The landscape of Bangkal Village is characterized by the prevalent presence of extensive oil palm plantations, encompassing a substantial portion of the village's total land area. These oil palm plantations extend over an expansive 66.8% (10,369.99 ha). This dominance of oil palm cultivation in Bangkal is a defining feature of the village's agricultural landscape and plays a pivotal role in its economic and environmental dynamics.

Bangkal has 4.86% (1,581.81 ha) of protected areas covered from its total land area, which is dominated by forest cover of 754.16 ha.

Following out the identification of land use, Bangkal Village is steadfastly dedicated to attaining the prestigious status of a "Certification Village." This commitment focuses on ensuring that every oil palm company and smallholders obtains either an Indonesian Sustainable Palm Oil (ISPO) or Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) certification. This priority speaks volumes about the village's dedication to sustainability and responsible land management. It is a deliberate step toward fostering an agricultural landscape where every palm oil producer operates in harmony with the environment, adheres to ethical labor practices, and contributes positively to the social fabric of the community.

As part of Gawi Bapakat program, Bangkal has committed to pursue sustainability. They have put in place several efforts to manage the land sustainably, protect human rights and also monitor deforestation and fire.

Intervention Details:

• Total area supported: 49 hectares
• Type of support: Certification and regenerative agriculture,
• Technology introduced: Agroforestry, regenerative agriculture, demonstration plot of organic

Impact:

• Farmers are registered as RSPO or ISPO certificate holders
• Community understand and able to implement the organic farming method

Quote:
“The programs held are good and really help farmers, especially those of us who are rural communities who have minimal knowledge about sustainable palm oil farming. People say fertilizers a, b, c are good, we follow them but don't know what they contain. While using organic since 2017, the plantation results are very good and this really supports the organic palm oil program. The ingredients are easy to obtain and the price is not burdensome for farmers.” – Mr. Sigilen