In Talonang Village, West Sumbawa, trees are being planted as part of a collaborative effort to foster sustainable forest management and economic growth. PT Amman Mineral Nusa Tenggara (AMMAN), one of Indonesia’s leading copper and gold mining companies, has initiated a Social Forestry program in partnership with local communities.
The program is designed to create a sustainable ecosystem that involves forest-dwelling communities and empowers Forest Farmers Groups (KTH) to manage the forest sustainably while deriving economic benefits. Priyo Pramono, Vice President of Policy Permitting & Social Impact at AMMAN, emphasized the company’s commitment to providing long-term community benefits through this initiative. “We believe that forests can always provide significant economic benefits to the community. This program is our effort to work together with surrounding communities to preserve the forest and utilize its produce sustainably for current and future generations.”
Julmansyah, Head of the Environmental and Forestry Agency of NTB Province from 2022-2025, expressed support for AMMAN’s efforts. “This program is a tangible manifestation of collaboration between the government, businesses, and the community in promoting inclusive and sustainable forest management.”
The program employs a ‘3 Manage’ approach: managing the area, institutions, and businesses. It aims not only at planting but also at ensuring KTH understands sustainable governance and can transform harvests into economically valuable products. The strategy includes diversifying plant species by integrating high-economic-value trees such as Jackfruit, Avocado, Longan, Eucalyptus Oil, Sengon, Mango, and Petai alongside local commodities like corn.
The project began with a Participatory Rural Appraisal assessment followed by an agreement between AMMAN and NTB Provincial Government on forest governance. A Cooperation Agreement was also established between AMMAN and NTB Environmental and Forestry Agency focusing on community development through Social Forestry schemes.
Demo plots covering up to 20 hectares are being developed in cooperation with three Forest Management Units: Sejorong Mataiyang, Brang Rea Puncak Ngengas, and Brang Beh. Syahril, Head of KPH Sejorong Mataiyang stated his enthusiasm for this initiative as it offers new opportunities for local communities. “We are very grateful for this opportunity. This program truly empowers local communities living in forest areas.”
This initiative represents meaningful collaboration among government entities, communities, and private sectors aimed at transforming natural resources into sources of sustainable economic life.
