Lebak, Banten – Forest farmers in Lebak Regency, Banten, have expressed their full support for the government's Social Forestry Program. This support demonstrates their commitment to preserving forests while improving economic well-being.
“"We, the forest farmers, have directly experienced the benefits of this social forestry program," said Ja'i, Head of the Maju Berkah Community Forest Management Unit (KTH) in Cipalabuh Village. "With legal access to manage land within forest areas, we can grow various types of economically valuable crops without worrying about breaking the law."”
The Social Forestry Program provides opportunities for communities around forests to manage land sustainably through various schemes, such as Community Forests (HKm), Village Forests (HD), People's Plantation Forests (HTR), and Forestry Partnerships.
Mardi from the Mulyasari Community Forestry Group (KTH) in Cilangkap Village, Wanasalam District, added, "We hope this program will continue and expand so that more people can benefit. Previously, our land had around 200 hectares of bare land, formerly planted with flower trees, that were not maintained by Perhutani. Currently, we have rehabilitated the area by planting trees, because we recognize that forests are a source of life for us."“
Hasanudin, Chairman of the Advisory Board of the Banten Provincial Association of Forestry (AP2SI), stated, "The support from these forest farmers is a breath of fresh air for the government's efforts to achieve sustainable and inclusive forest management. The Social Forestry Program is expected to be an effective solution to address deforestation and forest degradation, while simultaneously improving the welfare of forest communities."“
Responding to public scrutiny from the Java Forest Rescue Forum (FPHJ), which is urging the revocation of the Special Management Forest Area (KHDPK) policy, Hasan explained, "Their slogan of 'forest rescue' is merely a group's excuse and does not represent the entire community surrounding the forest area. In fact, before the government regulations regarding social forestry, there was a lot of misuse of the area's function, such as forest destruction by illegal mining. Communities in forest areas did not experience economic growth, and the distribution of profits for those who care for Perhutani's plantations was also unclear."“
Hasan added, "We, along with the forest farmer group administrators and KTH members, plan to visit the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR-RI) to discuss this issue, so the government can hear both sides."“
About the Social Forestry Program
The Social Forestry Program is a government program aimed at providing legal access to forest communities to manage forest land sustainably. This program is expected to improve community welfare while preserving forest resources. (*)
News Source:
Lebak Forest Farmers Reject FPHJ Narrative, Strengthen Support for Social Forestry Programs
