The Emmaus Forest Farmers Group in Emaus Village is located in the Sausapor sub-District and is one of the forest farmers groups (KTH) that is being assisted by Tambrauw Production Forest Management Unit (KPHP) Unit IV. KTH Emmaus is also one of the farmers groups that are actively carrying out rehabilitation activities in relation to degraded land. Located along the coast of Sausapor, Kampung Emaus cultivates candlenut trees (Aleurites moluccanus), which grow naturally within the coastal area and in local community plantations. Abundant in nature, the candlenut is processed in a simple way as a spice in the form of seeds and is sold in traditional markets. However, to improve the household economy of the community (KTH members), it is necessary to diversify derivative products to be sold in various markets.

As a result, the Tambrauw KPHP Unit IV, in conjunction with KTH Emaus and supported by FORCLIME, held training sessions on making candlenut oil products to be used as hair masks from 28 – 29 November 2022. In addition, during these training sessions, the participants (who comprised 21 males and 36 females) also received training in how to make packaging for the hazelnut oil that they produce. The oil produced is packaged in 250 ml bottles, to which labels that show the identity of KTH Emmaus and Tambrauw KPHP Unit IV are attached.

In the wake of the completion of these training sessions, the produced oil will be put through processes of clinical testing prior to the KTH receiving assistance in its effort to secure a sales permit, namely the Household Product Permit (IPRT), before the products that are being produced are ultimately able to be sold. Another follow-up activity in this area involves training on product marketing, both traditionally and online (marketplace).

For more information, please contact:
Melanesia Brigite Boseren, Junior Advisor for Rural Livelihood, Forest Management and Conservation
Nita Yohana, Adviser for Sustainable Forest Management and Coordinator for West Papua Province
Mohammad Sidiq, Strategic Area Manager for Sustainable Forest Management and Coordinator for Papua and West Papua Provinces