Forestry Students are Invited to Take Action Since College, from Forest Monitoring to Green Business

BOGOR, GARISBUMI.com – Forestry students are encouraged to start developing solutions to forest problems while still in college. Opportunities for contribution are open through forest monitoring technology, community empowerment, environmental education, and sustainable forest product-based businesses.

This invitation was conveyed by the Ministry of Forestry through the Forest Conservation Generation Development Center (Pusgenri) at a national seminar at IPB, Bogor, Sunday (18/10/2026).

The seminar with the theme "Building Superior Forestry Human Resources to Answer Future Challenges" was part of the opening series of the 2026 Indonesian Forestry Student Olympiad (OMKI).

Head of Pusgenri's Care for Nature Generation Behavior Development Division, Ernawati Eko Hartono, said that forestry challenges require a young generation who are able to connect knowledge with needs in the field. He was present representing the Head of Pusgenri Luckmi Purwandari.

"Resilient forests start with superior humans. Therefore, it is not enough for the young forestry generation to just master science, but must also be able to utilize technology, understand community problems, and present real solutions for forest sustainability," said Ernawati.

Technology and Community Understanding

According to Ernawati, issues such as climate change, forest and land fires, and biodiversity conservation require diverse abilities.

Apart from technical competence, students need to develop critical thinking skills, digital literacy, leadership, communication and collaboration. Integrity and concern for the environment are also the foundation in carrying out the role as a forester.