In the middle of the expanse of forest in Dusun Trans Tigo, Sepintun Village, Sarolangun Regency, Jambi, a community is trying to be independent. The Karya Maju Social Forestry Business Group (KUPS), formed by the Suku Anak Dalam Indigenous Community (SAD), protects the forest while earning a living. They process non-timber forest products (NTFPs), such as coffee and black honey, to improve the economy without destroying nature.

KUPS Karya Maju is aware that surviving amidst changing times requires a long-term strategy. Together WALHI Jambi and the Green Association, they developed better ways of managing coffee, while also learning to manage their business and land.

The program, which runs from February 1 to July 31, 2024, is supported by the Nusantara Fund Direct Funding and focuses on the two-hectare Kopi Telisak demonstration garden. This garden is a place for community members to learn together about more environmentally friendly farming methods. For them, coffee is not just a plant, but also a hope. With better farming methods, they can increase their harvest without damaging the environment. WALHI Jambi accompanies them in planning, training, and monitoring so that this business runs smoothly.

They planted quality Telisak Coffee seedlings interspersed with perennial plants. They also built a place to process the harvest and equipped equipment such as a coffee skin shredder, a huller machine to process coffee beans, and drying facilities. With this equipment, coffee processing can be done from the beginning until it is ready to be sold, the harvest can be sold at a better price. In addition to coffee, forest honey also remains a mainstay product that will continue to be developed.

This program has brought benefits to 75 heads of families who are members of KUPS Karya Maju, and has had a wider impact on the community of Dusun Trans Tigo. The coffee demonstration garden is also an example that can be applied by other members. In addition, business management training and area mapping help them be more independent in managing their land and forest products.

Participatory mapping is an important step for communities in recognizing and mapping the potential of their areas. With more accurate data on the area of ​​coffee plantations, the number of forest honey trees, and the potential of other forest products, KUPS Karya Maju can develop more effective business strategies. The mapping process will also strengthen future efforts in sustainable resource management.

By implementing an intercropping system—combining coffee with plants such as rubber and jernang—KUPS Karya Maju has succeeded in farming without destroying nature. The system maintains environmental balance while providing additional income for community members. They are not only farmers, but also forest rangers, ensuring that nature remains sustainable for future generations.

KUPS Karya Maju shows that earning a living and protecting the forest can go hand in hand. With a spirit of mutual cooperation and awareness of the importance of protecting nature, they continue to move forward, planting hope with every coffee tree that grows on their land.