Korea–Indonesia Collaboration Promotes Sustainable Forest Management Through K-Forest Food in Medan
Medan, 22 June 2025 — The Korea–Indonesia Forest Cooperation Center (KIFC), in collaboration with the Embassy of the Republic of Korea and various Korean agencies, participated in the K-Halal & Healthy Food Consumer Experience Event held from 20–22 June 2025 at Sun Plaza, Medan. The event aimed to introduce the richness of Korean halal and forest-based food while promoting sustainable forest management through international cooperation.
The event was officially opened by Deputy Ambassador of the Republic of Korea, Mr. Soo Deok Park, and Mayor of Medan, Mr. Rico Tri Putra Bayu Waas, who emphasized the significance of cultural diplomacy, inclusive food industry development, and city-level cooperation. Mr. Park highlighted Medan as a strategic gateway for Korean halal food in western Indonesia, while Mayor Rico underscored the importance of consumer awareness, halal certification, and empowering local MSMEs through global collaboration.
KIFC’s participation focused on showcasing the synergy between food, culture, and forest conservation through booth activation and a talk show session themed “Sustainable Forest Management Through Korea–Indonesia Cooperation”.
In the talkshow held on 21 June 2025, Mr. Kim Hyoung Gyun (Manager of KIFC) and Ms. Sekar Faadiya (Officer of KIFC) presented the milestones of forestry collaboration between Korea and Indonesia, which began in 1968 and was institutionalized through the establishment of KIFC in 2010. The discussion also introduced the concept of K-Forest Food—a sustainable innovation that transforms non-timber forest products (NTFPs) into high-value functional foods, contributing to both environmental protection and community livelihood.
Through its booth, KIFC engaged visitors with samples of Korean forest foods such as freeze-dried jujube slices and dried persimmons, while also sharing stories on eco-tourism initiatives and forest restoration projects in Jambi and South Sumatera.
The event attracted a wide range of visitors, including representatives from the Ministry of Forestry (Kemenhut), Yayasan Ekosistem Lestari (YEL), local influencers, creative communities, and Korean companies. It served as a platform for cultural exchange, public outreach, and the promotion of eco-friendly consumption.
The presence of KIFC at this event aligns with the Korea–Indonesia bilateral agreement to support sustainable forestry, climate action, and eco-tourism development. By connecting food, forest, and people, KIFC hopes to inspire broader collaboration and public awareness in building a greener future.
