PALMOILMAGAZINE, MERAUKE – The collaboration between palm oil plantation companies and the Catholic Church in Papua needs to be enhanced. This is due to the shared need to improve the welfare of the Papuan community, especially those living in the vicinity of palm oil plantations.
According to Pastor Jhon Kandam, Pr., the condition of the Papuan community, particularly in the South Papua Province, Merauke Regency, requires significant support from the business world to enhance the overall well-being of the people. Additionally, it is crucial to continue developing basic education and healthcare for Papuan children.
During an interview with Palmoilmagazine.com at the Secretariat of the Archdiocese of Merauke, the Bishop’s secretary also explained the need for responsible business development concerning social and environmental aspects in Papua. Pastor Jhon further emphasized that the Papuan community also requires education in cultivating agricultural skills.
According to him, the Papuan people have long been engaged in cultivating rubber. Even today, many Papuans own and manage rubber plantations. However, the overall welfare of the community still suffers from economic deficiencies.
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Although there are numerous rubber plantations, the existence of rubber processing factories is significantly limited. Consequently, middlemen or rubber traders buy the community’s latex at low prices. The root cause lies in the scarcity of rubber processing facilities, leading to the raw rubber being frequently sold outside of Papua for further processing. Therefore, Pastor Jhon hopes for improvements in agricultural practices that can drive an increase in the overall standard of living for the community.
In general, the Catholic Church in the South Papua Province encourages various business collaborations with the community for mutual progress. Additionally, the Catholic Church can provide ongoing support and oversight for these collaborations.
During the public consultation event of PT. Bio Inti Agrindo (BIA), Pastor Jhon emphasized the importance of a close and mutually beneficial partnership between the community and palm oil plantation companies. Thus, Pastor Jhon advocates for an increase in cooperation for the benefit of the community.
“The welfare of the Papuan people can be built through community-based palm oil plantations. Therefore, collaborative partnerships with the community must be continuously strengthened,” said Pastor Jhon in his explanation to Palmoilmagazine.com.
Furthermore, Pastor Jhon hopes for widespread education on sustainable practices in cultivating oil palm trees to ensure that people possess understanding and skills in sustainable oil palm cultivation. Thus, Pastor Jhon invites all parties to work together in advancing the welfare of the Papuan community. “Let us together build the economy of the Papuan people,” he concluded. (T1)
