On April 12, 2022, a socialization event focusing on developing the potential of palm sugar commodity in Penyangga Village, Gunung Leuser National Park (TNGL), was successfully held. The event successfully invited representatives of palm sugar tappers from three different villages, namely Belinteng, Rumah Galuh, and Telagah, all located in Sei Bingai District, Langkat Regency.

The event also invited representatives from women’s groups, the Sei Bingai Sub-District Head, the Village Head, the Head of the National Park Management Section of Region V BBTNGL, as well as the Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) Office of Langkat Regency. Not to be missed, the Director of the Relung Indonesia Foundation was also present to provide support and guidance to all participants.

In a spirited atmosphere, participants from various layers of society gathered to discuss the steps to be taken for the development of palm sugar. In this discussion, various hopes, ideas, and recommendations were obtained from farmers, women’s groups, and various other attendees.

This activity aims to bridge the livelihood improvement of palm sugar producer farmers to remain economically relevant. By forming a solid and well-coordinated farmer group, it is hoped that the potential of the palm sugar commodity can be further optimized to improve the welfare of the community and maintain environmental sustainability.

This activity will continue to receive support and supervision from various relevant parties, including the Head of the National Park Management Section of Region V BBTNGL and the MSMEs Office of Langkat Regency. Through synergistic collaboration, it is hoped that this palm sugar farmer group development program can provide real and sustainable benefits to the TNGL buffer village community.

Contributor:

Meiardhy Mujianto