MOSAIC planting trees in Bogor Waqf Forest

MOSAIC-INDONESIA.COM, BOGOR — The Muslim collaborators for Shared Actions on Climate Impact (MOSAIC) traveled to  the waqaf forest located in Cibunian Village and the new waqaf forest land in Purwabuan Village Akti, Pamijahan, Bogor Regency, West Java, Saturday (9/11/2024).

The group consists of Country Director Purpose Longgena Ginting, PT Republika Mandiri Director Nur Hasan Murtiaji, Project Leader Aldy Permana and Elok Faiqotul Mutia. Several climate activists from Enter Nusantara and activists of the Waqf Institution of Sharia Economic Society (MES) Roudotul Firdaus were also joining the tour.

After traveling about two hours from Jakarta, the group visited Waqf Forest 1  located in Kampung Muara, Cibunian Village, Pamijahan, Bogor Regency, West Java. MOSAIC received a warm welcome from the Chairman of the Bogor Waqf Forest Foundation Khalifah Muhammad Ali along with villagers and members of the waqf forest community. Khalifah revealed that Bogor Waqf Forest 1  was the first waqaf forest to be liberated in 2022.

The area of 1,500 meters of sloping land has a variety of vegetation from fruit trees to trees. This first waqf forest also has economic potential in the form of fish ponds and saung used for local residents as stalls. 

From Cibunian, the group then traveled about one kilometer to Purwabakti Village on foot. During the trip on the uphill route, there is a natural atmosphere with an expanse of terracing and rivers that are on the way. The group eventually arrives at a new area that is planned to serve as the sixth Waqf forest point.

According to the Caliph, the 15,000-meter area is also included in the red zone because it has a high level of elevation. “Near this area there are also settlements of residents, notable for those who were relocated as a result of their homes being hit by landslides,” Khalifah said.

He said that if it managed, this 6th waqf forest could provide utility to the surrounding population. He said the land had some nutmeg trees that could yield for residents. In between these lands, he said, there are several sheep pens that people can also use to meet non-timber economic needs. “So once the forests are established, then their economic needs can be met without having to encroach,” he said. 

Khalifah also revealed that it is preparing a hatchery for different types of trees that will also be concentrated in the waqf forest. Thus, said the Caliph, the waqf forest manager does not just provide the waqf for the acquisition of critical land. “This tree waqf scheme can be for individuals or families. Later, the tree waqf will also provide seedlings, care, up to the liberation of its land. The growth of the tree will also be monitored,” he said. 

In between visits, MOSAIC activists represented by Nur Hasan Murtiaji and Aldy Permana took the time to plant trees in Purwabakti Village which is in the process of liberation. The plan is that the 15000 meters of land is projected to become the 6th Waqf Forest. “We hope that MOSAIC's collaboration with the Bogor Waqf Forest will be further established as a strategic effort in dealing with climate change,” Hasan said.