For years, the people of Mentawai have fought against the exploitation of their forests. The latest permit for timber estates issued by the government in Siberut Island was in 2017, without having consulted local communities
Category: Forests
Communities in Tidore Islands rely on mangroves for remedies
Besides having ecological benefits, mangroves are also used for medicinal purposes and the Tidore Islands community, have been reaping benefit from the plant for generations.
Sungai Buluh social forestry fails to take root
High hopes surrounded the Social Forestry program in the Batang Anai region, West Sumatera. Ecotourism activities that started in 2013 stopped operating soon after, while supporting facilities crumbled.
Community-based efforts help reforest the Bromo-Tengger-Semeru National Park
The reforestation of slopes in the mountainous area of the Bromo-Tengger-Semeru National Park in East Java has set an example where community involvement is paramount to its success.
Deforestation in Halmahera Paves Way for Palm Oil Industry
The expansion of private oil palm plantation in Gane Dalam, Halmahera is inevitable. Some residents choose to stay on the remaining land they have. Some of them sold their land and become labourers on the plantation. While environmentalists ask the government to review permits and policies that are deemed as not in favour of the local community.
The Impact of COP24 For Indonesia
As the 24th Conference of Parties wrapped up in Katowice, questions remains on key issues, amid countries renewing their emission reductions. Indonesia has been actively involved in the UN climate talks since 1994 and it remains committed to its NDCs while renewing commitments especially in carbon emissions and forest and peatland governance.
Social Forestry: A Solution For Better Livelihood and Sustainability?
Legal recognition for community-based forest management does not immediately increase people’s income or welfare. Three Pakpak Bharat forest farmers groups, which have obtained community forest permits, expressed the challenges they face following their permit issuance.
Farmers Suffer as Illegal Water Extractions Remain Unregulated
Excessive water exploitation has lead to the drying up of rivers and paddy fields in villages of Kudus district. Efforts have been taken including the prohibition of selling surface water from Mount Muria but water discharge is yet to improve. Water scarcity in Kudus calls for concerted effort in the conservation of protected forest of Mount Muria.
Villagers Bear Fruit From Their Bamboo Forest Restoration Effort
After years of preserving the bamboo forest, villagers of Sumbermujur of East Java are bearing the fruit of their hard labor, as water continues to flow from the Deling spring, allowing them to continue farming, consume clean water even during the dry season. Read more.
South Sulawesi Indigenous Kaluppini Preserves Tradition Through Local Crop
Long time crop in South Sulawesi, jewawut or known as millet, is nearly abandoned by local people following challenges to develop the plant. Kaluppini tribe of Enrekang district, South Sulawesi, continue to grow the plant to preserve their indigenous ceremony and maintain their cultural identity.