The Indonesian Social Forestry Management Association (AP2SI) accompanies the Reksawana Forest Farmer Group (KTH) in planting coffee and avocado trees with the theme of Sustainable Forests for Prosperous People in Kertasari District, Bandung Regency. (Monday, 02/19/2024).
One of the many things that may have a very big impact on the ecosystem and the sustainability of humanity is the forest. Today we have seen many benefits in forest maintenance both in mass and several environmental groups. Such things are considered necessary and mandatory to be done massively and in an organized manner so that in the future forest conservation efforts are not only interpreted as mere formalities.
It is KTH Reksawana as an example of an environmental care group that has an active role in environmental conservation activities. Not only conservation, this group also makes full efforts to improve the standard of living and revive the economy of the local community.
Initially, the planting of these tree seedlings was prepared approximately five days before the activity began, namely starting on February 14, 2024. During the preparation, Dinar Santika as the head of KTH Reksawana coordinated with AP2SI and Kitabisa.
"Before the event took place, we together prepared approximately 20,000 coffee seedlings, 1000 avocado seedlings and also bamboo stakes as plant support poles. All of these preparations were also assisted by AP2SI and KITABISA who helped and fully supported the activities," said Dinar.
Initially, KTH Reksawana had also coordinated with its companion, namely AP2SI. In its role, AP2SI has assisted KTH Reksawana for approximately three years. This assistance is intended to assist KTH Reksawana in managing the process of submitting social forestry permits, this was also explained by Ika Septya as the treasurer of AP2SI during the interview.
"AP2SI has a role as a companion in tree planting activities, for example, like now when KTH Reksawana will carry out planting. In addition, we also help so that KTH Reksawana can easily take care of social forestry permits so that they can quickly get permits from the Ministry of Environment"
"On the other hand, we are also collaborating with Kitabisa and other agencies to prepare for very necessary needs," he added.
Ika Septya also explained that the collaboration that has been built has also been pioneered for a long time, the hope is very high for the development of AP2SI so that it can later produce a positive impact for several other groups that are affiliated or are being assisted by AP2SI.
"Last December, I and other fellow members had formal cooperative interactions with KITABISA, this was based on advanced needs patterns which of course can jointly realize environmental recovery and economic improvement for local communities," said Ika.
In fact, the activity model that has been carried out by KTH Reksawana is not arbitrary just for activities alone, because before the activity took place, all parties involved also coordinated with AP2SI to consider the activities to be carried out. This consideration is very important to do considering that this planting must be based on land needs. In her interview, Ika also explained this briefly.
"For this planting activity, we have to survey the location and conditions first, for example, if we carry out profitable planting, maybe we can plant fruits that can boost the surrounding economy."
Ika also explained that this planting does not only focus on the economy of the surrounding community, but also pays attention to other interests such as protected forests.
"Apart from planting trees that produce fruit, we also focus on planting trees in protected forests, we also prepare productive tree material which most likely cannot be cut down."
In the process of implementation, Ika Septya and Dinar Santika also explained that the course of the activity is not always smooth, there will be one or several obstacles that occur. However, even so, when interviewed, they both admitted that they always look for a way out if things like this happen.
"If there are certainly obstacles, so far our obstacle is perhaps our members are spread across various regions and provinces so we need extra time and effort if we are going to coordinate. However, this kind of thing is very normal and we often face it by slowly finding a way out," said Ika.
"We do have many obstacles, but let's make them light. We have to focus and move quickly to find a way out. The point is to stay calm and just let it flow," Dinar added.
Before the interview ended, they both also gave their hopes for the future regarding things to come.
"My hope is that all members and farmers can take good care of their plants. We also hope that this planting activity is not only interpreted as a momentous event but also continues to be followed up so that in the future it can produce a positive impact for all," said Ika.
"Hopefully in the future we will always be given smoothness and the community that I lead can run smoothly and successfully. I also express my gratitude to AP2SI and KITABISA who have helped and contributed a lot. I also hope that the government will be more active in contributing to positive activities like this," added Dinar.
