SAMPANKALIMANTAN.ID – Efforts to maintain forest sustainability while improving community welfare continue to be carried out by the Forest Management Unit (KPH) Unit XXXIII Kubu Raya Region together with SAMPAN Kalimantan.
Through their participation in the 2025 National Social Forestry Festival (PESONA), this commitment was reaffirmed.
The festival, held from August 20–22, 2025, at the Manggala Wanabakti Building Complex in Jakarta, carries the theme "Caring for Forests, Passing on Hope." The annual event, organized by the Ministry of Forestry, serves as a platform for collaboration between various parties, including ministries and institutions, local governments, Social Forestry Business Groups (KUPS), academics, civil society organizations, and the private sector.
The aim is not only to showcase the success of social forestry programs, but also to bring together ideas, experiences, and opportunities for collaboration in community-based forest management.
In Ya' Suharnoto, as Head of the UPT KPH Kubu Raya Region, he emphasized the importance of the role of collaboration in forest management.
According to him, the participation of the Kubu Raya Forest Management Unit (KPH) in PESONA 2025 is an opportunity to demonstrate the success of local communities in utilizing non-timber forest products (NTFPs) without damaging the ecosystem.
"Thank God, we from Kubu Raya were able to appear at PESONA 2025. The products displayed came from village forest management institutions through the Social Forestry Business Group (KUPS) with the assistance of SAMPAN Kalimantan and the support of PT Belantara Sejahtera. The impact on community groups has been extraordinary," said Ya' Suharnoto.
The products on display, he continued, are diverse and have high economic value. These range from silvopasture (integrated livestock and forestry) and agroforestry to various non-timber forest products, such as honey, spices, and other natural processed products.
"All of this demonstrates the community's strong commitment to improving their economy while preserving the forest," he explained.
Ya' Suharnoto also revealed the long-term goal of the Kubu Raya Forest Management Unit (KPH) and SAMPAN Kalimantan, namely to increase the capacity of KUPS (Sub-district forestry unit). Currently, most groups remain at the Blue stage, but they are expected to advance to the Platinum level by improving product quality and market competitiveness.
Public appreciation for the product
Support for non-timber forest products also comes from visitors.
Putri, a visitor from Bogor, said she was amazed by the diversity of products on display at the SAMPAN Kalimantan booth.
"The booth was very complete, the collection was diverse, and all the products were supported by SAMPAN. I was most interested in the Madu Kunyit Asam (Tumour Turmeric Honey). It tasted delicious and refreshing!" said Putri enthusiastically.
According to him, purchasing forest products is not just about quality, but also contributing to forest conservation and community economic empowerment.
"These products are produced directly by the communities surrounding the forest. By purchasing their products, we are helping to protect the forest and improve their well-being," he said.
In addition, the prices of these products are relatively affordable so that they can be enjoyed by various groups, without sacrificing environmental sustainability aspects.
Non-Timber Forest Products: New Hope for the Village Economy
The participation of KPH Kubu Raya and SAMPAN Kalimantan in the PESONA 2025 Festival proves that community-based forest management can go hand in hand with economic growth.
By utilizing non-timber forest products sustainably, communities gain economic benefits without having to cut down trees or damage ecosystems.
This step also strengthens the role of the Forest Management Unit (KPH) and SAMPAN in encouraging communities to become frontline forest guardians. Through mentoring, training, and market access, they are creating opportunities for Kubu Raya's non-timber forest products to compete not only locally but also nationally and even internationally.
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