With its extensive tropical forests, Indonesia has huge biodiversity and bioeconomy potential and the country’s forest bioeconomy has the potential to contribute significantly to other sectors of the economy, such as energy, food and pharmaceuticals. However, awareness of various stakeholders and research relating to the forest bioeconomy remains limited. As a result, the Ministry of National Development Planning/Bappenas has initiated a study aimed at optimizing the forest bioeconomy for long-term use.

Against this background, FORCLIME facilitated a kick-off meeting for the study, which was held on 19 August 2022 in Sentul, West Java. The meeting was opened by Dr. Nur Hygiawati Rahayu, ST, MSc, the Director of Forestry and Water Resources Conservation at Bappenas, and continued with a number of presentations made by experts from the Bandung Institute of Technology. During the discussion, various bioeconomy potentials that will be capable of supporting the transition from a fossil-based economy to a bio-resource-based economy were discussed. Research and the use of technological innovations in order to increase the added value of forest products are seen as important areas of exploration. In addition, the availability of comprehensive data relating to Non-Timber Forest Products, both upstream to downstream, is also seen as critical.

In September, a series of discussions with related parties will be held and will involve participation from academics, related ministries/institutions, state-owned enterprises, NGOs and the private sector.

“We hope that this study can provide an overview of how to utilize the potentials of Indonesia's forests through an analysis of the current situation in Indonesia, including conditions at the site level, regulations and funding. We will draw up a projection of requirements for the next 20 years and hopefully, the results of this study can provide input for the National Long-Term Development Plan 2026 - 2045,” Mrs. Nur Hygiawati Rahayu explained.

For more information, please contact:
Nurdita Rahmadani, Junior Advisor for Monitoring, Evaluation and Reporting
Pipin Permadi, Senior Advisor and Liaison Officer
Wandojo Siswanto, Strategic Area Manager for Forest Policy and Climate Change