On 11 November 2025, Forestwise, together with the Faculty of Forestry at the University of Tanjungpura (UNTAN), IDH, government agencies, and research institutions, hosted a landmark event in West Kalimantan: the Tropical Rainforest Value Tengkawang Seminar. Held at the UNTAN Conference Hall, the gathering brought researchers, community leaders, policymakers, and sustainable business practitioners into one room with a shared mission to shape a greener, fairer future for the people and forests of Kalimantan.

For Forestwise, this seminar was more than just an academic moment. It was an opportunity to highlight a belief that has guided the company since its founding: that the rainforest is not merely a resource to extract, but a source of knowledge, identity, and long-term sustainable prosperity. This vision formed the heart of the seminar’s theme: “Tropical Rainforest Value Tengkawang: Integrating Science, Business, and Community to Sustain West Kalimantan’s Forests.”

Rather than presenting science in isolation, the seminar aimed to unite three worlds that are often disconnected research, green business, and local communities. Through the Rainforest Value approach, the event encouraged participants to see that conserving the forest and growing the local economy are not opposing goals, but two strengths that can thrive together. When the forest stands, the economy grows sustainably. When communities are empowered, conservation succeeds. This is where ecology meets economy, and where traditional knowledge meets innovation.

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During the seminar, Forestwise presented findings from the study “Comparing Tropical Rainforest Value and Monoculture at the Smallholder Level: Case Studies from Sintang and Melawi.”

The results reinforced what many communities have practiced for generations: diversified forest-based systems offer long-term resilience, lower ecological risk, and greater social benefits compared to monoculture. The research gave evidence to what Forestwise has championed for years that community-based, forest-friendly economies are not only viable, but essential.

Forestwise also shared the journey of transforming tengkawang (Shorea spp.),  an iconic non-timber forest product of West Kalimantan into high-value products that carry both cultural identity and environmental impact. Once known mainly as a raw commodity, tengkawang is now being elevated through sustainable processing into premium items such as tengkawang butter, ilip soap, natural balm, and other everyday skincare products. Every step of the supply chain, from forest harvest to final formulation, is designed to return economic benefits to local communities while keeping the rainforest intact. This is how Tengkawang Kalbar is being shaped into a symbol of a modern green economy rooted in heritage.

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Throughout the day, diverse speakers enriched the conversation. Forestry academics from UNTAN highlighted innovations and value-addition opportunities for non-timber forest products. Balitbang Kalbar shared insights from hilirization efforts across Bengkayang and Sintang. The Provincial Environment and Forestry Service emphasized policy support for sustainable forest commodities. IDH discussed how a climate-smart business ecosystem can empower local communities and strengthen conservation outcomes.

Together, their perspectives painted a clear picture: the future of West Kalimantan’s forests depends on collaboration. The integration of science, community knowledge, innovative business models, and supportive policies will determine the success of sustainable forest management.

As discussions came to a close, the seminar ended on a hopeful note,  a reminder that the rainforest’s future is a collective responsibility. A simple closing rhyme echoed through the hall:

“When the forest thrives, the people prosper. That is our shared pride.”

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Forestwise left the seminar with renewed conviction. The journey to protect Tengkawang and sustain the tropical rainforests of West Kalimantan is long, but it is a journey best taken together. And Forestwise remains committed to leading the way, transforming the rainforest’s value into real well-being for local communities while preserving one of the world’s most vital ecosystems.

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