Kelulut Honey Farming in Telaga Village Amidst the Threat of Flooding

Stingless bee farming, particularly for kelulut honey, offers numerous ecological and economic benefits, and it is closely tied to sustainable forest management practices. Ecologically, stingless bees (Trigona sp.) play a vital role in pollination, which optimizes plant productivity in surrounding areas. This contributes to forest conservation and utilization efforts. Economically, managing forest areas with a focus on sustainable natural resource production and consumption can improve local incomes and create promising business opportunities.

Stingless bee farming can also serve as an effective and efficient means of educating communities about the importance of protecting and preserving forest ecosystems, which serve as critical foraging habitats for bees. Beyond health benefits, honey products also function as promotional tools for the region where they are produced, as honey reflects the unique environmental characteristics of its origin.

While interest in kelulut honey farming has grown in various parts of Indonesia, it remains underdeveloped in Telaga Village. There is hope that this initiative will gain positive traction within the community. Since joining the Village Forest Management Institution (LPHD) Telaga in 2020, Syarifuddin has independently begun cultivating kelulut honey after participating in a bee farming training held in Kasongan by a partner organization of the Social Forestry and Environmental Partnership Agency (BPSKL).

As part of the training, participants had the opportunity to do a comparative study with Metroyadi, a seasoned kelulut farmer. The goal was to deepen understanding of the bee farming process. The study revealed that successful stingless bee farming requires well-managed systems and should not be approached haphazardly. Critical factors include the construction of proper bee boxes, correct harvesting techniques, selection of plants for bee forage, and maintaining optimal temperatures inside the hive.

During the training, BPSKL also supported participants by financing the purchase of bee boxes. In Telaga Village, kelulut bee colonies are often purchased from locals who collect wild bee nests from forests near the Katingan and Kelaru Rivers. The farming process usually takes about three months before the honey can be harvested. However, several threats affect the success of kelulut honey production in Telaga. The village frequently experiences floods that can wash away or submerge the bee farming areas, leading to failed harvests. Due to its riverside location, the risk of crop failure from flooding is a constant concern.

Therefore, it is crucial to establish an effective disaster risk management plan to protect the bees and minimize potential damage to the colonies. Key strategies include choosing safe and elevated areas for bee farming, ensuring proper drainage to prevent water from pooling near hives, preparing evacuation procedures, and post-flood recovery protocols. By developing stingless bee farming in Telaga Village, the community can tap into local potential, improve economic welfare, and contribute to environmental conservation and disaster resilience. This initiative offers a pathway toward a more sustainable and prosperous future for Telaga.