Embracing Sustainability in East Kutai: A Journey into Nature and Community
We recently had the opportunity to participate in an inspiring four-day visit to East Kutai, Kalimantan, where we explored the progress of the Sustainable Landscape Initiative (SUSTAIN KUTIM). This collaborative effort, involving the East Kutai Regional Planning Agency, GIZ, Proforest, and industry leaders like Barry Callebaut and PepsiCo, aims to transform agricultural practices while preserving the region’s rich biodiversity.
If you've ever wandered through the lush forests of Indonesia or trekked its breathtaking hills, you might be interested in how these beautiful landscapes are being preserved while supporting local communities. In May 2025, a group of representatives from various organizations, including the East Kutai Regional Planning Agency and global companies like PepsiCo and Barry Callebaut, embarked on a four-day adventure in East Kutai, East Kalimantan. Their mission? To dive into the heart of the Sustainable Landscape Initiative known as SUSTAIN KUTIM.
Imagine exploring a region where the commitment to sustainable agriculture isn't just a buzzword, but a way of life. Launched in 2023, SUSTAIN KUTIM is all about transforming East Kutai into a haven for responsible farming, particularly focusing on palm oil production. This initiative brings together local governments, communities, and businesses to ensure that the area's rich biodiversity thrives alongside agricultural development.
The first steps: meeting the community and witnessing the nature they protect
The journey kicked off with heartfelt discussions in Miau Baru village, one of five key areas dedicated to preserving the surrounding High Conservation Value forests. Here, villagers shared their stories, hopes, and insights about balancing their agricultural practices with the preservation of their natural surroundings.
So, whether you’ve hiked through Indonesia’s pristine forests or simply appreciate the beauty of nature, the efforts in East Kutai are a testament to how sustainable practices can create a harmonious relationship between people and the environment. It's not just about farming; it's about nurturing the land for future generations while enjoying the great outdoors.
“We are forest people. When we found out that the forest is depleting, we agreed to protect the forest. We realised that this is not only our problem, but also to everyone else around the world. That is why we need help and support from all parties to protect our forest” said Amai Martin, one of the Dayak elders from Miau Baru village.
From commitment to collaborative action: the SUSTAIN KUTIM Landscape Project
Jessica Wettstein, Forest and Climate Programme Manager - Ingredients at Barry Callebaut said the community’s openness and willingness to work with external parties towards forest conservation reaffirms the company’s commitment to supporting landscape programmes such as SUSTAIN KUTIM.
“Hearing firsthand from members of the Miau Baru community about the importance they place on protecting the forests and the challenges they face was deeply insightful. Visiting the forest itself added another layer of perspective, making it a truly unique opportunity to grasp the significance of the SUSTAIN KUTIM Landscape Project” she said.
Following the dialogue, participants trekked along Mejang River, one of the few remaining unpolluted rivers closest to Miau Baru village. The surrounding forest showcased the area’s rich biodiversity. Medicinal herbs, such as the Bajakah, can be found in this forest and are said to help relieve muscle soreness.
Djaka Riksanto, sustainable agriculture senior analyst from PepsiCo highlighted the need for continued collaboration: “The efforts to conserve the forest and implement sustainable agricultural practices need the support of all relevant stakeholders, including the government and partners in the existing collaboration."
The final steps: mastering challenges through mutual support
The following day, participants visited a smallholder palm oil plantation at Tepian Baru village where SUSTAIN KUTIM assisted nine RSPO Independent Smallholder (ISH) certified groups to achieve RSPO certification. Representatives from the smallholder cooperatives shared their challenges ranging from forming certified groups and lack of support for administrative tasks. To address this, ISH are exploring new markets for their palm oil to fund initiatives in education, conservation, and cooperative development.
To conclude the visit, the delegation had an engagement dialogue with the local government representatives on the future of sustainable landscape in East Kutai. Drs Poniso Suryo Renggono, the Assistant District Head of Governance and Public Welfare of East Kutai reaffirmed its commitment to supporting initiatives to promote community prosperity and livelihoods.
Sustain Kutim has received funding from the Switzerland State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO), the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), PepsiCo, Nestlé, McDonalds, and Barry Callebaut to support government programmes and private sector engagement.