Sarpatim recognizes that achievement of long-term sustainability of forest resources can only be expected from developing a partnership between the concessionaire, the Government and the forest communities. This partnership is emphasized in the operational management plan covering key topics on settlement of permanent farmers, economic development, infrastructure development, social and cultural development and environmental conservation.

Local people are employed by Sarpatim in logging operations, timber inventory, nursery, enrichment planting, rehabilitation and road construction works.

Sarpatim's many activities make positive impacts on the daily lives of the local inhabitants especially in the economic sector, because their once isolated and remote villages are now open and well integrated with other communities and nearby cities through infrastructure facilities created by the company.

Jobs and business opportunities are opened primarily to the people living within and near the forest concession areas. One outstanding development is the significant improvement in agriculture, plantation and poultry rising in the local communities. The products are now channeled to the market created by the company.

In an effort to elevate the living standards of the local inhabitants, Sarpatim launched the "Forest Village Development Program" since 1994. Several programs including permanent settlement, economic, infrastructure, social, cultural  and environmental development as well are designed for the benefit of local inhabitants, especially those practicing slash and burn method of agriculture.

Sarpatim also conducts  free educational activities for local communities and scholarship provision as well as hostel facilities for students who come from surrounding villages.

In addition Sarpatim provides clinics and free health care for local communities. Its clinic is equipped with doctor/paramedics and has received official recognition/certification from the provincial health office of Central Kalimantan.

These programs are benefiting 10 villages surrounding Sarpatim’s forest area.