Global Delegates in Banyuwangi Explore Sustainable Timber Practices

Funded by the Indonesian Development Cooperation Fund (LDKPI), the program brings together government officials, academics, diplomats, and business representatives from countries including Argentina, Brazil, Guatemala, Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador, Mexico, Ghana, Honduras, Dominican Republic, Nigeria, Saint Lucia, Côte d’Ivoire, Papua New Guinea, Malaysia, and Thailand.

Director for Interregional Cooperation of the Americas and Europe at the Foreign Ministry, Erma Rheindrayani, explained that the initiative is part of an annual series focusing on different strategic commodities. “In 2024 the program focused on palm oil, while in 2025 it highlighted coffee and cocoa. This year, timber takes center stage,” she said during a reception hosted by Banyuwangi Regent Ipuk Fiestiandani, as quoted on Banyuwangi City's official website, on Thursday, June 25, 2026.

CTSS IPB University head Damayanti Buchori emphasized that the program aims to share knowledge on managing timber legally, sustainably, and competitively. A key topic is Indonesia’s Timber Legality and Sustainability Verification System (SVLK), which ensures legality, traceability, and sustainability of timber products, and serves as a benchmark for international market access.

“Banyuwangi provides an excellent setting to observe field practices, technologies, and developments in the sustainable timber sector in Indonesia,” she added.

Delegates expressed enthusiasm for the program. Facundo Gonzalez from Argentina’s Foreign Ministry said it was an honor to learn from Indonesia’s experience in sustainable resource management. Ghana’s Ophilious Lambog praised the opportunity to exchange best practices and noted the warmth of Banyuwangi’s people and culture.

“This program is an opportunity to share experiences and learn best practices from different countries. We are also impressed by the warmth of Banyuwangi’s people. The food is excellent too," he explained.

Banyuwangi Regent Ipuk highlighted the region’s rich agricultural and forestry potential, supported by three national parks -- Alas Purwo, Meru Betiri, and Baluran. She stressed that Banyuwangi’s development strategy integrates sustainability with community involvement, pointing to its reputation as a producer of coffee, cocoa, organic rice, coconut, fisheries, and timber products that have reached export markets.

She further pointed to Banyuwangi’s diverse production, from coffee and cocoa to organic rice, coconut, and fisheries, alongside a timber processing industry that has already reached export markets. “In addition to being known as a producer of coffee, cocoa, organic rice, coconut, and fishery products, Banyuwangi also has a timber processing industry that has penetrated export markets. Through this forum, we hope to build networks, share best practices, and open wider opportunities for cooperation,” Ipuk concluded.

The program is expected to strengthen international forestry cooperation, expand networks among participating countries, and open new opportunities for collaboration in sustainable timber trade and management. ***