We all know that as a natural resource, forests have a very important and important multi-function for life. The many types of trees and layers of plants in the forest will greatly help to hold the potential energy of falling rainwater so that the water flow is not too large, this can reduce soil damage, both splash erosion and gully erosion. This condition will help soil fertility and groundwater absorption. However, we must also develop the potential of plants that have economic value, avocado and durian for example.
(Tuesday, February 20, 2024), the village forest management institution (LPHD) of Pesanggrahan Village, Batu City, carried out tree planting activities in a special forest area with an area of 48 hectares at the bottom and 5 hectares at the top. This planting was accompanied by the Indonesian Social Forestry Management Association (AP2SI) as a mentor and support system in developing activities.
Ahmad Syaifudin as the chairman of LPHD has provided information regarding this activity, he explained that initially LPHD was only officially formed and launched on December 6, 2021. However, LPHD continues to develop the institution through cooperation with AP2SI and the local village government.
Syaifudin also explained the general and specific depiction scheme when interviewed by AP2SI volunteers and stated that before the cooperation with AP2SI, he and his LPHD colleagues were confused in managing the institution, especially since LPHD at that time was still considered unimportant by the village in particular. However, within a period of one year, he has proven that LPHD and other related parties can clearly and straightforwardly provide positive contributions, the main impact of which is planting fruit trees that have economic value.
"LPHD activities themselves are actually more focused on reforestation of village forests, besides that we also plant plants that have economic value to residents such as avocado and durian. Yes, although in the past we were not considered too much, Alhamdulillah now our efforts can be appreciated by all parties," said Syaifudin.
In its implementation, he and his LPHD colleagues also not only focused on planting avocado and durian trees that have economic value, efforts to save water sources were also part of his efforts with other LPHD colleagues, especially LPHD itself together with AP2SI has prepared 1000 avocado seedlings and 20,000 durian seedlings.
"Yes, our main focus here is on avocado and durian trees, but apart from that, we are also trying to secure and save the water sources in the forest in our area," he said.
So far, Syaifudin and all LPHD colleagues have also always received support in carrying out activities. He admitted that so far he has received many donations from AP2SI and also from APBDes. Through AP2SI, he said he had learned a lot from laws and regulations, the formation of institutions, forest functions to institutional functions. Syaifudin admitted that after joining and being sheltered by AP2SI, he felt that he had received a lot of help and full support for activities.
"Honestly, previously we didn't know much about carrying out activities, but after being under the auspices of AP2SI, we have received a lot of assistance and full support."
Before the interview session ended, he also gave his hopes for the future regarding LPHD and AP2SI in particular. Syaifudin only wants positive activities like this to continue to be carried out for the sake of the sustainability of his children in the future.
"I just hope that in the future this good relationship can be strengthened and LPHD itself can be more solid. For AP2SI in East Java itself, I also hope that the ties of friendship can be strengthened because I think AP2SI in East Java is not very active in communicating," he added.
Writer : The Truth About Zulfah Izumi
