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| Building a Greener Sumatra: ATR/BPN and Three Universities Unite for Sustainable Spatial Planning. |
A Greener and More Inclusive Future for Sumatra! The Indonesian Ministry of Agrarian Affairs and Spatial Planning/National Land Agency (ATR/BPN) is taking serious steps to ensure sustainable land use in Sumatra. Through the Directorate General of Spatial Planning, the Ministry has entered a collaborative agreement under the RIMBA Project (Self-Management Type II) with three major universities: Universitas Riau, Universitas Andalas, and Universitas Jambi.
This partnership aims to promote environmentally conscious spatial planning that respects local communities and ecosystems across the provinces of Riau, Jambi, and West Sumatra.
Protecting Indigenous Lands in Key Ecological Corridors
During the official signing event in Jakarta on Tuesday, July 15, 2025, Director General of Spatial Planning Suyus Windayana highlighted the importance of the collaboration, especially in safeguarding the rights of indigenous communities living in Sumatra's ecological corridors.
"We must ensure that these communities are legally protected and represented in spatial planning policies," said Suyus.
What is the RIMBA Project?
RIMBA is a strategic initiative focused on conserving biodiversity and integrating environmental values into land use planning. Targeted at three priority provinces—Riau, Jambi, and West Sumatra—the project seeks a balance between development and ecological preservation.
“Spatial planning should find harmony between industrial zones, residential areas, and green spaces. The goal is sustainable development that benefits all living beings,” added Suyus.
What This Collaboration Focuses On
This partnership agreement outlines three core priorities:
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Wildlife Connectivity and Migration Design
Developing pathways that allow wildlife to move safely and freely across regions. -
Peatland Ecosystem Restoration Strategies
Rehabilitating degraded peatlands to bring back their natural ecological function. -
Participatory Land Use Planning
Encouraging community involvement in planning processes, including exploring solutions for unlicensed settlements.
The Role of Universities: Research That Impacts Real Life
Nuki Harniati, Director of Spatial Planning, expressed her appreciation for the academic world’s involvement, hoping the partnership would produce practical and relevant policy recommendations.
“We truly appreciate the support from our university partners. We hope this collaboration results in meaningful outcomes that strengthen our policy framework going forward,” she said.
The agreement was officially signed by the Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture at Universitas Riau, the Head of Research and Community Service at Universitas Andalas, the Head of the same office at Universitas Jambi, and the Director General of Spatial Planning.
Also attending the event were:
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Iskandar Syah, Director of Communal Land Regulation and Institutional Relations
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Reny Windyawati, Secretary of the Directorate General of Spatial Planning
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Barano Siswa Sulistiawan, Team Leader of the RIMBA Project Management Unit
Why Does This Matter to You?
Projects like RIMBA are more than just government programs. They’re about protecting our shared future. Sustainable land use means cleaner air, preserved nature, and cities that are more livable.
If you live in Sumatra—or care about the environment—this kind of initiative is a big step in the right direction.