Six Sugar Palm Business Groups in Simalungun Receive Ant Sugar Production Equipment

Each aid package includes a gas oven, vacuum packaging machine or vacuum sealer, gas stove, frying pan, gas cylinder, digital scales, and a Brix refractometer to measure dissolved solids levels in sap.

The six recipient groups are the Aren Manis Group, KTH Damar Lestari, KTH Wahana, KTH Maju Bersama, Bona Aren Group, and KTH Bonan Dolok Indah.

The participants are alumni of technical guidance from groups assisted by the P2SDM Center Region I Pematangsiantar and UPTD KPH Region II Pematangsiantar.

Assistance Accompanied by Legality Training and Assistance

Apart from receiving equipment, participants took part in the practice of operating ant sugar processing equipment with PT Sultan Aren Indonesia practitioners. This training is intended so that the group is able to use production facilities according to SOP.

The activity also featured a creative entrepreneurship session with the Simalungun Regency Industry and Trade Service as well as a licensing clinic with the Simalungun Regency Investment and One-Stop Integrated Services Service.

Through this clinic, business groups are assisted in processing their Business Identification Number (NIB). Business legality is one of the concerns in developing sugar palm businesses so that groups have an official administrative basis.

The Ministry of Forestry also emphasizes strengthening group institutions and the involvement of the younger generation of forest conservationists. The development of the sugar palm business is expected to open up opportunities for economic independence while maintaining the function of the environment and forest water management.