15 September 2025
Anonymous Writer
FORESTRY PR — The Faculty of Forestry, Universitas Sumatera Utara (USU), together with Green Justice Indonesia (GJI), held the National Seminar on the Sustainable Optimization of Non-Timber Forest Products (HHBK) on Monday, September 15, 2025, at Prof. Dr. Suhadji Hadibroto Hall, Faculty of Economics and Business, USU.
.png)
This event featured a combination of speakers from academics, practitioners, and indigenous community representatives. Among those present were Onrizal, Ph.D.; Dr. Iwan Risnasari, S.Hut., M.Si.; Liana Dwi Sri Hastuti, S.Si., M.Si., Ph.D.; Purnomo (Director of LESOS); Tampan Sitompul (Simardangiang Indigenous Community); and Abdul Wahid Harahap (coffee practitioner).
.png)
GJI Director, Panut Hadisiswoyo, emphasized that the potential of HHBK has not been maximized despite its high value without damaging ecosystems. “Forests are not just about timber. There are damar resin, frankincense, medicines, and even food sources that, if managed sustainably, can be more valuable than extractive industries. Unfortunately, indigenous communities that have long protected forests still receive minimal recognition,” he said.
Several speakers provided perspectives from the field. Tampan Sitompul stressed that frankincense is not only a commodity but also a cultural identity for indigenous communities. Purnomo highlighted the importance of strengthening forest-edge farmers through organic products and commodity diversification, while Abdul Wahid Harahap shared his experience in developing Marancar Arabica coffee as conservation coffee now recognized internationally. “We farmers are actually better at protecting forests than often perceived. Our concept is simple: farming while protecting nature,” Wahid emphasized.
From the academic side, Dr. Iwan Risnasari highlighted the huge opportunities of natural dyes and resins that can enter the global market. “Our challenge lies in the mindset: forests are always considered valuable only for timber, when in fact non-timber products are more sustainable,” he explained. Meanwhile, Liana Dwi Sri Hastuti emphasized the potential of mushrooms as functional food, medicine, and cosmetics. “Indonesia is a mega-biodiversity country. Mushrooms can be a solution for food and nutrition crises, but our research is still limited,” she said. Onrizal, Ph.D., added real examples from mangrove ecosystems that can improve coastal community welfare while preserving the environment.
.png)
In addition to the seminar, there was also an exhibition of HHBK products featuring natural fiber yarns, naturally dyed fabrics, coffee, and mushroom-based products. This exhibition showcased the collaboration between research, communities, and entrepreneurs in producing eco-friendly products with high economic value.
.png)
Through this forum, the USU Faculty of Forestry reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening cross-sector collaboration in fair, inclusive, and sustainable HHBK management. The seminar also emphasized the importance of research, product downstreaming, and the recognition of indigenous community rights in preserving Indonesia’s forest sustainability.
Fakultas Kehutanan USU Gelar BADAK (Bincang Akademik), Mahasiswa Dibekali Strategi Tentukan Minat Studi
NewsBreaking Through Pilmapres USU 2026, Faculty of Forestry Student Wins 3rd Runner-Up with “GREENEYE” Innovation
NewsTax Corner USU Assists Academic Community in Filing 2025 Individual Income Tax Returns (SPT PPh OP) via Coretax
