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Indonesia is home to one of earth’s greatest natural treasures— vast tracks of virgin tropical forests. Not only do these forests hold untold natural wonders and a vast range of animal species, scientists have shown that they also house potential cures for major illnesses.

The future of the country’s forests has become a topic of debate as concerns over deforestation and forest clearing run up against the push for continued economic growth and food security. Land is a scarce resource so it must be utilized wisely. The question, however, is how should the country balance these competing needs?

President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono has shown the way by declaring that he will devote the remaining three years of his term in office to preserving and protecting the country’s rainforests. He noted in a major speech on Tuesday that “if it weren’t for the benefits that our forests provide, then our way of life, our people, our environment and our society would be so much poorer.”

The president is on the mark in saying that the country’s success in managing its forests will determine the opportunities available to future generations.

One of the greatest challenges facing the nation is the large scale of deforestation, with about 1.1 million hectares of forest lost each year due to unsustainable logging.

The chief culprits are illegal loggers who cut down trees in protected areas and pay no tax or compensation. The cost to the country is enormous, estimated at $4 billion annually.

But with a fast-growing population and a rapidly expanding economy, the country must reconcile the need to preserve its rainforests with meeting domestic agricultural and industrial needs. This process will require some trade-offs that will be difficult, but that with the right political leadership can be achieved.

As the president noted, the government must engage the business community and captains of industry to seek their commitment if the country is to embark on a journey toward more sustainable economic growth.

Our forests are worth saving for future generations and we must do all we can to ensure that they are. At the same time, we must not forsake the quest for a higher standard of living for all Indonesians. How we strike this balance will define our nation.