Melas Hutan: Cultivating Cultural Heritage
Amidst the serene beauty of Paser, East Kalimantan, the inhabitants of Swan Slutung village gather for a traditional event, enveloped by morning drizzle and lingering mist. Here, Indika Nature, a subsidiary of Indika Energy, is collaborating with the community to pioneer agroforestry initiatives. Through casual conversations, the name Telaga Mas Kalimantan (TMK) resonates among the villagers, reflecting Indika Nature’s commitment to a sustainable future through nature-based solutions.
“It is one of Indika Nature’s goals to create a sustainable future through nature-based solutions, ensuring the sustainability of this earth for the future generations of the nation,” says Leonardus Herwindo, Chief Executive Officer of Indika Nature. “From the beginning, we have always strived to ensure that every step and approach we take is correct and impactful.”
The Melas Hutan procession, executed with meticulous adherence to local traditions, embodies the principle of doing every step correctly. Led by the village’s customary chief, prayers are offered for blessings from the ancestors and the Creator, symbolizing respect for ancestral wisdom. As colorful rice is thrown skyward, blessings are reflected upon company representatives, demonstrating the integration of local customs into corporate practices.
The ceremony culminates in the slaughtering of a buffalo, preceded by prayers seeking permission from the ancestors. Melas Hutan transcends a mere ritual; it symbolizes respect for ancestors, preservation of local culture, and the embodiment of values such as collaboration, cooperation, tolerance, and social welfare. TMK actively involves the community, collaborating with village chiefs, customary elders, local government officials, youth organizations, social groups, and women’s associations.
The two-day event helps to foster mutual understanding and strengthen the bonds between the company and the community. Village officials and local authorities express optimism about TMK’s presence, envisioning synergistic activities to enhance community welfare through agroforestry. TMK, as a subsidiary of Indika Nature engaged in Environmental Services and Agroforestry & Non-Timber Forest Products, holds a natural forest concession permit through 2045, underscoring its commitment to environmental stewardship and community development for the long term.
