Bumitama Partners to Manage 1,909 Hectares of Community Forest in Central Kalimantan

Palm Oil Magazine
Bumitama Partners to Manage 1,909 Hectares of Community Forest in Central Kalimantan. Photo by: BGA

PALMOILMAGAZINE, KOTAWARINGIN BARAT – In an effort to strengthen biodiversity conservation while empowering local communities, PT Bumitama Gunajaya Agro (BGA) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Meniti Fajar Forest Farmers Group (KTH).

The agreement was signed on November 25, 2024, in Raja Seberang Village, Kotawaringin Barat Regency, Central Kalimantan, witnessed by various stakeholders, including Raja Seberang Village Head, Yaumil.

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The MoU outlines a long-term partnership to sustainably manage the Meniti Fajar Community Forest (HKm), covering an area of 1,909 hectares. The focus includes identifying natural resource potential, biodiversity-based management, developing non-timber forest products, and improving the social well-being of the local community.

Also Read: Strengthening Smallholder Institutions to Improve Livelihoods

Raja Seberang Village Head Yaumil appreciated the partnership as a strategic step to enhance community welfare. “We hope this collaboration supports MSMEs and ecotourism. The potential of Sepingit and Selangkun Rivers must be optimized without harming the ecosystem,” Yaumil said in a statement to Palmoilmagazine.com on Monday (16/12/2024).

Meanwhile, BGA representative Andi Muhammad Amin emphasized the company’s commitment to supporting sustainable forest management. “We hope this partnership can develop the potential of Meniti Fajar Community Forest, providing economic benefits to the community while preserving the environment,” he stated.

Meniti Fajar Community Forest is known for its well-preserved ecosystem, including freshwater swamps that serve as habitats for migratory birds. Its strategic location near Pangkalan Bun City offers great opportunities for ecotourism development.

In addition to ecotourism potential, the cooperation includes various initiatives such as Social Forestry Business Group (KUPS) training, MSME development, agroforestry programs, and environmental rehabilitation. As part of the signing ceremony and in commemoration of Indonesia Tree Planting Day (HMPI), cocoa seedlings were also planted.

As of 2024, BGA has partnered with seven social forestry initiatives in Kalimantan, covering a total area of 16,624 hectares. In West Kalimantan, BGA collaborates with three Village Forests in Ketapang Regency. In Central Kalimantan, partnerships include two Community Plantation Forests (HTR) in Lamandau and the Meniti Fajar Community Forest in Kotawaringin Barat.

This collaboration is expected to deliver economic benefits to the community while supporting environmental sustainability as part of the company’s long-term efforts. (P2)

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