Forest and land fires (karhutla) remain a pressing environmental challenge, drawing serious attention from various stakeholders, including the government, businesses, and communities. The Indonesian government has implemented strategic measures to mitigate forest fires through sustainable forest management policies, satellite-based fire monitoring, and community empowerment programs. Support from multiple sectors, including businesses, plays a crucial role in strengthening these prevention efforts.
As part of its commitment to supporting the government’s forest fire mitigation and sustainable forest management initiatives, APP Group launched the Desa Makmur Peduli Alam (DMPA) program in 2015. This program aims to help rural communities manage land productively without burning while simultaneously improving economic well-being through agriculture, livestock farming, fisheries, and the development of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs).
By collaborating with various stakeholders, DMPA aligns with the government’s efforts to build an inclusive green economy. This program not only helps reduce the risk of forest fires but also creates broader economic opportunities for rural communities, ensuring a balance between environmental conservation and economic empowerment.
How Does the DMPA Program Work?
DMPA is designed as a long-term solution to reduce the risk of forest fires through a community-based approach. The program provides various forms of assistance and support to rural communities near forest areas, including:
• Training, Mentorship, and Technology Transfer
Communities receive training on sustainable, non-burning agricultural techniques and technology utilization to improve land productivity.
• Livelihood Diversification
Beyond farming, communities are encouraged to develop alternative businesses such as livestock farming, fisheries, and handicrafts. These initiatives provide additional income sources and reduce dependency on high-risk agricultural practices.
• Market Access Support
Products from participating villages are marketed through various channels, including partnerships with industries and digital platforms. This approach helps local MSMEs scale up and enhance their competitiveness in broader markets.
As of today, the DMPA program has been implemented in 460 villages, benefiting more than 88,945 individuals across various APP Group operational areas.
Positive Impact: Environmental Protection & Community Prosperity
The success of the DMPA program is measured not only by the number of villages or individuals benefiting from it but also by its tangible impacts, such as:
• Reduced Forest Fire Risks
By promoting environmentally friendly agricultural practices, the program helps curb land-burning practices that could trigger forest fires.
• Increased Community Income
Business diversification and improved market access enable rural communities to achieve more stable and sustainable earnings.
• Enhanced Local Economic Resilience
Through DMPA, communities acquire new skills and business opportunities, making them more self-sufficient in managing available resources.
DMPA also contributes to achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly in the areas of food security, poverty alleviation, and climate action.
Recognizing APP Group’s Commitment through DMPA
In recognition of its positive impact, the DMPA program has received multiple national and international awards, including:
1. Bisnis Indonesia Corporate Social Responsibility Award (BISRA) 2024
APP Group, along with four business units and four supplier partners, received recognition for its commitment to community empowerment through DMPA.
2. ProKlim (Climate Village Program) from the Ministry of Environment and Forestry – Kampung Lestari Award 2023
By 2023, APP Group-assisted villages had received the Kampung Iklim Utama Award (44 villages) and Kampung Iklim Madya & Pratama Awards (170 villages) for their active role in climate change mitigation.
3. Top CSR Award 2024
Acknowledging APP Group’s commitment to sustainability in its CSR programs, including DMPA, in supporting communities and environmental conservation.
APP Group believes that sustainability is not just about environmental conservation but also about creating a balance between ecology and economy. Through the DMPA program, APP Group is committed to supporting the government’s vision of building an inclusive and sustainable green economy.