RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - Indonesia has reaffirmed its commitment to sustainable forestry by renewing cooperation with the International Centre for Research in Agroforestry (ICRAF/World Agroforestry). On Thursday, March 5, 2026, the Ministry of Forestry signed a new memorandum of understanding (MoU) in Jakarta, marking a fresh chapter in a partnership that has been in place since 1993.

“We appreciate today’s MoU between the Ministry of Forestry and ICRAF. ICRAF brings long-standing expertise, particularly in agroforestry management,” Forestry Ministry Secretary-General Mahfudz said, as quoted by Antara.

The previous MoU, signed in 2017, expired in 2022, prompting the need to reactivate and strengthen collaboration.

Mahfudz explained that the renewed agreement aligns with the government’s broader strategy to address increasingly complex forestry challenges. “We face pressing issues related to climate change, land degradation, and the need to improve community welfare around forest areas,” he noted, adding that the partnership is designed to ensure agroforestry practices deliver both ecological sustainability and economic benefits.

Under the new MoU, cooperation will cover several priority areas: sustainable forest management, innovative financing for the forestry sector, development of special-purpose forest areas, digitalization of forestry practices, and socio-economic empowerment of forest communities. These initiatives are expected to support Indonesia’s national forestry targets.

Mahfudz emphasized that the collaboration is not only about conserving forests but also about improving livelihoods. “Through ICRAF, we want agroforestry to play a central role in forest restoration. The goal is to keep forests healthy while ensuring communities prosper,” he said.

The agreement also reflects Indonesia’s long-term vision for equitable and sustainable forestry development, consistent with the National Medium-Term Development Plan (RPJMN) 2029 and the Indonesia Emas 2045 agenda.

By strengthening ties with ICRAF, Indonesia aims to position agroforestry as a cornerstone of climate resilience, land restoration, and inclusive growth -- ensuring that forests remain a source of both ecological balance and social progress for generations to come. ***