VOI - Voice of Indonesia | RRI - Radio Republik Indonesia

The government will continue to improve the implementation of the social forestry program in 2019 and prepare some 13 million hectares of land to be distributed under the program.

Environment and Forestry Minister Siti Nurbaya noted in a statement in Jakarta on Tuesday that the social forestry program will be carried forward in 2019, and the government has prepared some 13 million hectares of land.

The minister admitted that forest management by the public was still much lesser as compared to that by the private sector, with a ratio of 95:5.

"Within the next five to six years, we hope to be able to distribute some 12 to 13 million hectares of land and the ratio of forest management by private sectors to the public could reach 70:30," Nurbaya noted at a discussion on the ministry`s performance.

She called on all ranks of the ministry to focus on the program and to not be distracted by the political situation ahead of the general elections.

"We have to continue these good things since early of the year. Thus, all will be prepared when the cabinet has ended its period. I have prepared the measures to ease the process," Nurbaya explained.

The minister has applauded the good work of all personnel in the ministry that it could receive 93 awards during the 2014-2018 period for its sound management in the areas of the budget, staffing, state property, administration, technology, and information.

"I thank all ranks of the ministry and partners. This achievement cannot be separated from the improvement in bureaucratic performance that has fostered hope and trust," she added. (ANTARA)