Tamalanrea-Makassar. Hasanuddin University through the Faculty of Forestry hosted the 2025 International Forestry Students’ Symposium (IFSS). This event brought together 85 delegates from 21 countries with the aim of comprehensively introducing the Indonesian forestry sector through field visits in Jakarta, Bogor, the Special Region of Yogyakarta, Makassar, Maros, and Takalar for 14 days from August 25 to September 7, 2025.
The International Forestry Students Symposium (IFSS) is a prestigious global event that brings together forestry students from around the world to share knowledge, cultural perspectives, and collaborative solutions to global forestry challenges.
Representing the Dean of the Faculty of Forestry, Unhas, Prof. Dr. Ir. Syamsu Rijal, S.Hut., M.Si., IPU. (Vice Dean for Academic and Student Affairs) was present at the opening ceremony of the IFSS activity, Monday (25/25) in his remarks, he expressed his pride in having been entrusted to host this prestigious activity and was pleased to see this diverse gathering of young people, united by the same passion for forestry and sustainability.
“This activity is an important step to strengthen ties between stakeholders, such as youth, government, and professionals at the international level, as well as being a crucial moment to exchange ideas, share knowledge, and learn from each other,” explained Prof. Jay, as he is familiarly known.
Prof. Jay further said that we are honored to introduce forestry here not only as a subject, but also as an important foundation for sustainable development.
Forests provide benefits in the form of tangible goods and environmental services, including productive, protective, and conservation functions. Ultimately, through proper and sustainable management, forest resources can contribute to sustainable economic and ecological cycles.
“Our region, South Sulawesi, is blessed with a 44,000-hectare karst landscape spanning across the regencies of Maros, Pangkep, Barru, and Bone, making it the second-largest karst area in the world. This unique landscape is home to a rich diversity of flora and fauna that must be protected. In addition to its unique karst landscape, South Sulawesi is also blessed with extensive mangrove forests along its coastal areas,” explained Prof. Jay.
Before concluding his remarks, Prof. Jay emphasized an important message: forestry is not just about trees, but about life itself. Forestry connects across sectors, from community livelihoods to energy, from technology to ecosystem protection. In South Sulawesi, you will see that forestry is part of a larger system that underpins our future.
