Enviro News Asia, Jambi – Two Indigenous Peoples communities in Jambi and forest concession holder PT Gading Karya Makmur have signed a joint management agreement covering approximately 294 hectares of proposed customary forest, marking a collaborative effort to promote sustainable forest governance and prevent land-use conflicts.
The agreement was signed on July 23 at the Jambi Provincial Forestry Office by the Bathin Jo Bathin Jo Panghulu Bukit Bulan Indigenous Community, the Marga Datuk Nan Tigo Indigenous Community, and PT Gading Karya Makmur.
The joint management area consists of around 198 hectares within the proposed customary forest of the Marga Datuk Nan Tigo Indigenous Community and approximately 96 hectares within the proposed customary forest of the Bathin Jo Panghulu Bukit Bulan Indigenous Community.
The agreement aims to recognize Indigenous Peoples’ rights, strengthen legal certainty over forest management, and resolve potential conflicts through dialogue, consensus, and mutual cooperation. It also defines the roles and responsibilities of each party while supporting sustainable forest management, community welfare, and conservation.
Head of Section II Jambi at the Kampar Social Forestry Center, Andi Mandala Putra, said the agreement demonstrates that the interests of Indigenous Peoples, the private sector, and forest conservation can be aligned through open communication and mutual respect.
“The agreement is the result of dialogue and shared commitment among all parties. We hope this joint management approach will provide certainty for Indigenous communities, improve local livelihoods, and maintain forest sustainability,” Andi said.
The signing ceremony was witnessed by Sarolangun Regional Secretary Muhammad Arief, Jambi Provincial Forestry Office Head Andri Yushar Andria, Integrated Verification Team Chair from the Faculty of Forestry at Jambi University Dr. Fazriyas, Kampar Social Forestry Center representative Andi Mandala Putra, and PT Gading Karya Makmur President Director Buhaeri.
The Ministry of Forestry said the agreement is expected to serve as a model for resolving forest management issues by recognizing Indigenous rights, respecting local wisdom, and promoting collaborative governance involving government institutions, Indigenous communities, concession holders, academics, and other stakeholders. (*)
