A group of Indonesian forestry professionals, government officials, and journalists is currently in the United States as part of the U.S. State Department’s prestigious International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP), with this year’s focus on “Improving Forest Management.”

The program, which runs from April 19 to May 10, 2025, aims to promote good forest governance and community-based conservation practices that contribute to both environmental sustainability and economic prosperity.

Participants are visiting several U.S. cities − Washington, D.C., Portland (Oregon), Bangor (Maine), San Juan (Puerto Rico), and Sacramento (California) − where they are meeting with experts from government, academia, civil society, and the private sector. Discussions center around innovative forest management policies, land use strategies, and ways to balance environmental protection with economic growth.

"The United States is proud to partner with Indonesia in advancing sustainable forestry practices that empower communities and foster shared prosperity," Jamie Ravetz, spokesperson for the U.S. Embassy in Jakarta, said on Monday, May 5, 2025.

This exchange provides a unique platform for Indonesian leaders to collaborate with American experts, exchange best practices, and develop innovative, community-based solutions to global forest conservation challenges while promoting economic development.

The itinerary includes field visits to forested areas, timber harvesting operations, academic institutions, and conservation programs. Delegates are learning how various levels of U.S. government and local communities implement practical, results-driven forest and land-use management, with a focus on ensuring long-term forest health.

The Indonesian delegation includes representatives from the Ministry of Environment and Forestry, regional planning agencies, environmental NGOs, and senior journalists specializing in forestry and conservation.

“I’m grateful for the opportunity to visit the U.S. and meet experts in forest management, which has broadened my perspective on modern forestry practices,” Fachriany Hasan, a forestry educator from the Natural Resources Conservation Agency under Indonesia’s Ministry of Environment and Forestry in North Sulawesi, said on Monday, May 5, 2025.

She shared that her favorite stop was Portland, Maine, where she learned about reforestation, non-timber forest products, biodiversity, wildlife protection, and managing wood processing waste.

“Visiting Portland showed me how nature and people can live in harmony and balance,” Fachriany cited.

IVLP is the U.S. State Department’s premier professional exchange program, offering current and emerging leaders around the world a firsthand look at American society. The program also fosters lasting professional connections between international delegates and their U.S. counterparts.

Each year, approximately 4,000 individuals from across the globe participate in IVLP. To date, over 2,900 Indonesians have taken part in the program.