Free, Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC) at the Gerbang Barito REDD+ Project in Indonesia
- Wildlife Works
- May 12
- 2 min read
Updated: May 14
Two years ago, the villages of Batampang and Batilap gathered to take an important step for their future. Through the Free, Prior, and Informed Consent (FPIC) process, diverse parts of the community members came together, from leaders, to women, youth, and elders, to discuss and decide on the REDD+ Project in Gerbang Barito. Meetings were held openly in the heart of the community, where hopes and concerns were voiced with care. This process honored their rights to self-determination, ensuring the project was not just about forest conservation, but about building a shared vision shaped by the people who call the forest home.
At Wildlife Works, achieving Free, Prior, and Informed Consent (FPIC) is not just a step, it's a continuous commitment. In Batampang and Batilap, 249 community members gathered to voice their hopes for the REDD+ Project. “We pray and hope this process continues,” said Kisransyah, Head of Dusun Hilir Sub-district. FPIC means honoring the voices that protect the forests.
FPIC isn't complete without the voices of women. In Batilap alone, 58 women joined the community meeting, voicing their dreams for a better future. “If teachers have a better quality of life, more women can be empowered and independent,” said Nikmah, a local school principal. Change begins when everyone is heard.
"Throughout my career, this is the first time I’ve seen an FPIC process so open," said Anshar from Central Kalimantan Forestry Service. At Wildlife Works, we believe communities must lead conservation. In Batampang and Batilap, their consent, hopes, and aspirations are the foundation of our REDD+ Project.
The stages of reaching agreement and granting consent were carried out in accordance with the characteristics and aspirations of Batampang Village. Decision-making in Batampang Village was conducted through meetings held within each neighborhood association (RW). For context, Batampang Village consists of 4 RWs and 8 RTs.
These meetings also involved representatives from the Village Government, the Village Consultative Body (BPD), the Customary Council (Mantir Adat), religious leaders, community leaders, women's representatives, youth representatives, and representatives from the Gerbang Barito Protected Forest Management Unit (KPHL).
Meanwhile, in Batilap Village, decision-making was conducted through meetings held at the neighborhood unit (RT) level. Batilap Village consists of one RW and four RTs. These meetings also involved representatives from the Village Government, the Village Consultative Body (BPD), the Customary Council (Mantir Adat), religious leaders, community leaders, women's representatives, youth representatives, and representatives from the Gerbang Barito Protected Forest Management Unit (KPHL).
A town hall community meeting was held in Batilap to recap the community approvals for the development of the REDD+ Project in Gerbang Barito. The meeting was well attended, with 128 participants from Batilap.
Below, find further photos of community members registering at various meetings, and community leaders speaking.
