PT Perkebunan Nusantara (PTPN) and Perum Perhutani pledged collaboration with Jember Regency government to tackle extreme poverty around plantations and forests. The commitment came during a discussion at Universitas Jember on April 13, 2026. Regent Muhammad Fawait called for synergy among all stakeholders.
A discussion titled “Potret Kemiskinan Ekstrem di Lahan Negara, Siapa Bertanggung Jawab?” took place at Universitas Jember on Monday, April 13, 2026. Jember Regent Muhammad Fawait, known as Gus Fawait, stressed that extreme poverty in Jember—including 22,043 people or 5,325 families in plantation areas as of December 2025—cannot be addressed solely with the regency's budget.
“Kemiskinan di Jember tidak mungkin bisa diatasi hanya dengan APBD Jember. Kita harus berkolaborasi,” Gus Fawait said. He urged PTPN to ensure fair wages for plantation workers and Perhutani to provide access to social forestry on 36,000 hectares of forest land.
Benny Hendricrianto, Coordinator Manager of Jember Plantation Area PTPN I Regional 5, affirmed PTPN's readiness to collaborate. PTPN has implemented programs such as home renovations for the poor, affordable markets, stunting efforts, and environmental social responsibility initiatives worth Rp28 billion for 2,800 cattle breeders at 3% interest via Himbara banks. PTPN also operates joint operation schemes for sugarcane in Kebun Mumbul and corn for food security.
Wawan Tri Wibowo, Head of Perum Perhutani East Java, promised to oversee social forestry programs for proper targeting, including guidance for residents. “Perhutani siap terbuka, siap memberikan akses, mendukung program Pak Bupati,” he said. Gus Fawait hopes each hectare will be managed by one extreme poor family, lifting 36,000 families out of poverty in 1-2 years.
DPRD Jember Commission C Chairman Ardi Pujo Prabowo and Prof Ahmad Zainuri from Universitas Jember backed the collaboration to avoid mere temporary aid.
