Jakarta, Indonesia, Nov 29, 2012 - (ACN Newswire) - President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, along with all the Ministers of Second United Indonesian Cabinet, other high-ranking government officials and the ambassadors of neighbouring countries, planted trees during the peak event of the Indonesian Tree Planting Day and Tree Planting Month 2012 in the Urban Forest Area, Soekarno-Hatta International Airport Complex, on Wednesday, November 28, 2012.

The Commemoration of Indonesian Tree Planting Day (HMPI) every November 28th and National Planting Month (BMN) every December was stipulated by Presidential Decree 24/2008. The theme of this year's Commemoration was "Urban Forest Promotes Green Indonesia".

The choice of this theme was intended to encourage Indonesians to implement sustainable development by means of utilizing forest resources as one of the economic driving forces, providing jobs for the people, eliminating poverty and creating a green environment.

During the commemoration, President Yudhoyono planted Magnolia (Manglieta glauca), First Lady Hj. Ani Bambang Yudhoyono planted Simpoh (Dillenia SP), Vice President Boediono planted Spanish cherry (Mimusops elengi), Second Lady Hj. Herawati Boediono planted Canary (Canarrium S), Minister of Forestry Zulkifli Hasan planted Champak (Michelia champaca) and Wife of the Minister of Forestry Soraya Zulkifli Hasan planted Wongai plum (Manilkara kauki).

The Chairmen of the People's Consultative Assembly, the People's Representative Council, and the Regional Representative Council of the Republic of Indonesia participated in the tree planting event as well.

Additionally, President Yudhoyono and the Minister of Forestry awarded the Governors, District Heads and Mayors who had won the 2011 National Billionth Tree Planting Competition.

The Governor of Central Java H. Bibit Waluyo was awarded Platinum Gold for successfully mobilizing the people of Central Java in achieving the first rank for a third consecutive year.

Furthermore, the Governor of East Java Dr. H. Soekarwo was awarded the 2001 First Winner title for successfully mobilizing the people of East Java to plant the greatest number of trees.

The Province of East Sumatera and the Province of North Sumatera ranked second and third, respectively.

At the District level, the awards were given to the Grobogan District Head H. Bambang Pudjiono, the Kubu Raya Muda District Head Mahendrawan, and the North Minahasa District Head Drs. Sompie S.F Singal, MBA.

At the Municipality level, awards were given to the Mayor of Surabaya Ir. Tri Rismaharini, MT, the Mayor of Balikpapan H.M. Rizal Effendi, SE and the Mayor of Metro H. Lukman Hakim, SH, MM.

The Minister of Forestry also expressed his appreciation to all stakeholders participating in the 2011 Billionth Tree Planting Movement, including non-forestry enterprises PT. Astra International Tbk, PT. Bank Negara Indonesia (Company) Tbk, PT. Adaro Energy Tbk, PT. Indominco Mandiri and PT. Jarum.

He also awarded several enterprises in the forestry sector, including PT. Sarmiento Parakantja Timber (Central Kalimantan), PT. Erna Juliawati (West Kalimantan), and PT. Korintiga Hutani (Central Kalimantan).

The success of the 2011 Billionth Tree Planting owed inlarge part to enterprise support in partnership with the timber industry.

Awards also went to the People's Forest Farmers Association (APHR) of Wonosobo, Central Java, Sengon Agung Bersama Multi-business Cooperative of Jombang - East Java, and Purwo Lestari People's Forest Farmers Association (APHR) of Purworejo - Central Java.

In addition, the tree planting was also successful in the Conservation Area, and this year's conservation awards were given to enterprises PT. Murindra Karya Lestari (Angke Kapuk Ecotourism Park in Jakarta), PT. Adhiniaga Kreasinusa-Artha Graha Peduli (Bukit Barisan Selatan National Park in Lampung), and PT. Trimbawan Swastama Sejati (West Bali National Park).

Universities, NGOs and individuals engaged in the conservation of nature and the environment also participated in the tree planting movement.

This year awards were also granted to the University of Diponegoro in Central Java, University of Andalas in West Sumatra and WWF of DKI Jakarta.

Individuals receiving awards included Tosca Santoso (Green Radio Jakarta), Sahabat Alam (Jakarta), Prof. Dr. Sudijono Sastroatmojo (Rector of UNS,Central Java), TGH. Hasanai Juaini, LC (Director of Nurul Haramain Narmada Islamic School, West Nusa Tenggara), and Major General Lodewijk Fredrick Paulus (First Territorial Military Commander of Bukit Barisan, North Sumatera).

For further information, please contact:

Sumarto
Head of Forestry Public Relations Center
The Ministry of Forestry
Tel: +62-21-573-0118/9
Fax: +62-21-571-0484
Email: pusinfo@dephut.go.id


Source: Indonesian Ministry of Forestry

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