The North Halmahera Regency Government has expressed support for a cooperation initiative between the Gura Ino Farmers Group and a balsa wood investor. The collaboration is expected to become an early step in encouraging community-based economic development through productive land utilization in the region.
This support was conveyed by the Regent of North Halmahera, Piet Hein Babua, during a balsa tree planting activity held in a vacant area behind the official residence of the Regent and the Chair of the Regional House of Representatives in Gamsungi Village, Tobelo District.
The event marked the beginning of a partnership between the Gura Ino Farmers Group and PT Gwenelda Prima Utama, a company planning to develop balsa wood cultivation and establish a semi-processed balsa wood factory in North Halmahera.
New Economic Opportunities for Local Farmers
Regent Piet Hein Babua stated that the cooperation between local farmers and investors is a positive step toward increasing community productivity. According to him, balsa wood cultivation has strong potential to become a new economic opportunity for residents who have unused or idle land.
The local government has also granted permission to utilize certain areas of PTPN land as a location for planting balsa trees. This initiative is expected to expand cultivation areas and encourage broader community participation in productive agricultural activities.
The Regent admitted he was surprised to learn that some residents in Tobelo had already started planting balsa trees and that buying and selling of balsa wood had begun to develop in the area.
With the involvement of investors, the government hopes this commodity can bring long-term economic benefits to the people of North Halmahera.
Balsa Trees Offer a Relatively Short Harvest Period
One reason balsa wood is considered promising is its relatively fast harvest cycle compared to other timber plants. Based on information provided by the company, balsa trees can be harvested within approximately two to two and a half years.
This short harvesting period provides an opportunity for farmers to obtain economic returns in a relatively short time. With proper cultivation methods, the commodity is expected to contribute significantly to improving the welfare of local farmers.
The Regent emphasized that developing balsa wood plantations could become a strategic option for communities to utilize idle land productively while supporting sustainable agricultural practices.
Investors Required to Build Processing Facilities
The North Halmahera Government also reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring that incoming investments truly benefit the local community. Regent Piet Hein Babua stressed that investors who wish to utilize the region’s natural resources must also contribute by building processing facilities within the area.
According to him, this policy is important to ensure that local natural resources generate added value for the region rather than being extracted without providing economic impact to local residents.
The Regent firmly stated that the government would not allow investors to simply purchase raw materials and leave without establishing processing industries in North Halmahera.
Through its cooperation with PT Gwenelda Prima Utama, the company has committed to building a semi-processed balsa wood factory in the region. The facility is expected to create new employment opportunities for the local community.
Balsa Planting Program Supports Green Urban Development
The local government has also launched a balsa tree planting initiative on unused PTPN land as part of efforts to create a green urban area that also provides economic value. In addition to supporting agriculture, the program is expected to contribute to the development of environmentally friendly urban spaces.
The Regent expressed hope that the Gura Ino Farmers Group would manage the program with strong commitment until the harvesting stage. If successful, the initiative could serve as a model for other community groups interested in developing similar agricultural businesses.
He also highlighted that the presence of investors willing to build processing facilities represents a significant opportunity for the community to become actively involved in the balsa wood industry.
The tree planting activity was attended by several regional officials, including the Regional Secretary of North Halmahera, the Head of the Agriculture Office, the Head of the Environmental Office, the Tobelo District Head, representatives from PT Gwenelda Prima Utama, and members of the farmers group Gura Ino.