The signing of the Berau District IAD Master Plan document by Bupati of Berau, Hj. Sri Juniarsih Mas, M.Pd., accompanied by representatives from KLHK, East Kalimantan Provincial Government, USAID SEGAR, and YKAN. Photo: USAID SEGAR

Tanjung Redeb - In advocating for responsible and cohesive forest management, USAID Sustainable Environmental Governance Across Regions (SEGAR) remains committed to collaborating with local governments, the private sector, and other development partners through various joint initiatives. In Berau District, East Kalimantan, USAID SEGAR, alongside the East Kalimantan Provincial Government, Berau District Government, and the Yayasan Konservasi Alam Nusantara (YKAN), have implemented and facilitated the signing of the Integrated Area Development (IAD) Master Plan Document on Wednesday (27/3) at the Office of the Berau District Planning, Research, and Development Agency (Bapelitbang).

According to Wiwin Effendy, USAID SEGAR East Kalimantan Site Manager, this signing signifies the culmination of the process of drafting the IAD master plan document, which previously involved various Focus Group Discussions (FGD) and workshops. Berau District Government, represented by Jaka Siswanto as the Expert Staff of Berau District in Finance and Human Resources, stressed the necessity of the IAD approach to foster harmonious forest management among relevant sectors, including the central government, provinces, districts, the private sector, universities, development partners, and communities. Additionally, Desmus Erysa, S.P., the Secretary of Berau District Bapelitbang, highlighted that the Berau IAD master plan is also integral to the Rural Based Social Forestry Development Plan in the Segah Landscape, Berau District.

The IAD Master Plan document was signed by the Bupati of Berau, Hj. Sri Juniarsih Mas, M.Pd., and subsequently handed over to Yussi Nadia, representing the Director General of PSKL, Ministry of Environment and Forestry. In her address, Bupati Sri Juniarsih expressed gratitude to all stakeholders for their ongoing efforts to support the Berau District Government in managing natural resources effectively while enhancing the local economy. She emphasized, "The preparation of this IAD master plan will serve as the initial step in expediting the development of social forestry, focusing on the District’s strengths." She added, "Several Regional Government Agencies (OPD) are dedicated to empowering villages to maximize these potentials and manage them optimally. We also aspire to collaborate with NGOs wherever feasible."

Following the signing ceremony, a discussion and Q&A session involving relevant OPD heads ensued. The Berau District IAD master plan document represents a significant milestone as the first in East Kalimantan and the third in Kalimantan, contributing to the realization of Berau District’s Vision and Mission.