaking before 314 first-year students representing 20 provinces across Indonesia, Rohmat, a graduate of UGM’s Faculty of Forestry Class of 1999, reflected on his personal journey from a modest family in Magelang to serving as Indonesia’s Vice Minister of Forestry.
“Every time I return to the Faculty of Forestry, I feel honored and proud. It brings me back to 1999, when I sat where you are today during orientation. Indonesia’s forests need your dedication, passion, and meaningful contributions,” he said.
During the session, Rohmat introduced the “BAIK” framework as a guiding principle for the next generation of foresters throughout their academic journey and future careers.
The framework encourages students to continuously Learn by acquiring scientific knowledge and understanding real-world forestry challenges. They are also urged to be Adaptive by embracing technological advancements, artificial intelligence, and foreign language proficiency to remain globally competitive. Innovation is another key pillar, inspiring students to develop creative solutions for sustainable forest management, following examples established by UGM, including social forestry initiatives, drone-based aerial seeding, and the rehabilitation of degraded land at Wanagama Forest. The final principle, Collaboration, emphasizes that sustainable forest management requires strong partnerships among government institutions, academia, local communities, and the private sector to achieve healthy forests and prosperous communities.
The event also highlighted the strong environmental commitment demonstrated by incoming students.
Yudhis Irawan, a freshman from Karawang, West Java, said his decision to study forestry was inspired by witnessing environmental degradation around the Sanggabuana Mountains.
“I have seen activities that damage the environment, and those experiences motivated me to become a conservationist dedicated to protecting our forests,” he said.
Nur Fadila Rahma, a student from East Kalimantan, shared that her family’s encouragement to pursue forestry stemmed from the environmental challenges caused by mining activities in her home province.
“My family encouraged me to study forestry so I can eventually return home and contribute to protecting and restoring our forests,” she said.
University leaders welcomed the enthusiasm shown by the new students.
UGM Vice Rector for Research, Business Development, and Partnerships Danang Sri Hadmoko emphasized the important responsibility of young foresters in safeguarding Indonesia’s globally significant biodiversity.
“You are among the selected few. Indonesia is one of the world’s ecological lungs, and we place great hope in your generation to protect the environment and contribute to global climate stability,” he said.
Dean of the Faculty of Forestry Sigit Sunarta noted that choosing forestry represents a lifelong commitment to protecting one of humanity’s most essential life-support systems.
“Forests provide far more than timber. They safeguard water resources, biodiversity, climate stability, food security, and public health. Indonesia needs young foresters who possess integrity, competence, environmental responsibility, and a strong spirit of collaboration,” he said.
Through initiatives such as this, the Ministry of Forestry aims to cultivate a new generation of highly skilled and ethical forestry professionals who will play a leading role in advancing sustainable forest governance while improving community welfare across Indonesia. (*)
