PALMOILMAGAZINE, KETAPANG – Environmental concerns remain a major challenge in Indonesia’s palm oil industry. Not only companies but also independent smallholder farmers are expected to implement sustainable and traceable management practices.
To gain deeper insights into these efforts, the Sustainable Palm Oil Farmers Forum (Fortasbi) facilitated a visit for journalists from Pontianak and Jakarta to observe firsthand the real actions taken by independent smallholders from the Perkumpulan Petani Mitra Harapan (PPMH) in mitigating climate change and preventing deforestation in West Kalimantan.
Sandi Priana, Chairman of PPMH, explained that PPMH is based in Asam Besar Village, Manis Mata District, Ketapang, West Kalimantan. Established in 2021, the organization consists of three cooperatives and two vendors, representing 698 farmers who collectively manage 3,303.02 hectares of land in partnership with palm oil company Cargill. In 2023, PPMH received RSPO certification, reinforcing its commitment to sustainable practices.
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“Our farmers have long been aware of the importance of environmental conservation,” Sandi stated. “They are not just focused on palm oil profits but also on protecting and preserving forests.”
As a testament to this commitment, PPMH members have designated two High Conservation Value (HCV) forests for preservation: Hutan Larangan Asam Besar or Asam Besar Prohibition Forest (80 hectares) and Hutan Larangan Tamtam or Tamtam Prohibition Forest (21 hectares).
Additionally, PPMH has initiated a nursery project to cultivate 10,000 seedlings of native tree species, including tamarind, ironwood, sengon, and durian. These seedlings will be used to restore forests, green community areas, and reforest schools and roadways.
Hutan Larangan Asam Besar: A Sacred Indigenous Forest
According to local indigenous leader and palm oil farmer Robertus Mamang, Hutan Larangan Asam Besar is a well-preserved customary forest that maintains its original biodiversity. The forest is strictly used for the community’s essential needs.
“We are committed to protecting this forest because it provides clean water, medicinal plants, fruits, timber, and even a safe refuge from wildfire smoke during the dry season,” Mamang explained.
Rare Trees in Hutan Larangan Tamtam
The journey to Hutan Larangan Tamtam is more challenging. After a drive, visitors must continue on foot for about 20 minutes through an unmarked trail, indicating how rarely the area is accessed. Upon arrival, they were welcomed by Abraham, the owner and caretaker of the forest.
Abraham, who is also the father-in-law of Sandi Priana, shared his commitment to preserving the forest as a third-generation custodian.
“This forest has been entrusted to us by our ancestors, and we will continue to protect it for future generations,” Abraham stated.
The forest is home to large trees such as agarwood, durian, ironwood, and the rare Ipuh tree (Antiaris toxicaria). The sap of this tree was historically used as a poison for hunting and even in warfare against the Dutch.
“I used to hunt with Ipuh sap when I was younger. It’s deadly—within five minutes, the target would succumb,” Abraham recounted.
During this visit, journalists witnessed the tangible efforts of PPMH Ketapang’s independent palm oil farmers, working alongside Fortasbi and Cargill to protect the environment, conserve forests, and contribute to climate change mitigation and deforestation prevention in West Kalimantan.
Their dedication sets an example of how smallholder farmers can be key players in sustainable palm oil production while safeguarding nature for future generations. (P3)
