Manage Indonesia’s Forest Sustainably and Fairly

KABARJAWA – Muhammadiyah took a historic step by signing a memorandum of understanding (MoU) together with the Ministry of Forestry of the Republic of Indonesia (Ministry of Agriculture of the Republic of Indonesia) on Tuesday (22/7) at the Muhammadiyah Central Leadership Office, Yogyakarta.

This collaboration confirms Muhammadiyah’s commitment to manage Indonesia’s forests in a sustainable and fair manner for the future of the nation’s generation.

Muhammadiyah took the Indonesian Ministry of Forestry to use, manage, and restore forest resources.

The importance of forest management

Haedar Nashir as Chairperson of PP Muhammadiyah conveyed the affirmation of the importance of forest management with the principle of moderation that balanced environmental aspects and community welfare.

“We must do forest management by prioritizing moderate points. I am sure, this policy will be a midpoint and a way for Indonesia to build, including the forestry sector,” said Haedar.

Haedar emphasized that natural management is the responsibility of all elements of the nation. He asked leaders and the community to use and care for nature in the best way.

Haedar said that Indonesia has extraordinary biological wealth that must be utilized without damaging its ecosystem.

“Our country is rich. Our biological wealth is extraordinary. We must use it wisely. But we also have to manage without damaging, and recover when damage occurs,” said Haedar.

Meanwhile, Minister of Forestry of the Republic of Indonesia Raja Juli Antoni emphasized the important role of humans, especially leaders and policy makers, in determining the fate of forests in Indonesia.

Raja Juli said that forest destruction often started from policies that did not side with sustainability.

“Forest damage is very dependent on the hands of the officials who signed the decision. Their decisions have major implications for forestry policies in this country,” said Raja Juli.

Collaboration of Muhammadiyah and the Indonesian Ministry of Forestry

Raja Juli also explained the strategic programs that were currently running the Indonesian Ministry of Forestry, namely the Forest Area with Special Purpose (KHDTK), Social Forestry, and Carbon Trading.

He ensured that the Indonesian Ministry of Forestry continued to study and implement the three programs in order to provide great benefits for the community and the environment of Indonesia.

“We hope that this program will benefit the nation and society. We also invite Muhammadiyah and all elements of the nation to support the government’s steps in preserving nature,” added Raja Juli.

Muhammadiyah and the Indonesian Ministry of Forestry through this MoU are committed to managing Indonesian forests on a sustainable manner.

Both emphasized that forest preservation is not just the task of the government, but also the moral, social, and spiritual responsibilities of all Indonesian people.

With the signing of this MoU, Muhammadiyah proves that the largest Islamic organization in Indonesia is not only focused on da’wah and education, but also to the preservation of nature.

Muhammadiyah and the Indonesian Ministry of Forestry are optimistic that this collaboration will have a big impact on forest sustainability, the welfare of the community around the forest, as well as the future of Indonesia’s green and fair future.

“Hopefully this MoU is useful for all of us, and of course for our forests to remain sustainable,” concluded Raja Juli. (EF Linangkung)