In Indonesia, there is a kind of tree called “dammara.” It grows quickly and is a source of construction and furniture material. It is also a useful tree as its sap can be used for varnish. In Korea, the tree is well known as “agathis,” named after its scientific name “Agathis dammara.”

On the sidelines of their summit in Jakarta this year, the presidents of Korea and Indonesia planted this tree in the presidential palace to commemorate the 40 years of diplomatic relations between the two countries.

The tree, which will serve as a symbol of friendship between the two countries, will draw much attention from foreign delegations visiting the palace.

The diplomatic history between Korea and Indonesia is in line with the history of forest cooperation between the two sides.

Since our private companies advanced into Indonesia for investment in forestry in 1968, the two countries have strengthened cooperation to secure lumber resources for the past 40 years.

On the basis of such friendly relations, the two countries concluded an MOU on cementing cooperation in forest-based welfare. The leaders of the two countries agreed to expand their cooperation in timber resources into forest-based welfare. Indonesia will be the first country with which we share our forest-based welfare experience.

In the initial stages, the two countries focused on cooperation in forest plantation for industrial use and in supply of hardwood. But recently, the two countries have been promoting projects to nurture forest to cope with climate changes and to secure energy sources.

In particular, the Korea Forest Service concluded an agreement with Indonesia’s Forest Ministry to be provided 700,000 hectares of land for forest plantation. A total of 12 private companies have planted trees in 100,000 hectares of this spacious plot.

Based on such cooperation, the two countries are now moving to expand their cooperation into recreational forest and eco-tourism using various ecological resources.

The Korea Forest Service is implementing policies to use forests as resources to help improve people’s health and promote welfare programs.

We provide people with various forest-based welfare programs including mountain recreational sports for youth and medical treatment services in forests for the elderly.

In addition, we are trying to establish forest healing programs to help people suffering from stress.

The agreement reached between the leaders of the two countries is expected to contribute to activating the local economy in Indonesia as the Southeast Asian country will learn from Korea’s forest-based welfare experience.

Under the Indonesian economic development plan, the country’s major resort areas of Bali and Lombok are designated as an economic belt centering on eco-tourism. The two countries will achieve coprosperity by combining our advanced forest welfare programs with Indonesia’s abundant forest resources.

The cooperation between the two countries has been known to other countries in a short time period. Recently, China asked for Korea’s support for recreational forest and welfare policies.

In the future, the Korea Forest Service will take a lead in global cooperation in the forest-based welfare sector while faithfully implementing international cooperation to secure timber resources. 

By Ryu Kwang-su

The writer is director general at International Affairs Bureau of the Korea Forest Service. The opinions reflected in the article are his own. ― Ed.