Forest Digest has introduced ‘Restoration Figures’, an article delving deep into the figures who excelled in restoration work and forest management in 2020.

Of the people chosen this year, all are involved in Katingan Mentaya Project’s community development programs and are living in villages residing within the project area. These 5 figures have uphold the three pillars of restoration; conservation, climate resilience, and community development. Get to know them here and read the full article here.

Alianur

Alianur, otherwise known as Ian, had been an illegal logger since he was young, as it was taught to him by the men of his village as generations go by. Though it had offered a source of income for years, the job was dangerous and high risk nonetheless, one that could cost him his freedom. So in 2018, by the guidance of his friend, Ian joined Katingan Mentaya Project’s Palm Sugar Training that facilitates loggers and villagers alike to harvest and process palm sugar. Despite his initial difficulties in adapting to his new lifestyle, Ian now owns and manages more than 100 coconut trees which he maintains in order to harvest coconut sugar to be sold in and around his village. By doing his work, Ian is now actively taking part in protecting the forest.

Murniah

It was Murniah’s own experience and struggle during childbirth that motivated her to create change for women and children in her village. Frustrated by the shortage of information and competence over mother and children’s healthcare, Murniah aspired to create better experiences for mothers-to-be. At first, Murniah started slowly; gathering women from her village and informing them on the basic health needs of pregnant women and the available healthcare systems that are available to them at hospitals and public health centers. Since then, Murniah’s efforts have since accumulated to develop various program at her village’s own local health clinic, one that is both facilitated and supported by Katingan Mentaya Project and the local government.

Duak Rahmanto

As a village that resides on the banks of the Katingan River, Telaga Village is vulnerable to seasonal floods due to high rains while also being increasingly pressured by palm oil and mining companies alike. The problems at hand had raised concerns from many villagers, including Duak Rahmanto, secretary and village official that is responsible for advocating on behalf of the village. When Katingan Mentaya Project entered the scene in 2013, Duak had sensed an opportunity. Realizing the similar values they share, Duak initiated a collaboration with KMP to establish Telaga Village’s own area of the surrounding forests to be protected. The village forest would ensure the safety of the village’s environment while increasing the local economy through tourism.

Abdul Wahid

Opening land through the use of fire was the way that was passed down from generations in Kelampan Kecil Village. So was the way that the villagers used, including Abdul Wahid, more closely known as Rampet, who previously worked as an illegal logger in Kelampan Kecil Village. Alas, Rampet now actively involve in agroforestry, specializing in up to 40 kilograms of chilis to eggplants in each harvest. Such change was achieved in 2018, when Rampet was invited by Katingan Mentaya Project to fly to Yogyakarta and participate in a training centering around developing land without fire and without harmful chemicals, better known by its Indonesian acronym, TBTK. Though it is yet to be the widespread method used in developing land, Rampet is one of farmers that has established great success and an even more promising future.

Arbanysah

The fire that ravaged the forests of Central Kalimantan back in 2015 had burnt approximately 2,6 million hectares of land, with over 120 thousand hot spots, resulting in widespread devastation and a greater need to prevent forest fires in the future. As of now, up to 34 villages within Katingan Mentaya Project’s project area have formed their own forest fire patrols, including Mendawai Village which is currently under the leadership of Arbansyah. Under Arban’s guidance, up to 20 patrols routinely observe nearby areas and take part in seasonal activities, such as forest mapping, doing logistical surveys, and creating waterways to prevent fires. Most importantly, Arbansyah and his team are proactively educating communities to better understand forest fires and ways to prevent them.