Jl. Pendidikan Gg. Sui Kuali No. 7 Putussibau, Kalimantan Barat 78753 Indonesia
Our Projects
2021- Yayasan Merangat's Role in Combating Violence Against Women Around Palm Oil Plantations
Kapuas Hulu Regency is one of the regencies in West Kalimantan Province. It has 23 sub-districts, each with various potentials that can drive the local economy. According to data from BPS Kapuas Hulu in 2019, the agriculture, forestry, and fisheries sectors are major contributors to the economy, particularly in the plantation subsector. The primary products in this subsector are palm oil and rubber. Consequently, most of the population in Kapuas Hulu works in this sector.
However, the plantation sector, especially palm oil plantations, is predominantly controlled by private companies. It is well-known that the expansion of palm oil companies in Kapuas Hulu impacts the local economy and community well-being. The presence of these companies often leads people to prefer working for them rather than on their own land. Despite the natural potential that still exists, low education and economic levels push people toward working as laborers in these companies. This situation increases the risk of violations within the company environment. There is a growing amount of news about violence occurring in the workplace, particularly against women. Lack of knowledge not only raises the potential for violence but also increases vulnerability to labor and human rights violations in the workplace.
Therefore, Yayasan Merangat, with its focus on social issues, aims to raise local awareness about the importance of understanding regulations and adapting to knowledge. Yayasan Merangat recognizes that the people in Kapuas Hulu, especially those in remote villages, need to receive knowledge transfer regarding regulations and laws such as labor rights and human rights through both formal and informal education. Besides providing information, Yayasan Merangat also aims to prevent cases of violence against women and other violations by enhancing skills, such as through the establishment of traditional schools. The goal of these schools is to encourage the community to become more knowledgeable and adapt to advancing changes without losing their cultural identity.
Yayasan Merangat believes that increasing skills, which are inherent in the community’s culture, can lead to economic independence. For example, traditional foods, plants, medicinal remedies, or other potential resources can be developed into new business opportunities tailored to each village’s potential. This approach could reduce the risk of violence and other violations by providing alternative livelihoods that rely on local resources rather than depending on employment in companies.
In addition to combating violence against women, Yayasan Merangat can also act as a mediator between victims and the government, offering support and rehabilitation services. Yayasan Merangat is confident that preventing violence against women (and all workers) in the workplace can be achieved through cooperation with companies, similar to the approach used by Yayasan Penabulu in the RESBOUND project, which involved multi-stakeholder collaboration.
2022 - BRIN and Yayasan Merangat Collaboration in Ecotourism Development and Resource Management in Kapuas Hulu
Dusun Pelaik and Dusun Meliau, located in Desa Melemba, Batang Lupar District, Kapuas Hulu Regency, are areas rich in biodiversity with significant potential for ecotourism development. This article reports on the activities conducted by the BRIN (National Research and Innovation Agency) team in collaboration with Yayasan Merangat, aimed at managing and utilizing natural resources sustainably.
**Initial Activities: Coordination and Area Introduction**
On the first day, the team began their journey from Putussibau to Lanjak by land vehicle, taking approximately 2.5 hours. Upon arrival in Lanjak, the team coordinated with the Taman Nasional Danau Sentarum authorities and submitted the SIMAKSI (Permit for Entering Conservation Areas). After lunch, the team continued to Desa Melemba via speed boat for a 2-hour trip. In Desa Melemba, the team met with the village head to explain the purpose and objectives of the activity. Evening activities included discussions and primary data collection regarding traditional medicinal plants and rare species.
**Exploring Bukit Peninjau**
The second day commenced with a trip to Bukit Peninjau, an area protected by local adat (customary) law and part of the Taman Nasional Danau Sentarum. Traveling by long boat for approximately 45 minutes through small rivers and lakes, the team collected samples of medicinal and rare plants in this ecotourism zone. After lunch, the team returned to Meliau for the night.
**Visit to Dusun Sungai Pelaik**
On the third day, the team traveled to Dusun Sungai Pelaik by speed boat, followed by a 30-minute walk to Rumah Betang Panjang. Here, the team again explained their activities to the head of the dusun. Data collection continued throughout the day to explore the potential of natural resources in this area.
**Data Collection in Sungai Pelaik**
The fourth day focused on further data collection in Dusun Sungai Pelaik. This involved observing and recording data on local flora and fauna and assessing the potential uses of natural resources.
**Exploring Pulau Sepandan and Returning to Putussibau**
On the final day, the team visited Pulau Sepandan, a small island in the middle of Danau Sentarum managed by the National Park. The island offered various plant species that could complement the existing data. After exploring Pulau Sepandan, the team traveled back to Lanjak and Putussibau, marking the end of the program.
Yayasan Merangat is proud of the opportunity to collaborate with BRIN on this project. This partnership is a significant step towards preserving biodiversity and developing the local economy in Kapuas Hulu. Through this project, it is hoped that natural resource management can be approached sustainably, benefiting the local communities and preserving natural wealth for future generations.
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