Newsletter; September 2026

THE GREEN COLUMN

The Devotion of PPBML Jambi Smallholders to the Lubuk Larangan River Ecosystem

There is a continuing story from the Perkumpulan Petani Berkah Mandah Lestari (PPBML) located in West Tanjung Jabung, Jambi. This smallholders groups continues to launch the Lubuk Larangan program, a river conservation effort in the midst of palm oil plantations. This association is adding one Lubuk Larangan conservation area after previously supporting 3 Lubuk Larangan areas in the West Tanjung Jabung region, indicating that this association continues to expand the impact of sustainable palm oil certification. 

Smallholders Group in West Tanjung Jabung Regency, Jambi, have shouldered a much nobler responsibility than just pursuing the productivity of fresh fruit bunches from their palm oil plantations. However, they are also maintaining the harmony of nature to keep it sustainable and deliver an impact for the future of the residents. Especially for smallholder who have obtained certificates, maintaining and preserving High Conservation Value Areas is no longer merely a recommendation, but an obligation. 

An inspiring step comes once again from Perkumpulan Petani Berkah Mandah Lestari (PPBML), smallholder group based in Taman Raja Village, Tungkal Ulu Subdistrict. They are now directing their care towards the “Lubuk Larangan” ecosystem in Lubuk Bernai Village, Batang Asam Subdistrict.  This initiative is a concrete effort to maintain the sustainability of the river ecosystem, restore fish populations, and simultaneously ensure the food security of the village community. 

PPBML Group Manager Adriansyah emphasized that this local wisdom has a very deep meaning. He believes that the function of Lubuk Larangan goes far beyond just being a fish breeding ground.  “Lubuk Larangan is not only for protecting the fish, but also for maintaining the sustainability of the river so that it remains clean, healthy, and provides benefits for generations to come,” Adriansyah stated. 

The river, he added, is the lifeblood whose existence must be safeguarded collectively by all elements of society. Real Contribution and Future Hopes. PPBML’s concern does not stop at mere words. This group disbursed assistance funds amounting to Rp 10 million specifically for river conservation in the Bernai Lubuk Larangan area. 

This step completes their dedication, having previously supported the existence of three other Lubuk Larangan in Jambi Province, namely: Lubuk Larangan in Sungai Rotan Village, Renah Mendaluh Subdistrict; Lubuk Larangan in Tanjung Paku Village, Merlung Subdistrict; and Lubuk Larangan in Lubuk Lawas Village, Batang Asam Subdistrict. 

Located right in the stream of the Asam River that crosses Tanjung Bojo Village, Lubuk Lawas, to Lubuk Bernai, this area is projected to become a resilient conservation area. It is hoped that this area will be able to restore the quality of the river environment and multiply the freshwater fish population.  As a manifestation of the inauguration as well as a real commitment, residents along with local government ranks, community leaders, and village officials conducted a symbolic fish seed release action. A total of 1,000 tilapia fish seeds and 2,000 gourami fish were released into the waters of the Lubuk Larangan. Now, high hopes flow with the current of the Asam River. 

Through the wisdom of Lubuk Larangan, slowly but surely, the collective awareness of the community is beginning to grow to protect the river from the threat of pollution. Later, these fish will not only breed naturally and boost the residents’ economy, but also pass down a clean and healthy environment for children and grandchildren in the future, which is certainly in line with the good practices of smallholders.

Newsletter July 2025
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