Forest militarization under President Prabowo’s administration becomes a major focus in this episode. This policy is not only related to defense matters but also directly affects indigenous communities, the living space of nearby residents, and the sustainability of ecosystems. In this discussion, we explore how a security-based approach to forests can worsen agrarian conflicts, limit public participation, and threaten land rights and local cultures.

Together with Uli Arta Siagian from WALHI and M Haripin, Ph.D. from BRIN, we examine the impacts of this policy from ecological, social, and political perspectives. This episode invites us to consider whether militarization is truly a solution to forestry issues, or rather a setback in the governance of natural resources. As citizens, it is crucial for us to be more critical of defense policies that encroach upon civilian and environmental domains.

Listen to the full episode on YouTube: