Resilient Social Forestry in Indonesia: The Impact of KUPS Lestari

Summary

This transcript highlights the journey of a village in Mal, Indonesia, focused on sustainable practices with palm sugar production. It discusses overcoming challenges in securing necessary permits, including halal certification, and empowering women through local cooperative efforts. The story also touches on eco-tourism development and environmental conservation in the area, particularly around a waterfall. Local youth are involved in maintaining the area, ensuring clean water sources while also working on raising funds for future development. The community’s efforts underscore the importance of collaboration, sustainability, and local empowerment.

Takeaways

• 😀 The forest area in Desa Mal was proposed for a permit since 2018, and it took 2 years of documentation and efforts before the permit was granted in 2022.
• 😀 Gula aren (palm sugar) is an important product in Desa Mal, which has been managed for a long time but initially lacked effective marketing and quality control.
• 😀 The women's role in managing the sugar production has been promoted, with a focus on gender inclusion within the group called 'KUPS Lestari' for better economic outcomes.
• 😀 The local government and cooperatives supported the process, helping to formalize the product with the necessary certifications such as halal certification.
• 😀 The halal certification for Gula Semut (crystal palm sugar) was achieved after a long waiting period, benefiting local women by improving their income and domestic life.
• 😀 Desa Sansarin, like Desa Mal, faced similar challenges with forest area proposals and permits, with the forest being critical for both community livelihoods and environmental sustainability.
• 😀 In Desa Sansarin, there was an effort to develop eco-tourism around the village's unexploited waterfall area, though funding and proposal approvals were still pending.
• 😀 Young people, especially from Karang Taruna (youth organization), were actively involved in cleaning up the waterfall area, contributing to environmental sustainability.
• 😀 The village prioritized water conservation by banning tree cutting 100 meters from the water source, acknowledging the need for water preservation for the community and the ecosystem.
• 😀 Collaboration with third parties and government support was essential to secure funding and develop eco-tourism in the area, although the community still faced budgetary constraints.

Q & A

What is the primary challenge faced by the community regarding the management of forest areas?

The primary challenge faced by the community is obtaining the necessary permissions to manage forest areas. This includes the difficulty in securing forest management rights and navigating the bureaucratic process for approval.

How long did it take for the community to obtain the necessary permissions for forest management?

It took the community approximately four years to obtain the necessary permissions, with the initial proposal made in 2018 and the permission granted in 2022.

What is the role of women in the sugar palm (gula aren) production process in the village?

Initially, men were the primary labor force in the gula aren production process, while women were primarily responsible for domestic tasks. However, the community aimed to improve gender roles within their business groups by forming the KUPS Lestari (a group focused on managing sugar palm products).

What challenges did the community face when applying for halal certification for their products?

The community faced delays in obtaining halal certification, as it required compliance with several regulations set by the government, including standards for production facilities and cleanliness, especially considering the majority of the population in the area is Christian.

What support did the community receive in setting up a halal production facility?

The community received support from the Poso district's Koperasi and Industry Office (Dinas Koperasi dan Perindustrian), which provided assistance in establishing a suitable production facility, ensuring it met the required standards, and offering guidance through the halal certification process.

What impact did the halal certification have on the local women's economic activities?

The halal certification positively impacted the local women by improving their economic opportunities. It allowed them to expand their product sales beyond their village, leading to better financial outcomes and more involvement in the business operations.

How does the community plan to develop eco-tourism in their forest area?

The community plans to develop eco-tourism by promoting their forest area, including a waterfall, as a nature tourism destination. They aim to involve local youth and organizations, like the Karang Taruna, to maintain the area and promote sustainable tourism practices.

What is the main environmental concern the community is addressing in their eco-tourism development?

The main environmental concern is maintaining the cleanliness and preservation of the waterfall area. The community has taken steps such as cleaning up the area and managing vegetation around the water source to ensure the water remains clean and the ecosystem stays intact.

What steps has the community taken to protect the water sources in their eco-tourism area?

The community has taken measures to protect the water sources by prohibiting tree cutting within 100 meters of the water source and encouraging practices that preserve the flow and cleanliness of the water. These steps ensure the water remains a reliable resource for the surrounding communities.

What are the main challenges the community faces in the development of their eco-tourism project?

The main challenges include limited funding and resources for proper development. The community has to rely on external partners and stakeholders to help finance the project and ensure its long-term sustainability.