Go Conserve, Go Connect, Go Restore: A Journey to Simpur Village with Hirai
I, Dody Jhonatan Wilfiez Sianturi, had the privilege of joining Hirai as a field volunteer in 2024. My first assignment took me to the heart of Central Kalimantan, to Simpur Village in the Jabiren District of Pulang Pisau Regency. On Monday, June 10th, along with Hirai co-founders Eka and Yun, we embarked on a journey from Palangka Raya City. After a 2 hour and 20 minute drive, followed by a short boat ride, we arrived in Simpur Village.
The warm welcome we received from the Simpur Village community set the tone for a productive visit. We engaged in discussions about Community Forestry (HKM), gaining valuable insights into the village’s rich natural resources – peatlands, forests, and rivers. These resources hold immense potential for economic activities like agriculture, fisheries, and forestry. The community’s resilience and friendliness also stood out as valuable assets for village development.
Following the discussion, we were invited to explore the Simpur Village Community Forest (HKM) by boat. Spanning approximately 1,500 hectares, this forest is a testament to the community’s commitment to sustainable management. We were captivated by the diverse peat forests and keruing forests within the HKM, a vital resource protected under the Decree of the Minister of Forestry.
As our visit drew to a close, we bid farewell to the Simpur Village community, carrying with us a deeper understanding of their connection to the land and their dedication to its conservation. This experience reinforced Hirai’s mission to conserve, connect, and restore, and I’m proud to have played a small part in this important work.