Katingan Mentaya Project is involving local communities in the management of its conservation area.

In the effort to protect forests and biodiversity, as well as to create sustainable economic development opportunities, Katingan Mentaya Project is involving local communities in the management of its conservation area. This partnership began in 2015. From May 8-11 2018, Rezal Kusumaatmadja (Chief Operations Officer PT Rimba Makmur Utama) undertook a roadshow to sign Memoranda of Understanding for Community Capacity Building in Environmental and Forestry Management with villages inside and surrounding the conservation concession area.

In total, 10 villages signed the MoUs: Asem Kumbang, Tumbang Runen, Jahanjang, Karuing, Parupuk, Telaga, Tampelas, Tumbang Bulan, Kampung Melayu dan Mendawai. The scope of the MoUs includes forest allotments, community development and capacity building, non-timber forest product utilization, ecosystem restoration, forest protection, research and development, employment and education, and social welfare.

In a speech, Rezal Kusumaatmadja expressed his appreciation for the support provided by the local communities and underlined the principles of cooperation among the parties, including, mutual agreement, equality, mutual benefits, local knowledge, trust, transparency, and participation. “In this partnership we continue to involve and consult with the communities. This partnership has to mutually benefit all parties, not only for the interest of the company, but also for the communities,” said Kusumaatmadja.

Hartawan, Head of Mendawai village said that, before the signing, the village had prior discussions and provided input and revisions on the draft MoU. He praised the active effort of the company to help the community. “Our villagers support the project. We hope this cooperation can continue and we can receive support in education, health, and organic farming,” he added.