23 December 2025
Anonymous Writer
HUMAS FAHUTAN — The Faculty of Forestry of Universitas Sumatera Utara served as the host of a strategic meeting with the Asosiasi Pengusaha Hutan Indonesia (APHI) as part of efforts to strengthen synergy between higher education institutions and forestry industry stakeholders. The meeting focused on discussions regarding changes in the national forest management landscape and the need for transformation within the forestry sector to address environmental, social, and economic challenges in a balanced manner.
The meeting took place at the USU Faculty of Forestry campus on Monday, 22 December 2025. APHI Chairman Dr. Ir. H. Soewarso, M.Si., IPU., attended alongside APHI Secretary General Ir. Purwadi Soeprihanto, S.Hut., M.E., and Vice Chair of APHI’s Public Relations and Cooperation Committee, Trisia Megawati Kusuma Dewi, S.Sos., M.Si. The APHI delegation was welcomed directly by the Dean of the USU Faculty of Forestry, Prof. Dr. Ir. Rudi Hartono, S.Hut., M.Si., IPM., accompanied by faculty members of the USU Faculty of Forestry.
In the open discussion, Soewarso conveyed that Indonesia’s forestry sector is currently facing significant changes that require adjustments in forest management strategies. He noted that global dynamics, sustainability demands, and increasing attention to social and environmental aspects have reshaped perspectives on the forestry industry.
According to him, forest management approaches that have traditionally focused on timber production need to be reassessed to become more adaptive to current conditions. Industrial plantation forest management, for example, still holds development potential but requires governance that is more inclusive and sensitive to social conditions surrounding forest areas.
Furthermore, Soewarso emphasized the importance of developing more diversified forestry business models. Optimizing environmental services, utilizing non-timber forest products, and developing high-value forestry-based commodities were seen as alternative pathways to strengthen the sector. Such approaches are expected to generate economic benefits without compromising the ecological functions of forests.
In addition, disaster risk management issues and the reorganization of natural forest management were also highlighted during the discussion. Sustainable cultivation of timber species was mentioned as one of the long-term strategic measures to maintain balance between industrial needs and forest resource conservation.
In the context of policy strengthening, APHI views the role of academics as highly important strategic partners. Research-based collaboration and scientific studies are needed to support the formulation of more comprehensive forestry policies, including addressing governance challenges and enhancing the competitiveness of the national forestry industry.
Responding to these points, the Dean of the USU Faculty of Forestry, Rudi Hartono, stated that universities hold a key position in preparing solutions for the future of forestry. Through education, research, and community service, the faculty is committed to continuously generating knowledge and innovations that are relevant to the needs of sustainable forestry development.
He added that issues such as climate change, natural resource conservation, and carbon management represent cross-sectoral challenges that require scientific and collaborative approaches. Therefore, the transformation of forest management toward a multi-business forestry system should be understood as part of a long-term strategic agenda.
The USU Faculty of Forestry, he continued, remains open to dialogue and cooperation with various stakeholders, including industry associations, as a collective effort to promote productive, responsible, and sustainability-oriented forest management.
This activity forms part of a series of APHI visits to higher education institutions across Indonesia. Through such forums, APHI seeks to gather academic perspectives to enrich the formulation of an inclusive, adaptive, and sustainable national forestry development direction.
Faculty of Forestry USU Distributes Eid Gift Packages to Lecturers and Staff During Ramadan
NewsStrengthening Campus–Industry Synergy, Faculty of Forestry USU Signs MoA with PT Sultan Aren Indonesia
NewsFaculty of Forestry USU Holds Campus Hiring, Opening Job Opportunities in East Kalimantan
