The Government of Indonesia, through the Ministry of Forestry, ensures that production forest utilization is carried out sustainably by holders of Forest Utilization Business Licenses (PBPH) for Natural Forests through the Multi-Forest Business (MUK) scheme. MUK is a concept for the sustainable management of forests that integrates the utilization of timber and non-timber forest products (NTFPs), as well as environmental services such as ecotourism and carbon, within a single concession area.
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Recognizing that many PBPH Natural Forest (PBPH-HA) companies have limited experience implementing MUK, YKAN initiated collaborative efforts across landscapes. Through the Bentala Kalimantan initiative, YKAN strengthens cooperation among PBPH-HA license holders, supports the utilization of non-timber forest products, conserves biodiversity, and improves community well-being.
After about one year of building a joint commitment, a milestone was reached on 10 February 2026. Six PBPH-HA companies in East Kalimantan—PT. Gunung Gajah Abadi, PT. Karya Lestari, PT. Utama Damai Indah Timber, PT. Aditya Kirana Makmur, PT. Wana Bakti Persada Utama, and PT. Amindo Wana Persada, together with YKAN, declared their commitment to strengthening sustainable forest management through MUK in the Wehea–Kelay landscape. This commitment was marked by the signing of a cooperation agreement. The event was witnessed by East Kalimantan Environmental Agency Head Joko Istanto, who also serves as Chair of the Wehea–Kelay Landscape Forum, Prof. Dr. Irawan Wijaya Kusuma, Dean of the Faculty of Forestry and Tropical Environment at Mulawarman University, and Dr. Ir. H. Soewarso, M.Si, IPU, Chair of the Indonesian Forest Entrepreneurs Association.
The Wehea–Kelay Landscape covers about 2% or 532,143 hectares of Kalimantan’s total forest area. Located along the border between Kutai Timur and Berau Regencies, East Kalimantan Province, the area is rich in biodiversity.
During the event, Joko Istanto welcomed the agreement, stating that this milestone is crucial for reducing deforestation, improving disaster mitigation, and ensuring the sustainability of biodiversity in one of East Kalimantan’s most important natural forest landscapes.
This event brings a ray of new hope. The forest resources of East Kalimantan are under global attention—not only for their biodiversity but also for their role in global climate change. Sustainable management that ensures conservation principles and benefits for local communities is essential and must be safeguarded together.
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