The Center for Planning and Development of Forestry Human Resources (Pusrenbang SDM), Ministry of Environment and Forestry and FORCLIME presented the results of a monitoring and evaluation assessment on the Young Professional Forester programme (Bakti Rimbawan) on October 17 in Jakarta. The meeting was attended by 25 representatives from the Ministry of Environment and Forestry, the Indonesian Ministry on National Development Planning (Bappenas), and FORCLIME.

The monitoring and evaluation assessment was conducted by a team of experts from Pusrenbang SDM and FORCLIME at nine Forest Management Units (Sungai Wain, Kapuas Hulu, Gularaya, Rinjani West, Canal Way, Bualemo, Jeneberang, Kerinci, and Wae Sapalewa). In addition to field visits, the monitoring and evaluation process also included an online survey. 645 young professional foresters and 27 FMU managers participated in the survey.

Findings from the assessment show that the young professional foresters provide a significant contribution to stimulating the operations of the FMUs. Moreover, it was reported that some of the young foresters even act as the "driving machine" within an FMU. However, it was also noted that the sustainability of this Young Professional Forester programme is vulnerable due to budget constraints, both at national and subnational levels.

The Head of Extension and Human Resource Development Agency (BP2SDM) said that this programme should be continued as these young foresters are seen as front liners for implementation of forest management programmes at the site level. Also, local governments should be involved more intensively in the further development of the Young Professional Forester programme.

For more information contact:
Edy Marbyanto, Strategic Area Manager, Human Capacity Development