That afternoon, Gohong Village seemed more lively. Women’s hands were busy twisting rattan, while soft laughter filled the room. Elsewhere, Buntoi Village displayed a different face of empowerment. Wooden shelves were filled with bottles of stingless bee honey cultivated by a women’s group. These two stories were not merely stories of business, but concrete evidence that preserving forests and protecting peatlands could go hand in hand with stimulating the economy.
The Traces of Gohong Rattan Weaving
“Since I was little, I’ve watched my mother weave, but at that time it was only for household needs,” said Marlinie, Chairperson of the Gohong Rattan Weaving Community (KUPS). Marlinie grew up with traditional skills, but never imagined weaving could generate income. The challenge arose when she invited other women to join her. Many were skeptical, even considering the results to be meager. Through the guidance of the Gohong KpSHK and LPHD, those doubts gradually disappeared.
Marlinie, Chair of the Gohong Rattan Weaving Association. Photo source: KPSHK.
“Now we can sell our weaving in the city. The proceeds help pay for the children’s schooling,” she said, showing off her handmade rattan bags. This weaving not only has economic value, but also encourages the community to protect the forest and manage non-timber forest products (NTFPs), one of which is rattan, for sustainability. Each strand of rattan woven is part of a commitment to preserving the peat forests that are their source of life.
The Sweetness of Buntoi Kelulut Honey
Unlike Marlinie, Melyasie’s journey began with a curiosity about stingless bees. She then joined the Buntoi Kelulut Honey KUPS. “At first, I was skeptical, could kelulut honey be a business? Many colonies fail to be maintained,” she recalled. However, training from the Kahayan Hilir Initiative (IKH) program gave her the courage to try again. Now, Buntoi kelulut honey is a mainstay of the village. The kelulut bees, which live in symbiosis with the peat forest, serve as guardians of the ecosystem: helping with pollination and producing quality honey.
Melyasie, KUPS Madu Buntoi. Photo source: KPSHK.
“I used to stay quiet when we had guests. Now I can explain our honey to buyers and even train new members,” she said proudly. From honey, village women have learned that preserving the peat ecosystem is not only an obligation, but also an opportunity for prosperity.
Marlinie and Melyasie have experienced significant changes since joining KUPS. From traditional skills to new businesses, women now have the space to wisely manage forest resources while supporting their families’ finances. “We want our children to see the forest and experience its benefits. That’s why we manage it wisely,” Marlinie concluded.
The rattan weaving and honey bottles symbolize women as drivers of the peatland economy, linking peatland forest sustainability to a more prosperous future.
Author: Alma
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