Indonesia reaffirmed its commitment to sustainable forest management by actively participating in the 2026 Annual Advisory Committee Meeting of the Regional Model Forest Network–Asia (RMFN–Asia), held from 2 to 7 February 2026 in Paro, Bhutan. The meeting served as a strategic forum for member countries to strengthen regional cooperation in forest landscape management based on the Model Forest approach.
As Indonesia’s National Focal Point of the International Model Forest Network (IMFN), Agus Justianto emphasized the importance of the forum as a platform for shared learning and enhanced synergy among countries in addressing challenges related to climate change, forest degradation, and community livelihoods. This was conveyed by Agus in an official statement received on Thursday (6 February 2026).
“Model Forest is not merely a technical approach to forest management, but a multi-stakeholder collaboration platform that integrates social, economic, and environmental dimensions in a balanced manner. This forum strengthens Asia’s position as a proactive region in advancing sustainable forestry development,” Agus Justianto stated.
The annual meeting discussed a range of strategic agendas, including a review of Model Forest achievements in Asia, implementation of the RMFN–Asia Strategic Plan 2025–2030, and lessons learned from forest landscape management practices in Bhutan. In addition to plenary sessions, participants took part in field visits to observe community-based forest management and biodiversity conservation practices firsthand.
Agus explained that Indonesia used the forum to strengthen forestry diplomacy while promoting best practices in forest management aligned with national development priorities and global commitments.
“Indonesia’s experience in sustainable production forest management, peatland and mangrove restoration, and community engagement represents an important contribution to the IMFN network. We aim to ensure that these lessons can be replicated and adapted across different countries,” he added.
Implicitly, Agus also highlighted that Indonesia’s participation in RMFN–Asia forms part of broader efforts to reinforce the forestry sector’s role as a pillar of low-carbon development. According to him, the Model Forest approach is capable of bridging conservation, production, and community welfare objectives within a single integrated landscape.
The meeting, attended by approximately 60 participants from various countries and strategic partners, was jointly organized by RECOFTC – The Center for People and Forests and Bhutan’s Department of Forests and Park Services (DoFPS), with the main venue at Metta Resort and Spa, Paro. The forum also involved international organizations, research institutions, and Model Forest networks from different regions.
Agus expressed hope that the outcomes of the meeting would strengthen concrete cooperation among countries in advancing Model Forest development, particularly in landscape restoration, local economic empowerment, and climate change adaptation.
“Going forward, the Model Forest network must serve as a driving force for innovation and cross-country collaboration. Indonesia stands ready to continue contributing actively toward sustainable and equitable forest management,” he concluded.
In line with this commitment, Indonesia continues to enhance its contribution through the development of the Margowitan Model Forest in East Java as a best practice of integrated landscape management. John Novarly, Focal Point of the Margowitan Model Forest, stated that nearly two decades of management have demonstrated the importance of multi-stakeholder collaboration in maintaining a balance between community welfare and environmental sustainability.
“For communities across four districts, the Margowitan forest is not only a source of livelihood, but also a shared asset that must be safeguarded for future generations. Through partnerships involving Perum Perhutani (Indonesia’s state-owned forestry enterprise), local governments, cooperatives, and communities, we continue to strengthen inclusive, adaptive forest management oriented toward improving community quality of life,” he said.
Through active participation in RMFN–Asia and the strengthening of on-the-ground practices such as Margowitan, Indonesia reaffirms its role as a key driver of sustainable forest landscape management in Asia, while reinforcing the forestry sector’s contribution to the low-carbon development agenda and community well-being.
Profile: About RMFN–Asia and IMFN
The Regional Model Forest Network–Asia (RMFN–Asia) is part of the International Model Forest Network (IMFN), which promotes sustainable forest landscape management through multi-stakeholder partnerships. The network integrates environmental, social, and economic dimensions of landscape-scale forest management to support sustainable development across the Asian region.
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