72 Young Foresters from Around the World Gather at IPB University to Promote Net Zero Emissions
Indonesia has once again been entrusted to host an international forestry student gathering through the International Forestry Students’ Association (IFSA). This year, 72 participants from 20 countries attended the International Forestry Students Symposium (IFSS) 2025, which was opened at the CCR Auditorium, IPB Dramaga Campus, on Saturday (8/16).
With the theme “Green Heroes: Achieving Net Zero Emission for Sustainable Forestry,” the event, which runs from August 16–30 in three cities, serves as an important platform for forestry students worldwide to deepen their knowledge, exchange ideas, build international networks, and reaffirm their commitment to sustainable forest management and the net zero emission target.
IFSA Vice President Bora Karata expressed his admiration for Indonesia’s rich forests, which are considered to have diverse ecotones (transition zones between two ecosystems) and a unique geographical position in the southern part of Asia.
“I am very interested in seeing the development of forestry in Indonesia. This country has vast forest areas and diverse ecotones. Therefore, I want to see firsthand how forestry management is carried out, what the conditions are like, and perhaps we can contribute and bring certain systems back to our respective countries,” he said.
He added that even though he serves as IFSA Vice President, he is still attending with the spirit of a student who wants to learn and experience new things. “We want to experience a different atmosphere, a different culture, and see the harmony, how everything works here,” he said.
Prof Iskandar Z Siregar, Vice Rector for Global Connectivity, Cooperation and Alumni at IPB University, expressed his appreciation for Indonesia’s selection as the host country.
“Alhamdulillah, Indonesia has once again been entrusted with welcoming students and young foresters from all over the world. With its rich tropical biodiversity, our country is the perfect place for them to interact, not only with tropical forests, but also with fellow students,” he said.
Furthermore, the participants did not only come to learn, but also took home beautiful memories and a very good impression of Indonesia.
“We are optimistic that Indonesia will become one of the important countries in the world in addressing various global issues, such as biodiversity loss, climate change, and the development of green jobs and green skills,” he added.
In line with this, the Dean of the Faculty of Forestry and Environment (Fahutan) at IPB University, Prof. Naresworo Nugroho, assessed that the presence of students from various parts of the world is clear evidence of the solidarity of the younger generation in preserving forests.
“This is extraordinary. With the support of the government, the private sector, and universities, forestry students around the world can unite their vision and mission to save and preserve forests so that they remain sustainable,” he said.
Meanwhile, Professor Dodik Ridho Nurrochmat, a professor at Fahutan IPB University, emphasized the importance of expanding collaboration among students across countries, not just stopping at annual forums.
“In the future, we hope that IFSA will continue to grow. In addition to the general assembly and symposium, there should be other activities such as student exchanges or joint internship programs. This will allow for more intense and sustainable interaction between students from different countries,” he explained.
To that end, he continued, through this forum, Indonesia is not only demonstrating its leadership in the field of forestry, but also strengthening the role of the younger generation in caring for the world’s tropical forests.
“We hope that in the future, more students from various countries will come to Indonesia, not just for a few days to participate in activities, but also to study longer at IPB University. We are very open, whether it’s full study, exchange, or dual degree. This is an opportunity to strengthen academic networks and improve the quality of young foresters worldwide,” he concluded. (AS) (IAAS/LAN)
