How Does the Issue of Social Forestry Affect the Knowledge of the Young Generation? Case Studies from Universities in Indonesia

Thomas Oni Veriasa (1) , Wening Ila Idzatilang (2)
(1) Center for Regional Systems Analysis Planning and Development (CRESTPENT/P4W), IPB University, Bogor, Indonesia 16145, Indonesia,
(2) Faculty of Forestry, University of Hasanuddin, Makassar, Indonesia 90245, Indonesia

Abstract

Social forestry has emerged as a key agenda for the Indonesian government, aimed at reducing inequality in forest land tenure, enhancing community welfare, and minimizing conflict. Despite the many challenges of issuing social forestry management permits, specific issues, such as transdisciplinary science, regeneration, and youth engagement as drivers and actors at the site level, have yet to receive adequate attention. This study seeks to address this information gap and contribute to the limited literature available in Indonesia. Our objectives are to understand and assess the need to strengthen students' comprehension of social forestry across various disciplines at Indonesian universities and to analyze the factors that drive a deeper understanding of social forestry among students from diverse fields. Our findings reveal that while a significant portion of students understands social forestry, only a small number of students participate in social forestry activities, both on and off campus. Our statistical analysis indicates that the quality of exposure to information and knowledge about social forestry, regular campus discussions, and supportive university policies for mainstreaming social forestry issues are significant variables that substantially enhance student knowledge and understanding. We recommend bolstering university policy support, particularly within an intergenerational framework, by facilitating discussions with external practitioners and relevant stakeholders, establishing practical learning models, and fostering hands-on experiences in social forestry.

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Authors

Thomas Oni Veriasa
thomasveriasa@apps.ipb.ac.id (Primary Contact)
Wening Ila Idzatilang
Author Biography

Thomas Oni Veriasa, Center for Regional Systems Analysis Planning and Development (CRESTPENT/P4W), IPB University, Bogor, Indonesia 16145

Thomas Oni Veriasa is currently working at the Center for Regional Systems Analysis Planning and Development (CRESTPENT / P4W IPB). Thomas conducts research on rural socioeconomic, regional planning and rural development, land-based conflicts, community forestry and collaborative management and community enterprises.

Veriasa, T. O., & Idzatilang, W. I. . (2026). How Does the Issue of Social Forestry Affect the Knowledge of the Young Generation? Case Studies from Universities in Indonesia. Jurnal Manajemen Hutan Tropika, 32(4), 389. https://doi.org/10.7226/jtfm.32.4.389

Article Details

How to Cite

Veriasa, T. O., & Idzatilang, W. I. . (2026). How Does the Issue of Social Forestry Affect the Knowledge of the Young Generation? Case Studies from Universities in Indonesia. Jurnal Manajemen Hutan Tropika, 32(4), 389. https://doi.org/10.7226/jtfm.32.4.389