TRENGGALEK – The development of Merah Putih Village Cooperatives in Trenggalek, East Java, continues to move forward despite pending permit approvals for 20 project sites located within forest areas.

Local forestry officials said the licensing process has entered its final administrative stage. Authorities now only need to complete a small part of the documentation before submitting the applications for government approval.

Hermawan, Deputy Head of the South Kediri Forest Management Unit (KPH Perhutani), said officials have completed almost all requirements for the Forest Area Borrow-and-Use Permit, known as IPPKH.

“The process has reached the document completeness stage for the IPPKH. We only need to finish the final administrative requirements before submitting it for approval,” Hermawan said.

According to him, the remaining task involves uploading site photographs into the licensing system. After officials complete that step, the Ministry of Forestry will review and verify the documents.

“At this point, we only need to upload location photos. We recently held a coordination meeting with the Trenggalek regency administration, so overall the process is ready to move forward,” he explained.

Hermawan noted that authorities have already completed key documents. These include location maps, integrity pledges, and official statements required under national regulations.

Although the permits have not yet been issued, construction activities continue at all 20 locations. Project organizers have already started physical development work in the participating villages.

“For all 20 villages, construction has already made progress,” he said.

The cooperative projects span several districts across Trenggalek Regency. The locations include Bendungan, Watulimo, Munjungan, Suruh, Dongko, Pule, and Panggul.

Some projects are located inside protected forest areas. Others sit within permanent production forests. Officials say the locations meet the requirements for the ongoing permit process.

Each site covers less than five hectares. Because of the relatively small land area, the approval process follows a simplified administrative pathway.

Hermawan explained that provincial authorities can first review and approve the applications before forwarding them to the central government for final authorization.

The Merah Putih Village Cooperatives form part of a broader effort to strengthen rural economies and expand community-based business activities. The program aims to provide villages with economic infrastructure that supports local development and entrepreneurship.

Officials remain optimistic that the remaining licensing requirements will conclude soon. Once authorities upload the final documentation and complete verification, the Ministry of Forestry can proceed with the approval process.

The outcome will determine the legal status of cooperative facilities currently under development across the forest-based project locations in Trenggalek. Local authorities expect the permits to support smoother project implementation and ensure compliance with forestry regulations.