Banjar Encourages Social Forestry to Become a Village Economic Driver

MARTAPURA, GARISBUMI.com – The Banjar Regency Government is encouraging social forestry to become a driver of the village economy through developing productive businesses, processing products and expanding market access. Regional development is carried out in an integrated manner so that improving community welfare goes hand in hand with environmental protection.

These steps were discussed in the Pentahelix Focus Group Discussion (FGD) for the Acceleration of Social Forestry in Banjar Regency in the Baiman Hall, Banjar Regency Regional Development Planning, Research and Innovation Agency (Bapperida) Office, Tuesday (6/10/2026).

Banjar Regency Regional Secretary Yudi Andrea, who opened the activity, said that forest and rural areas have ecological as well as economic value. Management needs to be measurable and integrated so that the benefits can be felt by the community in the long term.

One of the strategies being encouraged is Integrated Area Development (IAD) or integrated regional development based on social forestry. This approach connects the agricultural, tourism, infrastructure and environmental sectors in regional development.

"Through IAD, social forestry becomes a real way to open up economic opportunities for the community through developing productive businesses, strengthening groups, downstreaming products and expanding market access," said Yudi.

Strengthen Business Groups and Product Legality

Yudi emphasized the importance of dividing roles between sectors so that social forestry development has clear support, starting from business institutions to product marketing.

The Community and Village Empowerment Service is directed to strengthen village-owned business entities (BUMDes) and Social Forestry Business Groups (KUPS).

Meanwhile, the Department of Cooperatives, Micro Enterprises, Industry and Trade supports product processing, standardization and legality. The Department of Agriculture plays a role in empowering farmers and developing agricultural innovation.

Infrastructure support is provided through the Department of Public Works, Spatial Planning and Land. The Department of Housing, Settlement Areas and the Environment plays a role in maintaining the carrying capacity of the environment.

Previously, Bapperida together with related regional apparatus had carried out technical discussions or IAD desks to harmonize programs and clarify the roles of each sector.

"The success of accelerating social forestry cannot be shouldered by regional governments alone. We need solid involvement from the central, provincial, business world, academics and the community as the main actors," said Yudi.

Develop a Business Model and Regional Development Plan

Through this FGD, the Banjar Regency Government is targeting four main results: cross-sector program alignment, identification of the needs of the community and social forestry groups, strengthening business models, and dividing the roles of the parties.

Strengthening business models includes product processing to increase added value and market expansion. This step is expected to help community businesses develop along with sustainable management of the area.

Yudi stated that Bapperida will ensure that IAD development is integrated with regional development planning documents. The IAD master plan that is currently being prepared is expected to become a guide for regional development by considering economic needs and environmental sustainability.

The activity continued with the presentation of material from representatives of the Directorate of Regional Development of the Ministry of Home Affairs Nurul Istiqomah and representatives of consultants PT Orien Syartinilia.

A technical discussion session was then held to align programs, community needs, and the division of roles across sectors in accelerating social forestry in Banjar Regency.