Role of the Aceh Environment and Forestry Service in Forest and Land Rehabilitation in Aceh Besar Regency

The Aceh Environment and Forestry Service (DLHK Aceh) is a regional government agency responsible for implementing the Aceh provincial government's policies in the fields of environmental management and forestry. The authority for the rehabilitation of both production forests and protected forests, along with other related functions, has been delegated to the provincial government as the governing body for environmental and forestry affairs in the region. The main issue examined in this study is the suboptimal efforts in forest and land protection, rehabilitation, and environmental damage control. This study aims to explore and analyze the role of DLHK Aceh in forest and land rehabilitation in Aceh Besar Regency. A descriptive qualitative approach was employed, utilizing data collection techniques such as interviews, documentation, and observations. The findings indicate that DLHK Aceh has implemented forest and land rehabilitation efforts, community empowerment programs, and extension activities. These efforts include tree planting in sub-watershed areas and outside forest zones through community-based seedling programs involving forest farmer groups. Additionally, guidance and training have been provided to communities living near forests, including awareness campaigns, patrols, and extension activities. Furthermore, forest rangers and contracted forest security personnel have been deployed down to the Forest Management Plan (RPH) level.