Nestled deep in the highlands of Seram Island, Laturake Village is a hidden gem, rich in natural beauty and community spirit. Situated over 700 meters above sea level, this remote settlement offers breathtaking views of dense tropical forests and mist-covered valleys. The village caters to potential non-timber forest produce (NTFP) since the community actively protects and preserves 477 Ha of social forestry area. This initiative was also followed by the effort to process official social forestry permits to ensure the protection of the existing forest. However, its isolation also presents a set of unique challenges that shape the daily lives of the villagers.
Laturake is located far from modern infrastructure, accessible only by rugged dirt tracks, deteriorated road access, and crossing rivers. These make transportation of essential goods and market access major hurdles for the community. Without proper roads, farmers must carry their harvested crops long distances on motorcycles that struggle on rough terrain. By the time their products reach buyers, the costs of transportation have exhausted their potential profits, making it difficult to compete with farmers from more accessible regions.
In addition to transportation struggles, the village’s unpredictable weather adds another layer of difficulty. High humidity and frequent rainfall make the sun-drying method unreliable, leading to spoilage and quality degradation. Without proper drying facilities, farmers often see their hard work go to waste, as lower-quality produce fetches lower prices in the market.
Despite these challenges, Laturake thrives on its rich forest resources, particularly canary nuts and high-quality vanilla. The canary tree, native to Maluku, produces nutrient-dense nuts with great market potential. Meanwhile, the village’s vanilla is distinguished by its high vanillin content, a result of the region’s unique climate and fertile soil. These crops have the potential to provide a sustainable source of income, but without proper infrastructure and market access, their full economic benefits remain out of reach.
Recognizing these barriers, Sinar Hijau Ventures (SHV) and Solidaridad, through the “Rimbawan Market” initiatives in partnerships with the Government of Canada and the UN Environment Programme collaborated with Maluku Papua Regional Social Forestry and Environmental Partnership Centre (BPSKL Maluku Papua), stepped in to support the villagers by providing direct market access. SHV purchases products directly from the village, reducing the burden of transportation costs for farmers.
To address the drying challenges, SHV has also introduced solar dryers—a simple yet effective technology that allows farmers to dry their crops consistently, regardless of weather conditions. Alongside these practical solutions, SHV provides training and capacity-building initiatives, empowering farmers with the knowledge and tools they need to improve production and sustainability practices.
While challenges remain, Laturake stands as an inspiring example of how even the most isolated communities can thrive when given the right support and opportunities. Through collaborative efforts and sustainable interventions, the village is not only preserving its forests but also creating a more resilient and prosperous future for its people.
Sources: Solidaridad Indonesia
