Central Lombok, NTB – The Mandalika Seedling nursery in West Nusa Tenggara (NTB) Province is now a focal point for enhancing local livelihoods and bolstering environmental conservation efforts.Forestry Minister Raja Juli antoni emphasized the nursery’s pivotal role during a recent tree-planting event.

Empowering Communities Through Sustainable Forestry

The nursery is strategically positioned to provide residents wiht seedlings of productive plants,unlocking the potential of forest areas for economic and ecological benefits. Antoni highlighted the importance of this initiative:

This nursery is expected to provide the public with productive plant seedlings to help unlock the full potential of forest areas.

Raja Juli Antoni, minister of Forestry

The facility is central to the People’s Garden of seedlings (KBR) program, which distributes free seedlings to encourage community participation in sustainable forest management.This program is designed to ensure the long-term health and productivity of Indonesia’s forests.

The People’s Garden of seedlings (KBR) Program

the KBR program is a cornerstone of the Ministry’s strategy to engage local communities in forest preservation. Antoni stressed the necessity of consistent implementation:

It is indeed crucial that we consistently carry out the KBR program to ensure the sustainability of our forests.

Raja Juli Antoni, Minister of Forestry

The program aims to foster a sense of ownership and duty among residents, encouraging them to actively participate in seedling cultivation and tree-planting initiatives.

Capitalizing on Forest Potential Sustainably

Minister Antoni expressed his hope that the KBR program would empower residents to fully utilize forest areas while maintaining their sustainability. He emphasized the importance of cultivating plants that are both productive and economically beneficial.

We should harness the potential of forests while ensuring their sustainability.

Raja Juli Antoni, Minister of Forestry

Expanding the Initiative: Additional Seedling Facilities

To further support these efforts, the Ministry of Forestry has established two additional seedling facilities in NTB Province. These facilities are located in East Lombok District on Lombok Island and Dompu District on Sumbawa Island, expanding the reach and impact of the KBR program.

A dual Goal: Welfare and Preservation

The overarching goal of the planting program is twofold: to improve the welfare of local communities and to preserve the forests for future generations. Minister Antoni summarized the program’s objectives:

our planting program is intended not only to level up people’s welfare but also to preserve forests.

Raja Juli Antoni, Minister of Forestry