INAFOR, the International Forum for the Exchange of Forestry Scientific Information
The Agency for Research and Development (R & D) of the Ministry of Forestry Republic of Indonesia took the initiative to organize the International Conference of Indonesia Forestry Researches (INAFOR) with the theme of Strengthening Forest Science and Technology for Better Forestry Development, on 5 – 7 December 2011, in IPB International Convention Center, Bogor.
"The objectives of this event were to provide an opportunity to exchange of scientific information on research results, and to share experiences in the implementation of research activities, as well as to provide an international experience in the forestry sector in order to prepare members to take part in international scientific forum, in particular on the International Union of Forestry Research Organization (IUFRO) World Congress, "said Kabalitbanghut (Chairman of The Agency for Research and Development (R & D) of the Ministry of Forestry), Dr.Ir.Tachrir Fathoni, M.Sc.
INAFOR will be organized periodically, every two years, and will be the forestry summit for the most prestigious researchers in Indonesia. "For the international scientific community in forestry, this event will be the barometer of the current status of forestry science and technology progress of Indonesia. It will become the important showcase of the science and technology development in forestry particularly for the international forum," said Dr. Tachrir.
Further, the Minister of Forestry, H. Zulkifli Hasan, SE, MM, added that this forum is also expected to accumulate the results of research innovations in forestry to be disseminated to the public. "He regrets that so far a lot of research results that still being enjoyed only by the researcher themselves, they won’t be applicable to improve the welfare of the community," said Zulkifli. Zulkifli then gave an example of the technology that are greatly help the community by utilizing fast growing forest plants, the use of herbal medicines from forest plants, the finding of environmentally friendly energy that utilize the natural resources of forests, etc.
Zulkifli further hoped that this meeting could recommend two things: strategy and scientific approach to the achievement of short-term targets of forestry development, as well as the utilization of formula to establish long-term policy of sustainable forest management.
Meanwhile, the Minister for Research and Technology, Prof.Gusti Muhammad Hatta stated that the biggest challenge in improving the contribution of technology in the context of developing the welfare of the people is to change the mindset of developers of the technology itself and the parties supporting the policy makers. Not because of the budgetary constraints, but also due to the lower quality of human resources or research facilities and infrastructure limitations. "Development of technology that is closely related and oriented to the reality and to the needs or issues should be taken as the working culture. Innovative technology is a technology that significantly spread and can be used the user to stimulate the economy development and welfare of the people, "explains Prof.Gusti.
In his remarks, Rector of Bogor Agriculture University, Prof. Dr. Herry Suhardiyant, MSc., expected that such event would enhance the international networking among their respective institutions. "I hope this activity also become a means of promotion of forestry knowledge to fellow researchers and academics," said Rector. (Wied).
