Indonesia is standing at a pivotal moment in its environmental journey, and forestry experts see tremendous opportunity for positive change. With the nation's growing awareness of forest conservation, Dr. Hatma Suryatmojo from Universitas Gadjah Mada's Faculty of Forestry is championing an optimistic vision for Indonesia's green future.

The numbers tell an encouraging story of effort and commitment. In 2024, Indonesia's Forest and Land Rehabilitation program successfully restored 217.9 thousand hectares of forestland, demonstrating the nation's dedication to environmental recovery. While deforestation reached 175.4 thousand hectares, Dr. Suryatmojo—affectionately known as Mayong—sees this challenge as the perfect catalyst for accelerating positive change.

"This is our turning point," Dr. Mayong shared enthusiastically during his conversation at UGM. "We have an incredible opportunity to mobilize everyone—government, businesses, communities, and individuals—to work together toward a greener Indonesia."

One of the most exciting aspects of Dr. Mayong's vision involves empowering existing Forest Management Units (KPH) to become guardians of Indonesia's vast 120-million-hectare forest landscape. The infrastructure is already in place, complete with offices, staff, and systems ready to be optimized. This means solutions can be implemented quickly and effectively.

What makes Dr. Mayong's approach particularly heartening is his emphasis on community involvement. He believes everyday citizens hold remarkable power to create positive environmental change. "Communities are absolutely capable of creating forests," he explained warmly. "When someone plants land and nurtures it into a thriving ecosystem, they're building a forest. It's about nurturing ecosystems, not just controlling land."

This community-centered philosophy opens doors for widespread participation in Indonesia's reforestation journey. Every individual who plants trees and cares for the land becomes part of a national movement toward ecological restoration.

Dr. Mayong also brings important perspective on what true forest recovery means. Rather than simply counting trees planted, he focuses on the restoration of vital ecological functions—forests that can protect communities from floods and landslides, regulate water systems, and support biodiversity. While he acknowledges this recovery may take two decades or more, he views it as an investment in Indonesia's long-term prosperity and resilience.

The rising awareness around hydrometeorological events has created unprecedented momentum for environmental action. Rather than viewing this as purely negative, Dr. Mayong sees it as the wake-up call that will inspire collective action across all sectors of Indonesian society.

"Now is the right time to slow down deforestation and step on the gas for reforestation," Dr. Mayong declared with conviction. His message is clear: Indonesia has the knowledge, infrastructure, and growing public will to create meaningful change.

The path forward is illuminated by collaboration, community empowerment, and a long-term commitment to ecological restoration. With dedicated experts like Dr. Mayong leading the way and systems ready for optimization, Indonesia's forests have reason for hope. The nation is poised to transform environmental challenges into opportunities for growth, demonstrating that with collective action and determination, a greener, more resilient future is within reach.