TNI Joins Forces with Ministry of Forestry to Protect Indonesia’s Precious Forests

Jakarta (ANTARA) – In a significant move to safeguard Indonesia’s vast and invaluable forest resources, the Ministry of Forestry and the National Armed Forces (TNI) have pledged to collaborate in protecting the nation’s 125 million hectares of forestland.

Memorandum of Understanding to Formalize Partnership

Following a meeting between Forestry Minister Raja Juli Antoni and TNI Commander General Agus Subiyanto, the two institutions announced plans to sign a memorandum of understanding (MoU). This agreement will serve as a framework for future cooperation and collaboration in safeguarding Indonesia’s forests.

“Soon, there will be a signing of the MoU between the Ministry of Forestry and the TNI regarding how we can cooperate to protect the forests so that they are not plundered by private hands, communities, or corporations that damage our forests as a source of water and oxygen,” Minister Antoni stated.

Protecting Forests from Exploitation and Rehabilitation Efforts

The MoU will encompass various aspects of forest protection, including preventing illegal logging, encroachment, and land clearing for unsustainable purposes.

“Considering the limited human resources that we have, the success of the Ministry of Forestry in protecting forests is very dependent on cooperation and collaboration with the TNI—which has a wide network reaching remote villages,” emphasized Minister Antoni.

TNI Committed to Forest Protection

General Subiyanto welcomed the invitation for collaboration, reiterating the TNI’s commitment to protecting Indonesia’s forests from irresponsible exploitation.

“There are 125 million hectares of forest that we must protect so that it is not taken by irresponsible people, who can turn them into unproductive land, and later result in natural disasters,” declared the TNI Commander.

To strengthen this commitment, the TNI will deploy village supervisory non-commissioned officers (Babinsa) across the country to assist the Ministry of Forestry in its forest protection efforts.

Join the Movement to Protect Indonesia’s Forests

Indonesia’s forests are vital for biodiversity, climate regulation, and the well-being of millions. By working together, we can ensure that these precious resources are preserved for generations to come. Learn more about how you can contribute to forest conservation in Indonesia.