The West Kalimantan Provincial Forestry Service together with FORCLIME conducted a discussion on development of the non-timber forest product (NTFP) light-red meranti (tengkawang) on 16-17 July 2019 in Pontianak, West Kalimantan. The meeting aimed to consolidate and build a wider network to introduce products, share experiences in the production process and promote products that are produced by the community. There were 65 participants representing various agencies, including the government, private, academic and community representatives of several villages in Kapuas Hulu District (Mensiau, Labian, Labian Iraang, Nanga) and Sahan Village (Bengkayang Regency).

The exchange of information about the demand for tengkawang products, especially tengkawang butter, and the tengkawang butter trade mechanism were the main topics during the meeting. Participants were divided into three groups, each of which discussed: tengkawang protection policies, increased economic value through improved production processes and marketing of Tengkawang products and networks.

In addition, participants also agreed to accelerate the online non-timber forest product licensing services, as well as expanding the Tengkawang Network that was proposed to be defined through a governor's decree.

For further information, please contact:
Freds N Ronsumbre, intern student from Papua University.
Jumtani, Coordinator West Kalimantan Province