YOGYAKARTA-Rate of forest deforestation and degradation in Indonesia from year to year is increasing. The effect of deforestation on the increasing rate of greenhouse gases (GHGs) in the atmosphere has long been known, but just since the COP-12 at Montreal in 2005, this issue has been included in the agenda for discussion in the Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). Another consequence is that the forest potentials to contribute to national income is hindered by the damage. Therefore, the role of the alumni of the Faculty of Forestry is needed to help find solutions. "Here, the role of foresters to help find solutions for forestry problems is expected," said Minister of Forestry, Zulkifli Hasan, S.E, M.M, through the Secretary General of the Ministry of Forestry, Daryanto, at the national seminar to honor the retirement of Prof. Dr. Ir. M. Sambas Sabarnurdin, M.Sc., and the 47th Anniversary of the Faculty of Forestry, Friday (17/12), in the auditorium of the UGM Faculty of Forestry.
Zulkifli hopes the foresters to seriously contribute their thought and effort to solve the ever-increasingly complex forestry problems. Currently, the foresters must have a conservationist’s spirit while balancing the environmental conditions and social harmony. “In forest management, formulation is needed, both technical and non-technical, besides a decision or policy of the government," he said.
He admitted that the issues of destruction of forests, emissions of greenhouse gases, or forest burning also gradually affect the fate of the business and investment in Indonesia. It is unfortunate that because of this issue, Indonesia's position in the world is worsening, especially presently that the position of Indonesia has entered the ranks of the most influential developing countries in the world, such as Brazil, Russia, China, and India. "If we do not immediately look for solutions to the problems of deforestation, Indonesia's lower position could make business stakeholders and investors anxious," he explained.
Meanwhile, Senior Vice Rector for Education, Research, and Community Service UGM, Prof. Dr. Retno Sunarminingsih, Apt., M.Sc., before opening the seminar said that despite the relatively young age, the performance and contribution to the progress of the nation is huge, especially regarding forestry. "This cannot be separated from the contribution of advice and ideas from alumni and the elders of the Faculty of Forestry, which spread across various agencies," said Retno.
Dean of the Faculty of Forestry, Prof. Dr. Ir. Moh. Naiem, M. Agr. Sc., in his speech explained that such national seminar will become a tradition to honor the retirement of every great Professor. Naiem mentioned, a series of activities were held in the Faculty of Forestry Anniversary, among others, a reunion and declaration of Wanagama Forest III in Kebumen, Central Java, by the Minister of Forestry. There is also a night to celebrate the retirement of Prof. Dr. M. Sambas Sabarnurdin in the midst of book launching as well as leather puppet performance. Moreover, a history book of the Faculty of Forestry will be launched and also an opening ceremony of the building by the Rector of UGM and State Minister of Environment. " Wanagama Forest I in Gunung Kidul, Wanagama II in Jambi, and Wanagama III which will be unveiled tomorrow in Kebumen," said Naiem.