PALMOILMAGAZINE, JAKARTA — The Bulungan Regency Government is partnering with the Nusantara Nature Conservation Foundation (Yayasan Konservasi Alam Nusantara/YKAN) and IPB University to accelerate green development across the region. The collaboration begins with a pilot program in 10 villages in Peso District, which will serve as training hubs for sustainable natural resource management.
“We aim to develop these ten villages into fast-growing, integrated areas that can serve as models for other regions seeking to strengthen sustainable resource management while improving community welfare,” said Bulungan Regent Syarwani during the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) and Cooperation Agreement in Jakarta on Wednesday (19/11).
The tripartite partnership covers natural resource and biodiversity management, the development of sustainable agriculture, plantations, and fisheries, as well as efforts to enhance local economic and cultural potential. It also includes institutional strengthening, human resource capacity building, and documentation of best practices.
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According to Syarwani, the initiative aligns with Bulungan’s Regional Medium-Term Development Plan (RPJMD), which places sustainability at the center of its development agenda. He highlighted the regency’s ecological fiscal transfer program, which allocates 10% of Village Funds and additional regional budget schemes under the “Green Bulungan” initiative.
“Last year, one of the villages in the pilot area secured nearly IDR 400 million from the regional budget. This year, we allocated IDR 7 billion for Green Bulungan, and next year the allocation will increase to IDR 8 billion,” Syarwani said in an official statement published by Palmoilmagazine.com on Saturday (22/11/2025).
IPB University to Deploy Village-Level Innovations
Hermanu Triwidodo, Head of the Tani dan Nelayan Center at IPB University, welcomed the collaboration, expressing optimism that the university could deliver innovations and technologies tailored to the needs of each village.
“I’m confident that Bulungan offers many valuable lessons that can enrich our shared learning experience,” he said.
YKAN: Strengthening Community Support Through SIGAP and Kayan Landscape IAD
Ruslandi, Director of YKAN’s Terrestrial Program, noted that YKAN has been supporting Bulungan since 2022 through its SIGAP (Inspiring Community Action for Change) approach. With Bulungan home to some of Indonesia’s best-preserved forests, the partnership focuses on forest protection and improving community livelihoods.
In 2023, the Kayan Landscape Integrated Area Development (IAD) was established—becoming the ninth IAD in Indonesia. The program provides social forestry–based development zones where communities can optimize forest areas for environmentally friendly commodities.
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“To support communities managing the Kayan Landscape IAD, we cannot work alone. Strategic partners like IPB University are essential for elevating the quality of our community assistance,” Ruslandi said.
The MoU and Cooperation Agreement will remain in effect for five years, underscoring a shared commitment to advancing green development and fostering a sustainable future for Indonesia. (P2)
