Agroforestry Becomes Economic Source for Forest Communities
The Provincial Government of East Java has highlighted the role of business partnerships in encouraging the development of Social Forestry that is more productive and economically valuable for communities living around forests. During the East Java Social Forestry Jamboree 2026, one company involved in developing food crop agroforestry with Forest Farmer Groups in Jember Regency received appreciation for its contribution to strengthening farmer assistance and market access.
East Java Governor Khofifah Indar Parawansa emphasised the importance of collaboration between government, businesses, universities, and communities to make Social Forestry not only an instrument for forest conservation but also a source of economic growth for the people. She noted that East Java is currently the province with the largest Social Forestry area in Indonesia, reaching nearly 30 percent of the national total. Additionally, the economic transaction value from the Social Forestry sector in East Java is reportedly the highest compared to other provinces in Indonesia.
According to Khofifah, this achievement must be continuously strengthened through the development of agroforestry, downstream processing, and partnerships involving businesses and universities. “If there is technological intervention, university assistance, and partnerships with the business sector, then downstream processing can be developed so that products have higher added value,” Khofifah said when opening the East Java Social Forestry Jamboree 2026.
The appreciation was given to PT Mekar Asta Nusantara (MANU) during the series of events for the East Java Social Forestry Jamboree 2026, organised by the East Java Forestry Service at Alun-Alun Reksogati, Madiun Regency. For MANU, this appreciation marks an important momentum coinciding with the company’s first anniversary. From the outset, MANU has promoted a partnership model that not only focuses on cultivation but also ensures farmers receive technical assistance, market access, and more sustainable economic opportunities.
PT Mekar Asta Nusantara President Director Evi Febriana Suhardi stated that the award encourages MANU to expand programmes that have a direct impact on farmers and communities around forests. “Our hope is simple. We want communities around the forest to gain real economic benefits from the land they manage. MANU wants to be a partner that is present from start to finish, from cultivation until the harvest is absorbed by the market. Because we believe that when farmers advance, their families advance, the region develops, and the benefits can be felt by more people,” Evi said.
During the East Java Social Forestry Jamboree 2026, MANU also participated in an exhibition showcasing various agricultural and agroforestry partnership programmes that the company has implemented. MANU’s presence was part of efforts to strengthen collaboration with farmer groups and forest farmer groups to create broader economic opportunities for communities around forest areas.
As part of the MEKAR Ecosystem, MANU supports real economic development through the agriculture and agroforestry sectors together with farmer groups and forest farmer groups in Jember Regency. By strengthening farmer partnerships, cultivation assistance, and harvest absorption, MANU is committed to creating real added value and long-term economic benefits for the community.
Previously, MANU had signed a cooperation agreement with the Yogyakarta Social Forestry Centre and the East Java Forestry Service to support the development of Social Forestry. MANU has also established cooperation with the University of Jember to strengthen human resource development and encourage the involvement of the younger generation in the agricultural sector.
Going forward, MANU will continue to expand partnerships with farmer groups and forest farmer groups through cultivation assistance, agricultural commodity development, facilitation of access to government programmes, and absorption of farmers’ produce as part of efforts to improve community welfare and strengthen the rural economy.
The East Java Social Forestry Jamboree 2026 carried the theme “Sustainable Forests, Prosperous Communities” and served as a collaborative space between government, universities, businesses, and communities to strengthen sustainable forest management while creating greater economic benefits for communities living around forest areas.