Lebak – The Mulyasari Forest Farmers Group (KTH), located in Cilangkap Village, Wanasalam District, Lebak Regency, Banten, has demonstrated a strong commitment to sustainably managing agricultural and forestry land. Covering a total area of 400.25 hectares, the KTH develops various commodities that not only provide economic benefits to its members but also contribute to environmental conservation in southern Banten.
A portion of the 15-hectare plot is used to grow yard crops and local forest products such as coconuts, bananas, and stink beans. These commodities provide a steady source of income for KTH members due to their steady demand in the local markets of Lebak Regency and Serang City.
In addition, KTH Mulyasari also focuses on developing crops with long-term economic value through a planned seeding process that complies with technical standards from the Lebak Regency Forestry Service. A total of 200 hectares of land has been allocated to plant robusta coffee, which is adaptive to local soil conditions, gamal trees as ground cover and animal feed, as well as other commodities such as jengkol (jengkol), a local durian known for its sweet Lebak flavor, and high-quality woods such as mahogany and teak.
The seeding process is carried out in an integrated manner, adhering to agroforestry principles, where various plant species grow side by side and support each other. KTH members carry out this activity under the guidance of a professional team, from land preparation and sowing of quality seedlings, through routine maintenance and harvesting. Close cooperation among members is a key factor in carrying out every activity.
“"We've been running this program for over five years. All members work together enthusiastically, caring for the land and plants from morning to evening," said Mardiansyah, Head of the Mulyasari Community Forest Group, in a special interview with the editors on Saturday, February 14, 2026.
However, the development of the Mulyasari Farmer Group (KTH) is not without challenges. The main obstacles are difficulties in selling their produce and securing capital. "Sometimes we harvest a large harvest, but no buyers come to the location. We have to transport the produce to the market at significant transportation costs, which ultimately leads to an unprofitable selling price," Mardiansyah said with concern. Many members struggle to market their produce to a wider market, often forced to sell at low prices in local traditional markets or even accumulate unsold produce due to limited storage facilities. This situation directly hinders the economic growth of members and hinders the further development of the KTH itself, despite the significant market potential for their products both within and outside Banten province.
Responding to this situation, Jai, Chairman of the Banten Province Social Forestry Management Association (AP2SI), stated that the challenges faced by the Mulyasari Community Forest Management Group (KTH) are common problems faced by many other KTHs across the province. "Social forestry plays a crucial role in driving the regional economy and maintaining ecosystem balance," Jai explained. "We see that the Mulyasari Community Forest Management Group has enormous potential, with its vast land area and diverse commodities. However, without adequate support, this potential will not be fully realized."“
Jai added that the Banten Province AP2SI has strived to champion the interests of social forestry managers. "We have coordinated with the government to develop integrated support programs, from human resource capacity building to marketing infrastructure development. For the Mulyasari Forest Management Unit (KTH), in particular, we are always ready to assist in integrating them into a marketing network with other KTHs in Banten, thereby increasing their bargaining power and reducing distribution costs," he said.
The social forestry program run by the Mulyasari Community Forestry Group (KTH Mulyasari) holds significant strategic value for the prosperity of local communities and the preservation of the Lebak region's natural environment. This program also aligns with the government's efforts to support food security and the rural economy. "Hopefully, the social forestry program we run can continue to operate and grow," Mardiansyah said. "We hope the government can help us improve the capacity of our members—from training in better cultivation techniques, business management, to more effective product marketing."“
Therefore, it is highly hoped that local and central governments can provide targeted support, particularly regarding human resource development for KTH members. Training in more modern cultivation techniques, micro-business management, and effective marketing strategies—including utilizing digital platforms to market products—will significantly assist members in improving product quality and expanding market reach.
Government support is also expected to include the development of supporting infrastructure such as improving road access to agricultural areas that are often flooded during the rainy season, building safe harvest cooling and storage facilities, and establishing a marketing network connecting KTH with large buyers, wholesalers, and modern markets in the Greater Jakarta area. Furthermore, product registration as a Lebak specialty will also provide added value that can increase the competitiveness of KTH Mulyasari products. Thus, KTH Mulyasari's vast potential can be optimally realized for the shared welfare of the Lebak community.
Not forgetting, Mardiansyah also expressed his gratitude to AP2SI, which has continued to assist him in carrying out all matters related to social forestry management, because without AP2SI, we would not have reached this point, he said. (Red-BSN)
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