Mojokerto, Indonesia – The Government of Magetan Regency was recognized on Tuesday (July 22, 2025) for its exemplary contribution to land ecosystem restoration, during the “Sinergi Rimbawan” event held at Bukit Kayoe Putih, Kupang Village, Jetis District, Mojokerto. Regent Bunda Nanik, accompanied by the Head of the Environmental and Food Agency and the Head of Prokopim, received the award from East Java Governor Khofifah Indar Parawansa.
The recognition highlighted Magetan’s progressive policies, including regional regulations requiring tree planting initiatives by civil servants, contract employees, and even marriage applicants, alongside the establishment of thematic forests across the regency. These measures, officials said, have significantly strengthened the region’s ecological resilience.
Governor Khofifah, in her remarks, praised the collective efforts of stakeholders across the forestry sector. She underscored the achievements of forest farmer groups (Kelompok Tani Hutan), noting that their economic transactions have reached the highest levels nationwide. “This shows that through innovation and downstream initiatives, forestry products can achieve greater added value,” she said.
Beyond policy and forestry management, the Governor emphasized the untapped potential of East Java’s forests as eco-tourism destinations. By transforming ecological assets into tourism offerings, she suggested, the province can attract international visitors while simultaneously fostering sustainable economic growth for local communities.
The award to Magetan reflects a broader regional strategy in East Java that combines ecological restoration with socio-economic advancement. By institutionalizing environmental responsibilities and integrating them into governance, Magetan positions itself as a model for sustainable development at the regional level.
With growing pressures on land and forest ecosystems across Southeast Asia, such initiatives stand out as examples of how local governments can effectively balance conservation with economic opportunity, while encouraging collaboration between communities, policymakers, and the private sector.
