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Merauke, August 27, 2024 – PT Bio Inti Agrindo (PT BIA), in collaboration with the Natural Resources Conservation Center (BBKSDA) of Papua and the Merauke Regional Government, successfully held the 3rd Public Consultation for the Environmental Conservation and Community Development Program (ECCDP) at the Swissbel Hotel in Merauke. The project focuses on the Lake Bian Wildlife Reserve (Bian Project).

The event aimed to strengthen the joint commitment to preserving the nature reserve area and promote sustainable community development in Merauke. The public consultation was attended by various stakeholders, including the Regional Government, BBKSDA, DLHKP, BKKBN, local NGOs, academics from Musamus University and Cendrawasih University, nearby palm oil companies, local communities, suppliers, buyers, village-owned enterprises (BUMK) administrators, and the board of directors and staff of PT BIA, totaling 95 participants.

The Merauke Regional Government reaffirmed its commitment to supporting this strategic partnership program. Ir. Justina Sianturi, M.Si, representing the Regent of Merauke, stated in her speech, “PT BIA has actively contributed to the sustainable development of Merauke Regency.”

In his remarks, the President Director of PT BIA, Mr. Kim Won Il, emphasized that the collaboration among various parties aims to ensure that the natural beauty, biodiversity, and culture can be enjoyed by future generations. The company also promotes economic independence through economic assistance to surrounding villages. He expressed hope for good cooperation between the government, the community, and the private sector.

Mr. Yulius Palita, S.Hut.T, representing the Head of BBKSDA Papua, stated that the community is no longer an object but a subject of development. This means that the active participation of the community in sustainable management of the conservation area is one of the keys to successful area management.

2023-2024 Work Results
The public consultation produced various recommendations to be used as a basis for developing the Bian Project in the coming year. One significant outcome was the need to create a village regulation (perkam) to manage existing resources and preserve the area.

Mr. Y. Agung Widya, S.Hut., M.Si, presented the outcomes of the collaboration with PT BIA, including:

1. Institutional strengthening through early warning system training and biodiversity modeling.
2. Area protection, including providing fire prevention facilities and equipment, and forming the Fire Care Community (MPA) and Forest Ranger Partners (MMP) in eight villages within and around the area. Baseline biodiversity studies and inventory of migratory birds.
3. Empowerment of village communities.

Mr. Resit Sozer, M.Sc, PT BIA's Program Manager, presented the progress of alternative sustainable livelihoods in the villages, including support for Virgin Coconut Oil (VCO) production, home gardening, and intensive assistance from village coordinators. The community is also provided with capacity building in business management, simple bookkeeping, and guidance in establishing Village-Owned Enterprises (BUMK) to receive and market products made by the community.

On this occasion, Dr. Mahatma Windrawan also shared information about the international standards implemented by PT BIA to ensure that the palm oil produced does not harm nature and benefits the community.

Prof. Mirza Kusrini, Co-Chair of IUCN SSC id-ssg, also explained the role of IUCN in conservation in Indonesia. He hopes that the biodiversity studies conducted in the Bian Wildlife Reserve will add to the richness of biodiversity or improve the status of species in Papua.

The event continued with a Focus Group Discussion (FGD) divided into four groups:

1. Conservation management of the Bian Wildlife Reserve.
2. Biodiversity Conservation: Flora & Fauna.
3. Community-based Social Conservation.
4. Sustainable Economy.

The next planned activities include routine patrols with the community to anticipate the dry season, the release of confiscated wildlife, and other social conservation and economic activities in the villages.