Sinar Hijau Ventures : Maluku & Dusung

Hello, Okta from Business Team is here!🙋‍♀️

Perhaps you already read my blog about Agroforestry implementation at coffee farm in Bajawa. Today, I want to share with you a story from our current partner that works with indigenous communities which have implemented the ancestral agroforestry method too! They are Sinar Hijau Ventures (SHV), works with indigenous communities in Maluku and assisting them to organize collectively to advance in the value chain and chase new market opportunities for natural forest products, such as Aren Palm Sugar, Kenari Nuts, Cloves, and Nutmeg.

SHV is a social enterprise with a mission to help Indonesian farmers get sustainable and deeper access to global markets. Community-based business models are central to their approach. They are committed to developing a pipeline of green investments in the agroforestry sector to incentivize forest-dependent communities to invest in ecosystem conservation.

One of their targeted area for sustainable agroforestry value chain development, Leihitu Barat is home to over 22,000 people, living on the coast of an area classified by the IUCN as a key biodiversity area, mostly covered by primary forest, and presenting a uniquely high concentration of endemic species. The region is particularly exposed to poverty, with close to 18% of the population living in poverty. Livelihoods are mostly dependent on clove and nutmeg.

Nutmeg and Clove have traditionally been grown through the Dusung approach, a traditional agroforestry model combining nutmeg and clove with various shade and valuable trees such as Kenari and Aren. Dusung was developed by the first inhabitants of Maluku, who selectively cleared forests surrounding settlements to plant nutmeg, clove, and fruit trees. They maintained valuable endemic species such as Aren Palm, Durian, Breadfruit, and Kenari. The cultivation is 100% natural, with no use of pesticides or fertilizer, and relies on larger trees to enrich the soil with their falling leaves. As a result, the region produces one of the best quality cloves and nutmeg in the world, though with yields significantly lower than intensive monoculture models. Other species mixed with nutmeg and clove can also provide valuable livelihood opportunities, notably the Arenga pinnata, tapped for the production of sugar and a traditional drink known locally as “Sopi”, as well as the Canarium Indicum producing an almond-shaped Kenari nut. Below you find some of SHV’s targeted products :

Aren Palm Sugar

Aren Palm Sugar is a natural sweetener obtained through evaporation of the Nira (sweet water) of the Arenga Pinnata, an endemic palm tree from Indonesia, abundant in Maluku’s forest landscapes. Aren has been an important source of revenue in eastern Indonesia, but the Aren potential, however, remains largely untapped and could be scaled up.

Cloves and Nutmegs

Cloves and nutmegs are still cultivated through the same ancestral methods, using a traditional agroforestry model called “Dusung”.

Kenari

Kenari is part of the local culinary tradition and knows for its high nutritional value. It is a nutritious nut, rich in protein and nutrients such as magnesium, potassium, and calcium. Kenari is also gluten-free, cholesterol-free, and trans-fats-free. It is harvested naturally in mixed forests, without any use of pesticides and fertilizers. We will make some products with kenari as the main ingredient, those are :

Halua

Halua made of kenari nuts which roasted and coated in delicious aren palm sugar. Halua constitutes a delicious and healthy alternative to candies and biscuits, ideal for your snacks.

Kenari Croquant

The almond croquant is a biscuit originating from the Mediterranean basin and is widely consumed in Southern France. They have adapted the traditional recipe to use and highlight the taste of kenari and aren palm sugar