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Development Agency is collaborating with the Indonesian The FAST programme, which will last for 3.5 years (August
Forestry Entrepreneurs Association (APHI) to encourage 2024 to March 2028) with facilitation from UNDP is expected
improvements in the quality of forestry human resources. to increase global acceptance of Indonesian commodities.
A memorandum of understanding was signed by the Head This programme is in line with the Government’s efforts
of Kemenhut, Indra Exploitasia and the General Chairperson to respond to global green policies and strengthen the ISPO
of APHI Prof. Indroyono Soesilo. tracking system so that Indonesian palm oil products come
Indra said that the cooperation that was established is from areas free of deforestations.
expected to help increase the capacity of forestry human
resources. Forestry targets 400,000 job creation
Indra hopes that APHI members can accommodate students The Minister of Forestry, Raja Juli Antoni, said the government
who will undergo Field Work Practices. "We hope that students is targeting an investment of IDR19.9 trillion in the forestry
can become skilled workers in the forestry sector to support sector which is expected to create 400,000 jobs.
the President's ideals regarding down-streaming.” This was reported during a meeting with Commission IV of
the Indonesian House of Representatives. The Minister stated
Sustainable agriculture and food security initiative that the theme for the Ministry of Forestry's development in
A new initiative has been launched, namely the Forest, 2025 is to enhance forest production and promote downstream
Agriculture and Sustainable Trade (FAST) Programme. activities to ensure equitable economic development across
This initiative is a collaboration between Indonesia and the regions.
UK and aims to increase the sustainability of the agricultural The forestry development theme for 2025 aims to achieve
sector as well as strengthen the competitiveness of Indonesian several objectives. The first is to enhance economic growth by
commodities in the global market. increasing the contribution to GDP and increase exports by
At the launch of the FAST Programme the Coordinating three to five percent; second, equitable regional development
Minister for the Indonesian Economy, Airlangga Hartarto, said through increasing the capacity of forest farming groups by
“in recent years, the UK has become Indonesia’s main partner seven to eight percent and third; reducing deforestation by
in efforts to promote sustainable agriculture and increase three to four percent.
food security”.
The FAST Programme is designed to support small farmers Furniture and craft industry urged - be aware global
face the challenges of modern agribusiness with better access challenges
to financing and technology. Indonesia's furniture and craft industry is facing significant
In line with the vision of Advanced Indonesia and the
Asta Cita national agenda the Indonesian Government has Eric Petschek
set priorities in achieving food and energy security as well as
strengthening the downstream industry to increase domestic
added value.
One of the strategic steps taken has been to expand access
to financing and production facilities for farmers through the
Plantation Fund Management Agency which now not only
manages palm oil funds but also coconut and cocoa.

