KPPL Maju Bersama: The First Women’s Group Involved in Social Forestry in Indonesia

Kerinci Seblat National Park (KSNP) plays a vital role in biodiversity conservation in Indonesia. Maintaining the sustainability of forests is crucial, as they serve as a key water source for the community, support livelihoods, and contribute significantly to people’s well-being by ensuring access to clean water and enhancing food security.

A woman wearing a yellow shirt, boots, and a traditional headscarf and hat sits on the forest ground, overlooking trees.

In Bengkulu province, a group of women living near the Kerinci Seblat Nasional Park (KNSP) formed KPPL Maju Bersama, Indonesia’s first women’s group involved in social forestry. Initially unaware of their forest management rights due to entrenched patriarchal values, the Foundation and local partner, LiVE Bengkulu, with funding from Google.org’s Impact Challenge for Women and Girls, facilitated capacity-building activities and supported efforts to obtain legal forest management rights.

A group of women sit on a platform structure with a roof. They are seated in a circle and the forest is behind them.

With funding from Google.org’s Impact Challenge for Women and Girls, The Asia Foundation’s Environmental Governance program works with local partner LivE Bengkulu to empower women and the local community in forest management and foster equality and economic development.

Through various training sessions, including participatory mapping with technology, GEDSI mainstreaming, and improving women-led small enterprises, KPPL Maju Bersama learned to utilize kecombrang (honje) and developed a small-scale business producing honje-based products like syrup, torch ginger crackers, fern crackers, and fern sticks.

Freshly made Peyek Kecombrang in a shallow strainer.

The members of KPPL Maju Bersama, the pioneers of this network, highlight women’s significant impact in addressing climate change, improving food security, and promoting sustainable forest management. Their dedication to environmental preservation and community welfare drives their collective efforts.

Learn more about their work.

Media Contact

Our development experts and staff in Asia, the Pacific, and the United States are available for media briefings and speaking engagements.

For assistance, please contact Global Communications:
Eelynn Sim, Director, Strategy and Programs
[email protected]

Featured Announcement

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolo.

Learn More

Skip Footer

Related News & Insights

  • Building Pathways for Young Women in STEM

  • Equipping Pakistan’s Next Generation of Women Tech Leaders 

  • Expanding Success of Public-Private Partnership to Address Childhood Stunting in Indonesia