The Hidden Treasure of Ibun Village Farmers

The social forestry program initiated by the government is expected to promote community welfare without ignoring nature conservation. This program indicates a positive trend, as is noticeable in Ibun village.

KOMPAS/SEKAR GANDHAWANGI

Farmers of Ibun Village, Ibun District, Bandung Regency, West Java show coffee and vegetable plants in the social forestry forest they manage, in Ibun Village, Friday (5/5/2023).

Since the people living around Mount Rakutak, West Java, were licensed to utilize a social forestry area in the forest originally managed by the Perum Perhutani state forestry company, their life has changed. The legal access granted by the government has become a gateway to the community’s empowerment to meet economic needs and improve the local environment.

The forest serving as the hidden treasure of the Ibun village community can only be accessed through a long and muddy route in the Kamojang zone. The track is narrow and sometimes covered by shrubs. The best way of crossing it is on foot or riding a motorcycle. The terrain looks like an off-road trail.