South Papua Governor Drives Sustainable Forest Management in Boven Digoel

RRI.CO.ID, Tanah Merah - South Papua Governor Apolo Safanpo officially inaugurated the Boven Digoel Forest Management Unit (KPH) office and launched a specialized line of Non-Timber Forest Products (HHBK) on Sunday, March 8, 2026. The visit highlights the provincial administration’s commitment to shifting forest utilization from traditional logging toward high-value, sustainable processing of natural resources.

The newly inaugurated office, funded by an IDR 857 million (USD 50,480) budget from the 2025 fiscal year, serves as the operational hub for the Regional Technical Implementation Unit for Forest Production Management (UPTD KPHP) Boven Digoel under the Provincial Agency of Environment, Forestry, and Land. This facility is designed to bring forest management closer to the "grassroots" level, ensuring that conservation efforts align with the economic needs of the local community.

Since its establishment via Governor's Regulation No. 18/2024, the Boven Digoel KPH has successfully developed several innovative products that utilize the region's rich biodiversity without depleting the timber stock.

The Boven Digoel Forest Management Unit (KPH) officially launched several innovative products during the ceremony, headlined by Lawang Oil, a traditional medicinal extract derived from indigenous tree bark. The initiative also introduced high-protein Albumin Pills and Shredded Fish, both of which are processed from locally sourced cork fish (ikan gabus) known for their natural healing properties.

Additionally, the launch highlighted Sago Innovation through unique food offerings like sago ice cream and "eco-cream," demonstrating the modern versatility of Papua’s primary food staple.

Head of Boven Digoel KPH, John Felix Moesieri, noted that these products have significant economic value and represent a shift toward a "green economy" for the district. "I hope the presence of this office can improve services and support community welfare through sustainable forest resource management," he said, as quoted by infopublik.id.

During his keynote address, Governor Safanpo emphasized that modern forestry must balance three core pillars: conservation, protection, and production. He argued that KPH Boven Digoel plays a mechanical role in ensuring that regional spatial planning is followed while fostering collaboration with indigenous communities and NGOs.

“With the presence of the UPTD KPH in Boven Digoel, it is hoped that the management of forestry resources can be integrated with the local administration and the community so that it can contribute to increasing community welfare,” Safanpo explained.

Boven Digoel Regent Roni Ombah expressed his gratitude to the South Papua Provincial Administration for prioritizing the district’s forestry sector. He expressed belief that the KPH will serve as a vital link between provincial policy and district execution, ensuring that the local "titik nol" (point zero) of development remains focused on the people's welfare.

The working visit concluded with a spiritual and social gesture as the Governor and district officials conducted a Safari Ramadan at the Darul Hidayah Mosque. The day ended with a communal iftar (breaking of the fast), symbolizing the unity between the administration and the Muslim community in Boven Digoel during the holy month. ***