WNAM REPORT: The Forestry Ministry and the Finance Ministry have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) in Jakarta, on Tuesday, to strengthen collaboration in optimizing forest functions for public welfare.
Forestry Minister Raja Juli Antoni said in a statement issued in Jakarta, on Wednesday, that the initiative aligns with President Prabowo Subianto’s directive on Article 33 of the Constitution, mandating that natural resources be managed for the prosperity of the people.
“This MoU follows President Prabowo’s instruction under Article 33, which states that forests are part of the nation’s wealth and must be utilized for the benefit of the people,” Antoni said.
He noted that the agreement would enable both ministries to coordinate more closely and ensure that Indonesia’s natural wealth is managed effectively and transparently.
One of the main areas of cooperation involves the management of non-tax state revenue. Antoni expressed hope that funds collected from forest utilization would be reinvested to support conservation, ecosystem restoration, and law enforcement.
“We expect revenue from national parks and other forest areas to return to nature — funding preservation, field operations, and enforcement,” he added.
Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa said the MoU would enable the Forestry and Finance ministries to enhance digital data exchange and strengthen coordination to optimize state revenue in the forestry sector.
“This cooperation primarily involves digital data sharing and closer coordination between our ministries to ensure optimal revenue management,” Sadewa stated.
He noted that while previous collaboration had faced technical challenges, the new MoU would provide a stronger framework for more effective implementation.
Sadewa also highlighted the significant economic potential of the forestry sector, noting that improved management could generate substantial additional income for the state, although the detailed calculations were still being finalized to ensure accuracy.
“The potential revenue is enormous, possibly reaching hundreds of trillions of rupiah if managed properly,” he said.
