Aiming to achieve independent forest management unit (KPH Mandiri), the East Kalimantan Forestry Service conducted a focus group discussion on utilizing the rehabilitation fund (Dana Bagi Hasil Dana Reboisasi – DBH DR) on 5 – 7 March 2020 in Balikpapan. As regulated on the Law No. 12/2018 about the state budget 2019, forest management units now can obtain the rehabilitation fund to support their activities. Over 100 persons participated on the event. They represented the Ministry of Environment and Forestry, the Ministry of Home Affairs, the Ministry of Finance, the East Kalimantan government agencies (Bappeda, Regional Financial and Asset Management - BPKAD); Forest Management Units in East Kalimantan; as well as the Forestry Services of West, North and Central Kalimantan.

The event divided into three days, on day one, involving all FMUs discussing the potential commodities and business activities in each FMU that can be supported by the rehabilitation fund. During the second day, the discussion involved the Ministry of Environment and Forestry, the Ministry of Finance as well as the Ministry of Home Affairs, which focused on how the forest management unit should accelerate the spending of DBH DR through establishing and operating the FMU’s business. On last day, each FMU shared its business plan that will be submitted to get support from the DBH DR fund. Additionally, they agreed on timeline for developing business plan in each FMU.

During the session, the Head of Forestry Service of East Kalimantan Province shared the discussion session to the chat group, which the Minister for Environment and Forestry is one of the members. The Minister, Siti Nurbaya, replied: “It is a good programme, other regions should also have initiatives such as East Kalimantan province”.

Following up the workshop, the FMUs will prepare a proposal of business and activities to get funding support from the rehabilitation fund (DBH-DR).

For more information, please contact:
Arif Data Kusuma, Coordinator East Kalimantan Province