
InfoSAWIT, KOTAWARINGIN BARAT – In an effort to strengthen biodiversity conservation while empowering communities, PT Bumitama Gunajaya Agro (BGA) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Meniti Fajar Forest Farmers Group (KTH).
The signing took place on November 25, 2024, in the Raja Seberang Village, Kotawaringin Barat Regency, Central Kalimantan, witnessed by several stakeholders, including the Village Head of Raja Seberang, Yaumil.
This MoU encompasses a long-term partnership to sustainably manage the Meniti Fajar Community Forest (HKm) covering an area of 1,909 hectares. The focus of the collaboration includes identifying natural resource potential, biodiversity-based management, developing non-timber forest products, and improving the social quality of local communities.
Village Head Yaumil appreciated this partnership as a strategic step to enhance community welfare. “We hope this collaboration can support MSMEs and tourism based on ecotourism. The potential of the Sepingit and Selangkun rivers must be optimally utilized without damaging the ecosystem,” Yaumil stated in a statement to InfoSAWIT on Monday (December 16, 2024).
Meanwhile, a representative from BGA, Andi Muhammad Amin, emphasized the company's commitment to supporting sustainable forest management. “We hope this collaboration can develop the potential of HKm Meniti Fajar, providing economic benefits to the community while preserving the environment,” he said.
HKm Meniti Fajar is known for its well-preserved ecosystem, including freshwater swamps that serve as habitats for migratory birds. Its strategic location near Pangkalan Bun City also offers significant opportunities for developing ecotourism.
In addition to ecotourism potential, this collaboration includes various initiatives such as training for Social Forestry Business Groups (KUPS), MSME development, agroforestry, and environmental rehabilitation. The planting of cocoa seedlings was also conducted as part of the inauguration ceremony, coinciding with the Indonesian Tree Planting Day (HMPI).
As of 2024, BGA has partnered with seven social forestry initiatives in Kalimantan, covering a total area of 16,624 hectares. In West Kalim antan, BGA has partnered with three village forests in Ketapang Regency. Meanwhile, in Central Kalimantan, the partnerships include two People's Plantations (HTR) in Lamandau and HKm Meniti Fajar in Kotawaringin Barat.
This collaboration is expected not only to provide economic impacts for the community but also to support environmental sustainability as part of the company's long-term efforts. (T2)