Challenges to achieving the social forestry goal of alleviating poverty in Eastern Indonesia

Abstract

Around 1.3 million rural poor individuals reside in Eastern Indonesia, where the government, via the Ministry of Environment and Forestry, aims to enhance the economy by granting access to forest management through social forestry (SF) programs. This study focuses on identifying challenges in implementing SF to alleviate poverty in the region, which remains understudied. Desk research through a literature review of secondary data was conducted to analyze in order to propose recommendations. The primary challenge faced by farmers is the marketing of forest products, due to geographical constraints and limited infrastructure. To address this, a strategy for developing export-oriented forest products is crucial to increase their value and offset high transportation costs. Empowering farmers with market knowledge and skills through training, technical assistance, and access to market information is urgently needed. Successful implementation of SF programs requires collaboration among the government, communities, companies, and other stakeholders. Additionally, improving transportation infrastructure is vital to overcome logistical barriers. Supportive policies from the government, such as simplifying export procedures, tax exemptions, and promotion of international trade, play a crucial role in facilitating the export of forest products. These collective efforts can contribute significantly to poverty alleviation in Eastern Indonesia through SF initiatives.