Realizing Langkat Regency as a nipah (nypa fruticans) sugar center to support the economy of coastal communities was appointed as the theme of this event.

The training on the process of making Nipah sugar was opened by the Regent of Langkat Terbit Rencana Perangin-Angin through the Deputy Regent of Langkat H. Syah Afandin SH, in the Pasar Rawa Village, Gebang District, Langkat, Tuesday (12/14/2021) which was held by the Indonesian Coastal Conservation Foundation (YAKOPI).

The Deputy Regent admitted that he was proud that there was an institution that cared about improving the community’s economy, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.” On behalf of myself and the Langkat Regency Government, I express my gratitude and appreciation. Congratulations on the success of this activity,” he said.

The Vice-Regent also hopes that this training will be held in all areas of Langkat, because according to the Deputy Regent, the potential for Nipah in Langkat is very large. It can be seen from 13 sub-districts from 23 sub-districts in Langkat, which are located on the coast. The Deputy Regent also prayed that the purpose of this activity, to provide an alternative income increase for the community, would soon be realized. “I hope that the process of nipah sugar activities will be able to become an additional income for the community. So that it can strengthen togetherness to provide positive participation for regional development, especially people on the coast,” he hoped.

Furthermore, YAKOPI Director Eling Tuhono explained that this training was attended by representatives from five YAKOPI assisted villages in Langkat. Namely villages that have Nipah potential, including Pasar Rawa Village, Dorang Village, Teluk Meku Village, Kwala Gebang Village and Kwala Serapuh.The number of participants was 30 people and the instructor/trainer of this activity was Dedi from Kaya Coco Tangerang Banten. Coco is also a distributor of nipah sugar production which produced by the community. “We also hope that in the future there will be more assisted villages capable of producing palm sugar so that the theme of our event today can be realized,” he hoped.

Eling also explained that YAKOPI as an NGO (non-governmental organization) that focuses on holding conservation in coastal areas has carried out activities with village communities through mangrove forest restoration activities. However, realizing that environmental improvement must also consider social and economic aspects. This is the background for this training.

Furthermore, the signing of an agreement (MoU) between the Langkat Regency Government and YAKOPI, regarding the implementation of coastal ecosystem restoration and empowerment of coastal communities in Langkat Regency.