The ULM Faculty of Forestry together with the Indonesian Ministry of Environment and Forestry Run DMPG in South Kalimantan in the Context of Restoring the Peat Ecosystem

Banjarbaru – Vice Rector for Planning, Cooperation and Public Relations Dr. Ir. Yusuf Aziz, M.Sc., attended the Expose and Brainstorming agenda “Stakeholders Synergy (Academics, Government Institutions, Communities, Business World and Industry) in the Success of the 2023 South Kalimantan Provincial DMPG Program” on Monday (31/07/ 2023) located at the Rodhita Hotel Banjarbaru.

Present at the ULM Vice Rector IV Dr. Ir. Yusuf Azis, M.Sc, Environmental expert Prof. Dr. Ir. H. Gusti Muhammad Hatta, M.S., Dean of the Faculty of Forestry, representatives of the Minister of Environment and Forestry, Directorate of Peat Degradation Control, Directorate General of PPKL, KLHK, South Kalimantan Provincial Environmental Service and representatives from other relevant agencies.

This agenda was carried out in connection with the plan to implement the Peat Independent Village Care Program (DMPG) for the restoration of Peat Ecosystems in South Kalimantan Province in 2023. As is well known, the prevalence of forest and land fires (Karhutla) in South Kalimantan, some occurred on swampland, and some again on peat. This program will later be implemented in collaboration with the Ministry of Environment and Forestry (KLHK) by building a business or business so that people who live in peat areas get prosperity.

Dean of the Faculty of Forestry Dr. Kissinger, S.Hut., M.Sc., in his remarks also said that this program would have a good impact not only on the community and peat areas, but also on ULM Faculty of Forestry students. “We as a higher education institution can benefit from aspects of education, research and community service,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Head of Sub-Directorate for Peat Ecosystem Damage Control at the Ministry of Environment and Forestry, Fitri Harwati, said that this activity is routinely carried out every year. Fitri further explained that the program is carried out every three months, with various community activities, according to needs. “We will facilitate, then from ULM Fahutan who will provide assistance,” Dr. Kissinger added.

There are a total of seven villages in three districts in South Kalimantan implementing the program in 2023. With details of four villages in Tapin Regency, two in Hulu Sungai Utara and the remaining one in Hulu Sungai Tengah.