Indonesia is committed to conserving and sustaining its natural resources. To further this goal, the country has designated over 49 million hectares, or 34 percent of the total forest area, for conservation and protection, removing these areas permanently from economic development activities.

Indonesia’s experience proves that successful sustainable forest management must integrate local traditional forest management practices with modern forestry principles. This approach requires forestry professionals who are knowledgeable about traditional forest management and understanding of the needs of local inhabitants. Each of Indonesia’s 27 provincial forestry offices works in concert with the Provincial Governments, the Regional Forestry Offices and finally the Ministry of Forestry to administer national forest policy.

Indonesia’s forestry sector has undergone a rapid transformation in recent years. The Government’s increasing emphasis on reforestation and preservation has led to stricter regulations, more vigilant enforcement and an overall closer scrutiny of industry practices.