InfoSAWIT, ACEH SINGKIL — A collaboration between Apical, Inisiatif Dagang Hijau (IDH) and Yayasan Ekosistem Lestari (YEL) has recorded progress in improving smallholder livelihoods and protecting ecosystems in Aceh Singkil, Aceh, through the Sustainable Living Village (SLV) programme, which began in February 2023.
The initiative combines independent oil palm smallholder support, alternative livelihood development, ecosystem restoration and improved landscape governance, aiming to increase incomes without expanding plantations into forest areas.
“Improving smallholders’ welfare must go hand in hand with environmental protection,” Apical Corporate Social Responsibility Manager Sugiantoro said in a statement received by InfoSAWIT on Thursday, October 22, 2026.
The programme operates in four villages in Danau Paris District: Biskang, Sikoran, Napagaluh and Situban Makmur.
As of October 2026, 1,048 independent smallholders had received training in Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) and Best Management Practices (BMP). The programme also facilitated the issuance of 930 cultivation registration certificates, known as STDB, to strengthen plantation administration and improve access to government support.
It additionally supported the establishment of two cooperatives and one farmer group, while helping smallholders prepare for Indonesian Sustainable Palm Oil (ISPO) and Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) certification.
IDH Country Director Nassat Idris said stronger farmer capacity and properly documented land status could improve productivity and supply-chain traceability.
Alternative Income and Ecosystem Protection
To diversify household income, the programme introduced Trigona stingless-bee honey production, involving 61 farmers across six supported groups. Participants received 250 beehive units, creating an additional livelihood opportunity without requiring new land clearing.
On the environmental front, activities include vegetation restoration, research and ecosystem monitoring, including efforts to safeguard the ecological functions of the Rawa Singkil Wildlife Reserve landscape.
YEL Project Leader Iwan Ikhtiara said science-based landscape management was essential to balancing community development with biodiversity conservation.
The programme also supports regional sustainable palm oil action plans, local deforestation monitoring and multi-stakeholder natural resource governance.
Aceh Singkil Regent Safriadi Oyon said the initiative demonstrated that community empowerment and environmental protection could advance together.
The SLV programme forms part of Apical2030, which includes a commitment to support 30 Sustainable Living Villages by 2030 and conserve 150,000 hectares of forest and peatland.
The partners are also discussing ways to sustain the programme’s benefits beyond its current implementation period. (T2)
