On July 20, 2023, CFES conducted a socialization event for the Remediation and Compensation Procedure (RaCP) Program at the Village Hall Office of Pengasi Baru Village, Bukit Kerman Subdistrict, Kerinci Regency, Jambi. The event was attended by stakeholders of the Biang Sari Customary Forest, including the Biang Sari Customary Forest Management Group (KPHA), the Village Government, customary groups, women's groups, and youth groups. The program, which will be funded by PT. Mitra Unggul Pusaka (MUP), a subsidiary of PT. Asian Agri, is scheduled to commence in October 2023. It is hoped that this program will support KPHA Biang Sari in providing effective and sustainable biodiversity protection, while also contributing to improving the livelihoods of the Pengasi Baru Village community.
The Biang Sari Customary Forest in Pengasi Baru Village has received official recognition from the Ministry of Environment and Forestry of the Republic of Indonesia through Decree No: SK.3024/MENLHK-PSKL/PKTHA/PSL.1/2019. This Social Forestry permit is valid for 35 years and is subject to possible extension. Since 2021, CFES has partnered with RSPO member companies to implement the RaCP program in supported Village/Customary Forest areas. RaCP is a mandatory procedure that must be fulfilled by RSPO member companies. The RaCP mechanism is seen as a solid foundation for companies to address their conservation and social responsibilities in a positive, measurable, and sustainable way. The RaCP program is implemented by Village/Customary Forest Management Institutions (LPHD/LPHA) that have received official designation of forest area management from the Ministry of Environment and Forestry (KLHK). The implementation of the program refers to Indonesian laws and regulations related to forestry, biodiversity conservation, environmental management, and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reduction.