In Commemorating the 76th Anniversary of Indonesia's Independence, PT Indo Tambangraya Megah Tbk (ITM) is Ready to Rehabilitate Watersheds in Menoreh and the Super-Priority Destination of Borobudur
The Watershed Rehabilitation Program was initiated in the hilly region of Menoreh, Yogyakarta Special Region, which the Government has designated as a super-priority tourism destination. PT Indo Tambangraya Megah Tbk (ITM), through its subsidiary PT Bharinto Ekatama (BEK), is playing a significant role in this national endeavor.
The Watershed Rehabilitation Program has been ongoing since 2017, and ITM is a company that has achieved success in reforestation activities in the watershed areas. It has handed over 14,443 hectares of watershed rehabilitation land to the Ministry of Environment and Forestry, marking one of the largest achievements in Indonesia.
The watershed rehabilitation area to be managed by ITM in the Menoreh Hills region covers several blocks with a total area of 250 hectares. The concept of the Menoreh-Borobudur Watershed Rehabilitation is community-based agroforestry empowerment. Therefore, the main actors and stakeholders in this program are the local communities organized into Forest Farmer Groups.
Several forest farmer groups have expressed enthusiasm and hope for this program. As mentioned by Djumadi, the chairman of the United Farmers Group of Majaksingi Village, Borobudur District, the planting activities supported by ITM are eagerly anticipated by the community.
"This is a blessing for us, as we will be able to plant productive crops of high quality," said the retired elementary school teacher.
ITM held meetings with farmer groups in Giripurwo Village, Purwosari, Kebonharjo, and Ngargosari in Kulon Progo Regency and Majaksingi in Magelang Regency. These meetings are crucial because the Menoreh Watershed Rehabilitation is an effort to enhance the forest's function as a support for water and soil resilience and the sustainable livelihoods of the community.
Mr. Murni, Field Forestry Extension Officer in Samigaluh District, Kulon Progo Regency, expressed his enthusiasm for accompanying the community in making this program a success. Riding his trail motorcycle through hilly and sometimes steep roads, he pointed out the planned planting locations supported by BEK.
"We hope that the tree planting program supported by PT Bharinto Ekatama will be connected and yield tangible results for the community," he said enthusiastically.
The commitment to support the Menoreh Watershed Rehabilitation was emphasized by ITM's CEO, Mr. Mulianto. He made these remarks while attending an event to report on the progress of the Menoreh-Borobudur Watershed Rehabilitation preparations on Tuesday, October 12, at the Ministry of Environment and Forestry.
"We are proud to be a part of this national effort because it aligns with the principles of ESG (Environment, Social, and Governance) that are relevant to the Company's strategy," Mr. Mulianto emphasized.
Furthermore, Mr. Mulianto stated that ITM supports this program as part of the Company's commitment to implementing its vision as a sustainability-focused corporation.
On this occasion, the Minister of Environment and Forestry, Siti Nurbaya Bakar, expressed her appreciation and encouragement for this program to be realized and beneficial for land and water conservation, tourism, and, most importantly, the sustainability of the community's livelihoods.
The Menoreh-Borobudur Watershed Rehabilitation Program is just beginning its journey. The realization of this concept will continue for the next three to four years. With the energy and enthusiasm demonstrated by the farmer groups and tireless field extension officers, we are optimistic that we can achieve our aspirations to increase the economic productivity of the region and ensure sustainability for future generations.
