Farmers in the work area of PT Lestari Asri Jaya and PT Wanamukti Wisesa (both subsidiaries of PT Royal Lestari Utama) can now work in peace. Upon the initiation of the two rubber HTI companies, their agricultural activities currently have legal force.
That was after the Governor of Jambi Fachrori Umar, submitted a Minister of Forestry and Environment Decree on the Recognition and Protection of Forestry Partnerships (SK Kulin KK) to two Forest Farmer Groups (KTH), namely: KTH Karang Jaya, which is located in the area of PT Lestari Asri Jaya and KTH Wana Mitra Lestari, located in the area of PT Wanamukti Wisesa.
The handover ceremony for the first SK Kulin KK to farmers in HTI Jambi, was held in Muara Sekalo Village, Sumay District, Tebo Regency, Jambi, Friday (24/7).
Hasmon Ovezar, Chairperson of KTH Karang Jaya, felt grateful for the surrender of this decree. He admitted, the farmers members of KTH Karang Jaya had been partnering for a long time with PT LAJ and PT WW. Through this partnership, members of the farmer group received training in food and vegetable cultivation and fisheries.
The same thing was said by Sugiyo, Chairperson of KTH Wana Mitra Lestari. The farmer group he leads is a partner of PT Wanamukti Wisesa. Sugiyo claimed she and her farm group members could save expenses. Because basic needs have been met from the harvest.
They hope that the partnership program can continue. Because it is very useful and helps farmers around the forest.
While the Jambi Governor hopes that the programs run by the two companies can be adapted by other plantation companies in Jambi.
According to the General Manager of PT LAJ and PT WW, Widyarsono, the two companies of sustainable natural rubber HTI are committed to supporting Social Forestry activities which are a Government program through a forestry partnership scheme.
In addition to partnering with KTH Karang Jaya and KTH Wanamitra Lestari, the company also fosters 6 other KTH. Two Women Farmers Groups, and 1 Joint Farmers Group with a total of 263 farmer members.
It should be noted, that the Decree of the Minister of Forestry and the Environment Recognition and Protection of Forestry Partnerships (SK Kulin KK) for the Karang Jaya Farmers Group (KTH) and KTH Wana Mitra Lestari is the first for the Industrial Plantation Forest area in Jambi Province.
Related to ecological aspects, continued Widyarsono, the company set aside about 25% of the company’s area as a protected area. This includes the Wildlife Conservation Area (WCA). This WCA is a buffer for the Bukit Tiga Puluh National Park which consists of a conservation area and rubber plants.
This WCA area is also a cruising area for protected Sumatran Elephants. RLU also forms a Ranger Team, consisting of company employees whose main task is to carry out conservation efforts in protected areas including the WCA.
