Bappenas & Forestry Ministry Pushes Food, Energy, and Water Security Based on Forest Resources

Jakarta - Minister of National Development Planning/Head of Bappenas Rachmat Pambudy welcomed the Minister of Forestry Raja Juli Antoni to discuss the critical role of the forestry sector in supporting sustainable development. 

Minister Rachmat highlighted the importance of synergy between the Ministry of Forestry and the Ministry of National Development Planning/Bappenas in achieving self-sufficiency in food, energy, and water.

“Forestry holds immense resources that we can utilize and manage. Forests must be preserved as reserves for food, energy, and water for the future generations, and the Ministry of National Development Planning/Bappenas will support and oversee these efforts from a planning perspective,” Minister Rachmat stated on Tuesday (12/17).

Indonesia possesses vast tropical forest areas spanning 126.7 million hectares, which include conservation forests, protected forests, and production forests. These forests hold significant economic potential through forest products, biodiversity, and carbon reserves. However, approximately 12.7 million hectares of critical land within forest areas require restoration to ensure their ecological functions are maintained optimally.

The meeting also addressed two proposed National Strategic Projects related to forestry: food and energy resilience through community-based forestry and the preservation of critical water sources to enhance water security. Minister Rachmat elaborated that in the 2025–2029 National Medium-Term Development Plan, the forestry sector is directed to support economic growth and poverty alleviation through sustainable forest management and social forestry initiatives.

Sustainable management of natural resources will be key to achieving Indonesia’s long-term targets under the Golden Indonesia 2045 Vision agenda. The Ministry of National Development Planning/Bappenas is committed to strengthening capacity in planning for the development of the forestry sector. Through the implementation of these national strategic projects, optimal forest utilization can be achieved, supporting food and energy security while also creating sustainable job opportunities.

Minister Rachmat concluded the meeting with the hope that this collaboration will have a significant impact on strengthening Indonesia’s food, energy, and water security, grounded in its rich forest resources. “Forestry holds immense resources that we can utilize and manage. Forests must be preserved as reserves for food, energy, and water for the future—not just for us, but for our future generations,” the Minister emphasized.