LABUHANBATU, August 5, 2026 – MJP – The cool early evening atmosphere in the Negeri Lama Seberang area witnessed the birth of a crucial strategy for the future of Social Forestry (PSKL) in Panai Tengah. On this Wednesday (Aug 5), the entire Board of Directors and Supervisory Board of the Koperasi Produsen Pangan Hulu Hilir Bersatu (Upstream-Downstream Food Producer Cooperative) held an informal meeting, dubbed a “Coffee Gathering,” to discuss critical preparations for the upcoming Technical Verification by the Ministry of Environment and Forestry (KLHK).
Amidst the aroma of coffee and a relaxed ambiance, Cooperative Chairman Ilyas Simatupang led an in-depth discussion on two main issues: the readiness of technical verification documents and the final strategy to engage residents who had not participated in the previous Humanist Dialogue.
Appointing Nurdin Rambe as the Frontliner
The most strategic point of the “coffee gathering” was the official appointment of Mr. Nurdin Rambe as the field coordinator for community engagement. Ilyas Simatupang assessed that a personal approach was essential to reach residents who were absent from the official invitations.
“In this casual conversation, we agreed that we must change our approach. We cannot just wait. Therefore, I have tasked Mr. Nurdin Rambe to lead the ‘door-to-door’ team. He will go directly to the hamlets, greet residents who were absent, and invite them to sit down together to complete their administration,” stated Ilyas.
Nurdin Rambe’s Mission: Inclusivity Without Coercion
The task entrusted to Nurdin Rambe is not merely about collecting signatures, but about building trust. His primary focus includes:
- Door-to-Door Socialization: Explaining the benefits of PSKL legal status and Carbon Economic Value (NEK) directly at residents’ homes.
- Land Validation: Ensuring that the land boundaries managed by residents match the maps submitted to KLHK.
- Moratorium Commitment: Educating residents that joining the cooperative means agreeing to stop opening new land to maintain the legal status of the area.
“Nurdin has an emotional closeness with the local residents. We are confident that his gentle yet firm approach will be able to convince those who are still hesitant,” added Ilyas.
Readiness to Face the Verification Team
Beyond social aspects, the coffee meeting also dissected the physical readiness of the 2,460-hectare land area. The Cooperative Supervisors emphasized the importance of data transparency and tangible evidence of post-fire land rehabilitation.
“The KLHK verification team will look at facts on the ground. Is there really a change in behavior? Have paludiculture plants started to grow? Today’s discussion ensures that we are all on the same page and moving in unison, from the management to the field team led by Nurdin,” explained one of the Supervisory Board members.
From a Cup of Coffee to National Legality
This unique step by the Koperasi Produsen Pangan Hulu Hilir Bersatu shows that effective leadership does not always have to take place in closed boardrooms. Through the “Coffee Gathering” in Negeri Lama Seberang, the cooperative leaders found solutions that were more grounded and applicable.
With the appointment of Nurdin Rambe as the head of the engagement team, the Cooperative is optimistic about achieving 100% inclusivity targets before the KLHK verification team arrives. A small step starting from a cup of coffee that has the potential to bring a significant impact to the sustainability of peatlands and the welfare of Panai Tengah residents.
Source: Cooperative Public Relations
MJP Team
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