Indigenous Palm Sugar Reaches the Market, Business Registration Still a Challenge

GARISBUMI.com – Palm sugar opens up business space for the Kasepuhan Cisungsang and Cirompang indigenous communities, starting from supplies to coffee shops to sales through online shops. However, market developments have not been fully accompanied by complete economic and business administration records.

The need for strengthening is one of the concerns in the Ministry of Forestry's technical verification of the Bumi Aren Lestari Social Forestry Business Group (KUPS) in the Kasepuhan Cisungsang Traditional Law Community (MHA) and the Kaolotan KUPS in the Cirompang MHA.

Through the Directorate of Social Forestry Business Development, the Ministry of Forestry assesses the two groups as consideration for upgrading from Gold to Platinum. This process is still ongoing. There has been no decision on upgrading the class yet.

For both groups, this assessment is related to the ability to develop businesses, strengthen institutions, and document economic benefits for society.

From Palm Tree to Coffee Shop

KUPS Bumi Aren Lestari processes liquid palm sugar and ant sugar by utilizing palm trees that grow naturally around its business area. This group has 15 members, works with 10 active partners, and manages 2.5 hectares of agroforestry land.

Chairman of KUPS Bumi Aren Lestari, Hendriana Adra, explained that using a furnace with fire inside helps regulate processing time. According to him, this method allows members to carry out other activities, including collecting sap, so that the processing time is shorter.