The Sumber Agung Mojokerto Forest Farmers Group Strengthens Regional Protection and Utilization of Community Forest Management Areas

Claket Village, located on the slopes of Mount Arjuna-Welirang, is a mountainous village with a community life closely linked to the forest. Of the 225,74 hectares of the village area, approximately 161 hectares are forested, which for decades has served as a source of livelihood, ecosystem support, and cultural space for residents. The majority of residents depend on agriculture, animal husbandry, farm labor, and nature tourism for their livelihoods. This close relationship has fostered a tradition of sustainable forest management, despite frequent conflicts of interest with the state-owned forestry company Perhutani. A significant turning point occurred when the Claket Village forest area was designated as part of a Special Management Forest Area (KHDPK). In June 2023, the Sumber Agung Forest Management Unit (KTH Sumber Agung) received legal recognition as a Community Forest through a decree from the Minister of Environment and Forestry. This legality grants 126 families 35-year management rights over a 161-hectare area, opening up significant opportunities for the community to manage the forest independently and sustainably. As the holder of a Social Forestry permit, KTH Sumber Agung is responsible for area planning, preparation of work plans, and development of forest-based businesses such as agroforestry, agroforestry, and environmental services.

The Sumber Agung Community Forestry Group itself still has limited institutional capacity, human resources, and funding to mark area boundaries and develop productive businesses. Through direct funding support, Dana Nusantara, accompanied by AP2SI and WALHI In East Java, the Sumber Agung Forest Farm (KTH Sumber Agung) has begun demarcating work area boundaries for shared cultivation, clarifying protection and utilization zones, and pioneering silvopasture/livestock farming. These steps are crucial for preventing conflicts, particularly with Perhutani (the state forestry company), preserving the forest ecosystem, and opening up opportunities for sustainable collective economic diversification for group members whose agricultural income is insufficient to meet their family's financial needs.

The impact of the program is slowly being felt, the Social Forestry Management Plan Document 2025-2035 (RKPS 2025-2035) after being approved by the PS Center, there are 400 clear work area boundary markers and prevent conflicts with other parties, livestock pens and fattening 6 goats that are starting to be productive, or assistance with animal feed chopping tools from the Forestry Service. The program also changes the perspective and way of working of the group. The process of deliberation, mutual cooperation, and multi-stakeholder involvement fosters a sense of shared ownership and self-confidence in managing the forest. As expressed by the Head of KTH Sumber Agung, "The most noticeable changes actually arise from things that are rarely highlighted. Group capital is managed more carefully. Assets in the form of boundary markers to livestock pens are seen as shared property, not personal interests. Decisions are not always quick, but are taken with collective consideration." From this, the institutional foundation in KTH Sumber Agung is beginning to be built that is fair and participatory. The program has an impact on the entire Claket Village community of 3600 people.