SUSTAINABLE EMPOWERMENT THROUGH PALM TREE

Apart from focusing on orangutan and habitat conservation, the Borneo Orangutan Survival Foundation (BOS Foundation) also collaborates with local communities to sustainably utilize natural resources and enhance their livelihoods. One example is the utilizing of aren trees planted along the boundaries of our rehabilitation centre in Samboja Lestari, East Kalimantan.

Benefits of the Aren Tree

The aren tree (Arenga pinnata Merr) is a valuable local commodity with many uses. Nearly every part of the aren tree can be utilized for various needs, from its trunk, leaves, and fibers to its sap, starch, and fruit. The tree’s fibers can be used to make brooms, roofing, and water filters, while its sap can be processed into palm sugar and other products.

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Besides its economic value, the aren tree also offers environmental conservation benefits. Its strong, fibrous roots can bind soil and retain groundwater, helping to prevent erosion and landslides. Moreover, it absorbs carbon dioxide through photosynthesis, indirectly contributing to greenhouse gas reduction.

Utilization of Aren Trees at Samboja Lestari

At the Samboja Lestari Rehabilitation Centre, the aren trees were initially planted as boundary markers for the rehabilitation area. This planting effort has been ongoing since 2001. A total area of 1,853 hectares, which was once dominated by grasslands, has been transformed into secondary forest with various local trees, including aren. Now, these trees are spread throughout the rehabilitation centre.

Recognizing the economic benefits of these trees, the Community Development Division has initiated partnerships with local residents to utilize the aren tree harvest. One such partner is Benyamin Peagor Sinaga, also known as Pak Ben, who has been a palm sap harvester for the past four years since returning to his hometown in North Sumatra. At the suggestion of a friend, Pak Ben joined this collaboration in March 2024 and has been actively involved for the past nine months.

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The 36-year-old manages 26 aren trees in the Samboja Lestari area, currently focusing on palm sap harvesting. Each day, Pak Ben visits the trees to check for sap, which can be collected twice daily. Typically, aren trees ready for harvesting are between five and seven years old. The sap flow is encouraged by gently shaking or tapping the base of the flower stalk, which speeds up the process.

However, sap collection is not without its challenges. Every day, Pak Ben must climb trees between seven to ten meters tall to collect the sap, often contending with squirrels and monkeys attracted to the fresh sap. The harvested sap sells for Rp 10,000.00 per liter, providing Pak Ben with enough income to support his family and even pay off debts. He expressed deep gratitude for the program, saying, “I hope programs like this will continue to help more local people around Samboja Lestari.” He is also eager to contribute to environmental conservation however he can.

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The BOS Foundation supports the welfare of farmers and local communities, helping them develop skills and knowledge in sustainable farming practices. In the future, programs that combine resource use with environmental awareness will allow us to sustainably benefit from natural resources without harming the surrounding ecosystems.