Humbang Hasundutan, Thursday 4 December 2025 Ribaknews.id
The Regent of Humbang Hasundutan, Dr. Oloan Paniaran Nababan, officially received the results of the participatory boundary mapping of Simataniari Village, Parlilitan Subdistrict, from the Yayasan Hutan Tropis (YHT) / Earthworm Foundation team led by Willy Daeli. The submission took place on Thursday, 4 December 2025, at the Bukit Inspirasi Office in Doloksanggul.
The YHT delegation was warmly welcomed by the Regent, accompanied by Assistant for General Administration Jaulim Simanullang, Acting Head of PMDP2A Inrawaty K. Purba, and representatives from the Government Administration Division. The meeting highlighted a shared commitment to improving spatial governance and ensuring that development planning is grounded in accurate, community-driven data.
Participatory Mapping: A Community-Centered Approach
In his presentation, YHT team leader Willy Daeli explained that the mapping process used a participatory methodology, designed to ensure that territorial boundaries accurately reflect both historical claims and the current socio-spatial reality on the ground.
“We conducted field identification together with villagers, customary leaders, and local authorities. The aim was to ensure that the mapped boundaries truly represent community land use patterns and reduce potential disputes in the future,” Willy said.
The process included verifying physical boundary points, examining land use practices, facilitating community discussions, and compiling evidence from multiple local stakeholders. This approach, he emphasized, is vital for producing a boundary map that is both technically sound and socially legitimate.
The mapping exercise involved not only technical assessments but also local knowledge, which strengthens the credibility of the final indicative map. Such data will guide decision-makers in aligning development priorities with actual conditions in Simataniari Village.
Regent Oloan Nababan Applauds YHT’s Collaboration
Regent Dr. Oloan Paniaran Nababan expressed his sincere appreciation for the work carried out by YHT, noting that the results will play an important role in strengthening land-use planning and governance in Humbang Hasundutan.
“I extend my deepest gratitude to the YHT team. This initiative demonstrates how collaborative work between local government, civil society, village authorities, and community leaders can produce a strategic document that benefits everyone,” the Regent stated.
He added that the indicative boundary map does more than draw lines—it lays the foundation for sustainable, evidence-based development. Without accurate spatial data, he warned, local governments are often vulnerable to overlapping claims, inefficient planning, and potential land conflicts.
“This mapping gives us a shared reference point to prevent boundary disputes and ensures that development programs are implemented where they are truly needed,” he explained.
Strategic Value for Regional Development Planning
The mapping results will serve as an essential input for both short-term and long-term development planning. The data will assist the local government in:
Determining infrastructure priorities in Simataniari
Preventing overlapping land claims and disputes
Strengthening village-level planning and community engagement
Enhancing spatial accuracy for sectoral development programs
Acting Head of PMDP2A, Inrawaty K. Purba, also noted that the mapping output is highly relevant for structuring land use planning, especially in areas with complex socio-cultural dynamics like Simataniari.
Acknowledging the Community’s Role
During the meeting, the Regent extended his appreciation to the residents of Simataniari Village for their full participation throughout the mapping process. He emphasized that community involvement is the backbone of any successful participatory mapping effort.
“This mapping could only be completed because the community opened their doors, shared their knowledge, and participated in every validation step. The results will serve as a legacy for future generations,” the Regent remarked.
The session concluded with the formal handover of the mapping document from YHT to the Regent, symbolizing a strengthened partnership in promoting sustainable land management and transparent local governance.
Joaner Silaban
