25 October 2025
Anonymous Writer
FORESTRY PR — The research team from the Center for Climate Change and Disaster Mitigation Studies (Puska PIMB), Faculty of Forestry, Universitas Sumatera Utara (USU), played an important role in the Focus Group Discussion (FGD) organized by the Ministry of National Development Planning/National Development Planning Agency (Bappenas) of the Republic of Indonesia on Friday, October 24, 2025, at the North Sumatra Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD) Office.
The FGD, titled “Achievements, Issues, and Strategies for Disaster-Resilient and Sustainable Climate Development”, served as a strategic forum between the central and regional governments to formulate policy directions for disaster resilience toward Indonesia 2045. The event was also part of drafting the national policy white paper on climate-resilient development.
The discussion featured speakers from various institutions, including Director of Environment Bappenas Irfan D. Yananto, S.E., M.E.R.E.; Habibi Lubis, S.T., M.T., from the North Sumatra Development Planning Agency (Bappelitbang); Secretary of BPBD North Sumatra Ir. Herianto, M.Si.; and two researchers from USU, Dr. Achmad Siddik Thoha, S.Hut., M.Si., and Shahnaz Dwi Pasha, S.Hut.
In his presentation, Dr. Achmad Siddik Thoha highlighted the threat of slow-onset disasters such as droughts, coastal abrasion, sea-level rise, and forest fires, whose impacts are often overlooked due to their gradual yet long-term nature.
“Slow-onset disasters such as abrasion and drought require data-driven and research-based approaches so that adaptation strategies truly align with local conditions,” said Dr. Achmad.
He also presented findings from the USU Puska PIMB Faculty of Forestry study, which revealed ecosystem degradation in coastal and mountainous areas affecting both environmental and socioeconomic resilience. One of the successful adaptation examples he shared was the mangrove restoration at Pantai Sejarah, Batubara Regency, which now serves as both an ecotourism and environmental education area.
In addition, Puska PIMB also emphasized the importance of strengthening early warning systems, restoring peat and mangrove ecosystems, and implementing risk-based spatial planning. These efforts are expected to form part of the long-term adaptation strategies to address climate change in North Sumatra.
Through this forum, various strategic recommendations were produced to strengthen the 2045 Disaster Resilience Policy White Paper. Cross-sector collaboration among academia, government, and research institutions is expected to enhance regional capacity in facing climate risks while fostering public awareness of the economic and ecological value of nature — including forests and mangroves as vital life-support systems.
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