Shaped by Nature and Strengthened by Society
Finding the Meaning of Sustainability from the Edge of the Forest
My name is Andhys M. Siang. I was born and raised in a small hamlet in South Sulawesi. I come from a family of simple farmers who taught me the meaning of hard work and living in harmony with nature. No one, myself included, would have guessed that my life’s journey would lead me to the heart of East Kalimantan’s forests and to a position on the sustainability team of a palm oil company.
I am neither a scientist nor an official. I am someone who believes change can start with small conversations and by listening to community concerns. I strive to be a link between community needs and company policy. Through this experience, I have learned that being part of a sustainability team is not just about data and certification, but also about people and relationships.
At the beginning of my journey, I was confused by every decision and application of my work. This included explaining the concepts of NDPE, conservation, and DSN’s sustainability policy to villagers who struggle daily just to put food on the table. I realized that not everything needs to be explained in technical language. It’s enough to be present, listen, and walk alongside them.
I feel strengthened by the community. They accepted me as a discussion partner and a friend. Sometimes, they even accepted me as a “foster child.” I have learned from them that sustainability cannot be built on documents alone, but must be instilled in the collective consciousness.
Currently, I am assisting the Karangan Dalam village forest protection program. We build monitoring posts, install boundaries, monitor animals, and pioneer alternative economies for communities in and around the forest. This work is more than just a job; it’s our way of showing that conservation can go hand in hand with improving welfare.
I want this story to be a reminder that anyone can get involved in protecting the environment, from the hamlet, the edge of the forest, a place far from the spotlight with the same goal of protecting our nature. I believe that big changes always start from the simplest places.
Greetings Lestari, Stay Lestari..