Indonesian govt pushes social forestry into welfare safety net

 Indonesia’s forestry minister called for integrating social forestry programs with broader social protection systems to strengthen welfare and safety nets for millions living around forest areas.

Forestry Minister Raja Juli Antoni said stronger social protection for forest communities requires cross-sector coordination involving the Social Affairs Ministry, regional governments, BPJS Kesehatan, and BPJS Ketenagakerjaan.

“Through social forestry data integration, field verification, business development, and broader healthcare access, the government wants forest communities to gain greater benefits,” Antoni said on Wednesday.

He said social forestry policies should focus more strongly on improving welfare, living standards, and social protection for communities dependent on forests.

About 1.4 million households currently have access to social forestry land. Assuming three people per household, authorities need to verify data covering around 4.2 million individuals.

Antoni said the government plans to expand subsidized BPJS Kesehatan coverage for low-income forest communities and use forest utilization permits to support healthcare infrastructure.

Beyond assistance programs, the government also aims to strengthen social forestry business groups showing strong growth potential.

“With stronger institutions, they will be encouraged to join BPJS Ketenagakerjaan. Vulnerable groups are directed toward health protection, while developed groups move toward labor protection,” he said.

The approach aims to help communities maximize forest resources in a productive, sustainable, and responsible manner.

“This ensures social forestry evolves beyond access policies into an instrument for equitable welfare and social protection,” Antoni said.