Jakarta, June 3 -- Indonesia's forestry minister called for integrating social forestry programs with broader social protection systems to strengthen welfare and safety nets for millions living around forest areas.

Forestry Minister Raja Juli Antoni said stronger social protection for forest communities requires cross-sector coordination involving the Social Affairs Ministry, regional governments, BPJS Kesehatan, and BPJS Ketenagakerjaan.

"Through social forestry data integration, field verification, business development, and broader healthcare access, the government wants forest communities to gain greater benefits," Antoni said on Wednesday.

He said social forestry policies should focus more strongly on improving welfare, living stan...