On 25 January 2024, at the Office of the Governor of Bengkulu Province, a Partnership and Social Forestry Programme Support Agreement was signed between social forestry groups in Seluma Regency with Anglo-Eastern Plantations Management Indonesia (AEPMI) through Earthqualizer Foundation as a facilitator and the Bengkulu Provincial Forestry Environment Agency.

For Earthqualizer, the role of social forestry assistance holds significant importance for village communities, enabling every segment, including vulnerable communities, to sustainably manage forests. In addition, social forestry is also expected to provide real participation in the environmental, economic, and social interests of local communities, including alleviating poverty among those residing near the forest. 

The endorsement of social forestry management programs by industries, including the palm oil sector represented by AEPMI, signifies a commitment toward fostering collaboration and development alongside communities. This program is a corrective step that can transform the palm oil industry, which in the past has ignored regulations and cleared forests, into a more sustainable industry. The program balances the dimensions of protection, utilization, and socio-economic enhancement in one social forestry partnership package. In its implementation, the program also requires harmonization from various parties, such as the central, regional, and village governments. Furthermore, local communities are anticipated to serve as primary actors and strategic partners in supporting and spearheading recovery efforts under the social forestry scheme.

Following discussions with the Seluma Protected Forest Management Unit (KPHL), six Social Forestry Permits have been granted in Seluma District under the HKm scheme, covering a total area of 3,078 hectares. Among these permits, Sinar Pagi Village, spanning an area of 915 hectares, is one of the six villages that have been issued permits. Sinar Pagi Village is a village that signed a collaboration with AEPMI and will be assisted by the Earthqualizer Foundation.

According to the Planning Section Head of KPHL Seluma, assistance after the issuance of the legalization permit has not been optimally implemented thus far. This is primarily attributed to the limited resources and challenges associated with accessing the location. Earthqualizer is dedicated to assisting not solely until the issuance of legalization, but more crucially, in post-permit support. The forest management permit should also strive to enhance the products currently being managed, such as coffee.

The mission of the Earthqualizer Foundation extends globally, regionally, and nationally to foster dialogue with industries regarding recovery obligations and to pledge towards achieving more sustainable development objectives at the site or village level. Earthqualizer aims to promote economic, social, and environmental justice in a tangible and accountable manner. To do so, Earthqualizer will continue to harmonize with governments, NGOs, donors, and companies to create sustainable and people-centered solutions to landscape management problems.