“Empower Youth, Build a Sustainable Tomorrow: Dive into green cooperation”
- IFSA LC UGM
- Aug 4
- 3 min read
Author: Ari Marwa Nur Setyaningrum & Adityas Januar Rivansyah
As an annual event, the Asia-Pacific Regional Meeting (APRM) is a home for IFSA Asia-Pacific Local Committees members to gather, learn, and collaborate. This year, IFSA APRM was held in the Republic of Korea from 29th to 6th July. IFSA LC UGM, as a part of IFSA LC Asia-Pacific, actively participates by sending delegates every year to learn about the forest condition and management in the host countries. This year, IFSA LC UGM sent incredible delegates, namely Ari Marwa Nur Setyaningrum and Adityas Janua Rivansyah Juanda, to represent not only the organization, but also Indonesia in the Republic of Korea. Under the theme “Empower Youth, Build a Sustainable Tomorrow: Dive into green cooperation” in APRM, Ari and Ditya represent IFSA LC UGM by presenting a local agroforestry implementation and success story of reforestation in Wanagama titled “Youth Contribution to the Sustainability of Agroforestry.” In their presentation, they brought an Indonesian youth spirit for implementing agroforestry and practical agroforestry, which is usually accommodated in Karang Taruna. Karang Taruna is a small group of young people based in the same village. They usually grew up together when they were children and became a solid group in Karang Taruna to run an organization. It was quite attractive because there was no scheme of a local youth organization in the Republic of Korea, Taiwan, and many other countries that had a movement to implement agroforestry.
Moreover, there are several tours and excursions to visit in IFSA APRM Korea 2025, which include the forestry institution and forest educational, and other forest-related places, such as Baekdudaegan National Arboretum in Bonghwa, National Institute of Forest Sciences (NIFoS), Korea National Arboretum in Pocheon, and the Baekdudaegan National Arboretum Seed Vault Centre.
During these visits, delegates gained insights into the distinctive characteristics of South Korea's forests and its forest management practices, which are unique to the region. Notably, the seed vault at the Baekdudaegan National Arboretum is an exceptional aspect, as it represents one of only two seed vaults globally dedicated to the preservation of seeds from various species. Additionally, delegates were impressed by the extensive nursery at the Korea National Arboretum, where a diverse range of plant species flourishes under expert cultivation.
As a cultural event, we also have an international night, which is a place for delegates to show their culture, national identity, and the uniqueness of their country. IFSA LC UGM delegates, with Indonesian delegates attending the event, are wearing traditional clothes from each province. Ari wore a beautiful Modern Kebaya from East Java, and Aditya wore an amazing Pangsit from West Java. IFSA LC UGM delegates brought some traditional food, which is Gudeg from Yogyakarta. Moreover, we presented a special performance of the Maumere dance, which is a traditional dance from East Nusa Tenggara. All of the delegates were really excited to dance with us.
In addition to the activities above, we also have the IFSA main event, including the vetting session of the IFSA Asia-Pacific Region Representative and the IFSA APRM Organization Committees 2026. This year, among the three candidates for IFSA APRR, two are affiliated with IFSA LC UGM: Ditto Akbar and Aditya Januar Rivansyah. Furthermore, Angelo from IFSA LC NTU is representing the IFSA APRM 2026 proposal in Taiwan. From the voting, Ditto Akbar from IFSA LC UGM and Lo Sheng Ho from IFSA LC NTU were selected as Asia-Pacific Regional Representatives. Additionally, based on the voting, Taiwan was selected as the host country for IFSA APRM 2026.
Moreover, we would like to say our grateful thanks to Dassa Corp, PT Tectona Alas Makmur, Asosiasi Pengusaha Hutan Indonesia, Bank BPD DIY, PT Perhutani Alam Wisata Risorsis, IFSA LC UGM family, and the Faculty of Forestry UGM which have a solid contribution to support us in this event. Also, we really appreciate all of the support from each party that gives us mental support, kind suggestions, and many more. As delegates, we truly appreciate the chance to learn from their experiences and observe the other countries in managing sustainable forests, especially the Republic of Korea. The insights and motivation we received will surely shape our initiatives in fostering sustainability in our communities.
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