Women Strengthening Economic and Environmental Preservation in Pati

Medani Village in Pati Regency, Central Java, is home to communities whose livelihoods depend heavily on the land. Coffee, cloves, rice, and cassava are among their main commodities and key sources of income. With agriculture playing a central role in daily life, women’s participation in farming is remarkably high. Many are involved in every stage of cultivation.

“Most housewives usually help our husbands manage the farmland, so we can contribute to improving our family’s income,” said Susanti, one of Medani Village’s women farmers and a Trees4Trees farmer partner.

Together with their husbands, these women work hard to build decent livelihoods through farming while keeping alive the agricultural traditions passed down through generations in their community.

Women’s Participation in Farming

Umi, another woman farmer in Medani Village who is also a Trees4Trees farmer partner and community facilitator, began farming in childhood. Her father was the one who first taught her how to cultivate the land.

“I once moved to another city to work while studying. But when I realized the income I earned there was barely enough, I decided to return home after getting married and focus on farming with my husband,” she shared. Today, Umi and her husband are able to provide a life for their family through coffee cultivation. She is also supported by a community of fellow women farmers.

“In Medani Village, it’s not only the men who farm, the women do too. Many of our husbands also work as stonemasons or laborers to keep the household income stable, so as women, we naturally step up to take care of the farming ourselves,” she added.

Susanti shares a similar story. Coming from a farming family, she focused on agriculture after marriage. “Usually, I handle the watering, fertilizing or harvesting, while my husband takes on the heavier work,” she said. When her husband has other work, she manages the land entirely on her own.

Women’s strong role in farming is also reflected in the Trees4Trees program. “In the area I manage, 70% of Trees4Trees farmer partners are women, so women’s participation in farming in this area is truly high,” Umi revealed.

Strengthening Local Income and Restoring Environment

Women’s participation not only supports family finances but also strengthens Medani Village’s local economy. As the area is well-known for producing coffee and cloves, their presence helps sustain and enhance this production.

“Our main commodity is robusta coffee with extraordinary bean quality. We only pick the red ones to keep the quality and competitive price,” said Umi. Cloves are another important source of income. “The price of cloves is also competitive, that’s why, besides coffee, I also rely on cloves,” Susanti said.

Despite these promising results, farming practices in Medani Village face serious challenges. The village lies across rocky hills and steep slopes, making the land increasingly fragile and prone to erosion and landslides. “The worst landslides usually happen during heavy rainfall. Sometimes the roads are completely blocked, making it difficult for us to reach our farmland,” Umi explained.

For Umi and other women, planting trees is a key solution, making the women farmers’ role has become increasingly important in environmental restoration. “This is why we plant trees alongside our crops. We need more trees on the slopes, especially where tree cover is limited, to help reduce the risk of landslides,” she added.

Tree Planting Support

To support local communities in Pati Regency, including Medani Village, Piyama, a clothing brand, together with Trees4Trees, has planted over 30,000 trees. Besides supporting local livelihoods and empowering women, this initiative also aims to restore the environment by increasing tree cover to reduce severe erosion and destructive landslides.

“One of the reasons, this is caused by agricultural land management practices by local communities that do not adequately apply conservation techniques, like applying terracing,” Khoirum Minan, Trees4Trees Project Manager said. He added, this makes tree planting especially urgent in these sloped areas.

Land degradation in Pati due to unadequate agricultural practice to conservation — Agricultural practices in Medani Village that do not adequately apply conservation techniques increase the surrounding area’s risk of erosion and landslides

“Trees we received really support and helped our family’s economy as well as for our surrounding environment. Thank you for the free seedlings provided, especially for farmers in Medani Village,” Ummi said.

Beyond Pati Regency, Piyama and Trees4Trees have also carried out tree-planting initiatives in Boyolali and Kebumen – Central Java, focusing on combating drought and water scarcity. In total over 80,000 trees have been planted by involving more than 880 local farmers which not only restores the environment but also but also supports communities and empowers women in farming.

Writer: V. Arnila Wulandani. Photos: Y. Dessenita

#EmpoweringCommunity #PiyamaClothing #WomanSupportWoman pati trees4trees

Planting Watersheds: A Step to Restore Bali’s Nature and Sustain Local Livelihoods

Tuwed and Tukadaya are two villages in Melaya District, Jembrana Regency, located within two important watersheds in Bali: Sangianggede and Tukad Melaya. Known for their strong agricultural tradition and tourism potential, these areas represent the richness of Bali’s rural landscape. Yet, like many parts of the island, they are increasingly facing pressure from rapid human-driven development.

Significant land-use changes have occurred, converting forests for production purposes and agricultural expansion. Their strategic position along the Java–Bali logistics route has further accelerated development, with land increasingly transformed into residential and commercial areas. While development brings economic opportunity, it also poses risks to environmental health, local livelihoods, and food security. During the rainy season, communities in these villages, like others in Jembrana, are often affected by river flooding, a challenge linked to watersheds degradation.

In response to these challenges, Faithfull, a Bali-based sustainable fashion company, initiated tree planting in these two villages this season to support ecosystem restoration and strengthen local livelihoods.

Trees4Trees planted trees in Bali — The Melaya landscape, with residential areas scattered among the greenery.

Planting Trees Together: Sharing Love for Bali and Part of a Sustainable Commitment

Chrisma Aryanta, Faithfull Office and HR Manager, shared that the tree-planting initiative aligns with the company’s sustainability vision and mission and part of its corporate social responsibility program. As a fashion company, Faithfull believes their responsibility goes beyond creating products. “Fashion is deeply connected to nature – from the threads we use to the materials we source. Planting trees is our way to give something back to nature in return,” she explained.

As an initial step in this renewed commitment, just before Valentine’s Day, Faithfull brought its team members together with local communities and Trees4Trees to plant trees in Tuwed Village. The initiative continues with 10,000 additional trees to be planted in Tuwed and neighboring Tukadaya, helping restore the greenery of Melaya, an area located near two of Bali’s important natural sites: West Bali National Park and the Melaya Protected Forest.

The effort reflects the brand’s commitment as a Bali-based sustainable clothing company to share its love and give back to the island they call home. “Deforestation is getting more serious, not only in Indonesia but all over the world,” Chrisma said. “This season, we choose planting trees here in Bali because we are Bali-based, we love Bali and we want to make Bali even better.”

Five Years of Growing Green Together

The tree-planting initiative in Bali marks an important milestone in the long-standing collaboration between Faithfull and Trees4Trees, celebrating five years of tree-planting partnership. Since 2021, Faithfull has planted over 20,000 trees across Java and Bali together with Trees4Trees, addressing pressing environmental challenges, including drought, water scarcity, erosion, and landslides, while supporting local livelihoods. Around 140 farmers have been directly involved, integrating tree planting into their agricultural landscapes.

“At Faithfull, we want to help ensure a better future for everyone and everything. We see the harmful effects of deforestation, and we know we need to take action,” Chrisma said.

Continuing this shared effort, the Bali planting responds to the increasing land conversion in the Sangianggede and Tukad Melaya downstream watersheds. Khoirum Minan, Trees4Trees Project Manager, emphasized that the initiative goes beyond environmental restoration.

“This program not only increases tree cover in Jembrana, but also strengthens local livelihoods, particularly through the cultivation and integration of cacao trees, which provide long-term economic benefits,” he explained.

Creating Impacts: Supporting the Environment and Communities

Echoing this perspective, Rusmanto Manulang, Trees4Trees Bali Site Coordinator, highlighted that tree planting delivers meaningful environmental and social value.

“The most important impact lies in the environmental benefits, especially in protecting water reserves and maintaining clean air, both of which are essential for long-term ecosystem health. However, at the same time, the economic potential is also significant,” he said.

He explained that non-timber forest products, such as leaves, can be properly managed and used as livestock feed – a valuable resource for farmers who raise animals. Over time, products such as fruits, nuts, and timber can provide additional income streams, strengthen household economies, and enhance community resilience.

“Beyond economic benefits, the initiative also motivates farmers to manage their land more effectively and sustainably, particularly degraded and unproductive areas,” said Rusmanto. By transforming empty land into productive agroforestry systems, farmers can secure both environmental restoration and future income.

With more trees planted this season, Faithfull hopes its fashion business can contribute not only to social and economic development, but also to long-term environmental sustainability – ensuring that style and stewardship grow hand in hand, rooted in Bali’s soil for generations to come.

Writer: V. Arnila Wulandani. Photos: Y. Dessenita

#Bali #Faithfull treeplanting trees4trees

Rooted in Resilience: Women Farmers in Bali

Located within two of critical Bali’s watersheds, Sangianggede and Tukad Melaya, Tuwed Village in Melaya District, Jembrana Regency is strong for its agricultural tradition closely tied to local culture. Many residents rely on farming for their livelihoods, cultivating trees and crops, such as paddy, coconut, cacao, and various vegetables.

However, like many parts of Bali, this area is increasingly facing pressure from rapid human-driven development, transforming much land into residential and commercial areas, creating challenges for farming communities. Amid these changes, some villagers remain committed to preserving their agricultural traditions. Among them are Nurhayati and Sahliah, two women farmers who continue to cultivate the land while contributing to their families and communities.

Breaking Village Tradition: Women as Farmers

In Tuwed Village, farming is seen as men’s work as it requires much physical labor. Most women in the village are housewives, while some earn income by collecting coconut leaves. Only a few women choose to work directly in agriculture.

Sahliah and Nurhayati are among the women who have broken this tradition by dedicating themselves to farming.

“It’s rare to find women in Tuwed who farm as their main routine. Usually, women only help during harvest time,” said Nurhayati, one of the village’s woman farmers.

Now in her forties, Nurhayati has been familiar with farming since her early marriage. “My husband is a farmer, so I have worked alongside him in the field since we got married,” she explained.

Planting Trees — Nurhayati with tree seedlings she has already received from Trees4Trees and Faithfull tree planting program.

Together with her husband, Nurhayati manages a rice field and several plots of land where they grow corn, bananas, and vegetables. “After years of farming, I have seen how it can support my family’s needs,” she said. In 2024, they joined the Trees4Trees program receiving albizia, avocado, and cacao trees. “I hope these trees will become our savings for the future,” added Nurhayati.

Another woman farmer, Sahliah, described farming as her side job, while her husband works as a full-time farmer managing rice fields and land planted with coconut trees and crops. Even so, Sahliah actively ensures their crops and coconut trees grow well and thrive.

Like Nurhayati, Sahliah also received albizia, avocado, and cacao seedlings from a tree-planting program initiated by Faithfull in partnership with Trees4Trees in 2024. “These trees are investments for the future. When I get older and am not strong enough to work, I can harvest the fruits along with crops we planted to support our needs,” she said.

Woman planting trees — Sahliah, in front of her working place where she and other women pack young coconut leaves.

Independent and Self-sufficient Women

Behind their persistence in farming lies a larger goal: becoming financially independence women who can contribute to their family.

In addition to farming, Sahliah started a small business five years ago related to trees she grows: collecting young coconut leaves. The demand for young coconut leaves in Bali remains high because they are widely used in traditional ceremonies and rituals. The leaves are crafted into penjor, tall decorative bamboo poles adorned with young coconut leaves (janur), and banten, traditional Balinese Hindu offerings.

“This business employs around 15 women who work with me to collect young coconut leaves, pack them, and send them to crafters in Denpasar,” Sahliah said. She emphasized that maintaining healthy coconut trees she has grown and continuing farming are essential to sustaining her business, as the quality of the leaves depends on the health of the trees and the ecosystem.

“Through this business, I want more women in this village to work and earn their own income, instead of depending on their husband entirely to support their family needs,” she added. Sahliah believes that productive women can strengthen household financial stability.

Nurhayati also pursues her own source of income. Besides farming with her husband, she runs a small snack stall in front of her house. The income she earns from selling harvests helps her add capital to her stall and create additional opportunities to support her family. “It is always satisfying to earn my own income without depending on my husband,” she said.

Rooted in Resilience: Women Farmers in Bali — A woman from Tuwed Village packs young coconut leaves before delivering them to a crafter to be used for ceremonial and ritual decorations.

Farming for the Future

For both Nurhayati and Sahliah, their commitment to farming and planting trees goes far beyond generating income. Their village has experienced environmental challenges, including drought during the dry season and flooding during the rainy season. For them, planting trees is also a way to help restore their village’s surrounding environment.

“I love seeing the area around my land becoming greener. It feels cooler and makes me feel safer with more trees around,” Sahliah said.

Through the tree-planting program initiated by Faithfull in collaboration with Trees4Trees this season, the trees planted are expected to bring long-term benefits, not only restoring the environment but also strengthening the livelihoods of local communities, especially empowering women like Sahliah and Nurhayati.

Writer: V. Arnila Wulandani. Photos: Y. Dessenita

#Bali #EmpoweringWoman #PlantingTrees trees4trees

Balancing Industrial Growth with Urban Forest Planting

From electricity consumption and infrastructure development to manufacturing and distribution, the industrial sector stands among the world’s largest contributors to greenhouse gas emissions. According to the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), direct industrial emissions account for nearly 22% of total global emissions, while indirect emissions – from electricity and industrial heat – contribute another 31%. This places the industrial sector at the center of the climate challenge and makes it a priority for emission reduction.

Recognizing this responsibility, Jaya Obayashi has strengthened its commitment to balancing industrial growth with environmental protection through sustainability-driven initiatives. Hardy Tekyawan, a member of the company’s Board of Directors, explained the company not only complies with ISO 14001 international environmental management, but also strives to go beyond compliance by taking direct action.

“Our parent company is deeply committed to sustainability and, as a construction subsidiary, we are encouraged to actively contribute as well. It’s no longer just about meeting regulations, but about taking part in real environmental action,” he said

Turing Commitment into Action: 500 Trees for Urban Forest Expansion

As part of their ongoing sustainability efforts, Jaya Obayashi has committed to expanding the urban forest located within the Greenland International Industrial Center (GIIC) area in Cikarang, West Java – one of Indonesia’s largest and most active industrial hubs in the Greater Jakarta region. With support from Trees4Trees, Jaya Obayashi recently planted 500 trees in this location.

Kentaro Miyashita, Jaya Obayashi’s General Affairs Admin Advisor, confirmed that over 50 employees from various divisions took part in this initiative as planting volunteers. “Every year, we improve and strengthen our sustainability program, while also encouraging more staff to connect to environmental protection efforts,” he said.

Hardy added that the company’s approach to sustainability applies across all business levels, from head office to project sites. “Our internal engagement must be strong, so everyone consciously participates in environmental responsibility.”

Balancing Industrial Growth with Urban Forest Planting — Hardy (left), a member of the Jaya Obayashi Board of Directors, receives a tree-planting certificate from Trees4Trees’ Director, Pandu Budi Wahono.

Beyond Compliance: Annual Sustainable Programs

Ramdan and Tasya, from the Jaya Obayashi Corporate Communications and Legal team, also explained that urban reforestation is one of several environmental programs which the Company carries out on a regular basis. “In addition to this tree-planting activity,” explained Ramdan, “we also conducted mangrove planting from 2022 to 2024 and have continued our upcycling program for old employee uniforms.”

Both went on to emphasize that these efforts are designed, not only to address environmental impact, but also to build a culture of awareness within the organization. By engaging and involving employees, the company aims to strengthen environmental consciousness through practical action.

Jaya Obayashi staff plant trees — (Above) Ramdan (crouching in the center) and Tasya (second from the right), together with other Jaya Obayashi employees finish planting trees in a plot of land within the GIIC industrial area. (Below) Over 50 members of staff from Jaya Obayashi join in the tree-planting activity.

Reversing the Damage, Contributing to Climate Action

The urban forest planting initiative forms part of Jaya Obayashi’s broader vision to help restore the ecological function of industrial landscapes – areas often exposed to higher temperatures, increased emissions, and land degradation. Tree planting serves as a way to mitigate ecological stress while contributing to positive climate action.

“We all know that global warming is worsening,” says Ramdan. “Through initiatives like this, we are aligning our efforts with the UN SDGs by taking real action.” The company hopes the newly planted trees will provide long-term environmental improvements, while converting unused areas into green buffer zones.

Tomi Bustomi, Trees4Trees’ Regional Manager for West Java, explained that a mix of tree species was selected to accelerate canopy formation. “These trees sequester emissions and produce oxygen,” he said. “We use a combination of shade trees like rain trees along with fast-growing species such as gmelina, albizia, and cadamba to speed up greening and ecological recovery.”

The event was also joined by Trees4Trees Green Ambassadors Tantri (Kotak) and Arda Hatna, whose presence brought extra excitement to the initiative. “The energy and enthusiasm were incredible,” said Tantri. “We hope these trees will help ease today’s climate challenges, growing into shade and absorbing emissions in this industrial area.”

Their participation shows how collective action can inspire more people to take part in real climate solutions.

Arda and Tantri plant trees with Trees4Trees — Arda and Tantri, Trees4Trees green ambassadors joined the tree-planting as volunteers.

A Sense of Peace and Purpose

Hardy emphasized that the initiative is meant, not only to restore the environment, but also to demonstrate the value of trees to human life. “We love trees because they give us oxygen and support the well-being of humankind and all living creatures. I hope this program inspires others to follow a similar path,” he said.

Sharing the same sentiment, Kentaro highlighted the cultural perspectives rooted in the company’s Japanese heritage. “Wooden houses are traditionally very common in Japan, so we naturally feel a cultural closeness to trees,” he explained. Trees, he noted, symbolize both beauty and life. “When we look at trees, they bring a sense of peace. The greenery is soothing to the eyes.”

In closing, he emphasized that protecting trees today means protecting the future. Continuing planting and protecting trees is not just an environmental responsibility, but also a way of preserving life and culture for future generations.

Writer: V. Arnila Wulandani. Photos: Yulianisa Dessenita

#GIIC #JayaObayashi #UrbanForest bekasi Citarum Project csr trees4trees

Mekarjaya Village’s Farmers: Planting Forest, Sustaining Life

Nestled in the foothills of the Malabar Mountains in Bandung Regency – West Java, Mekarjaya Village lies surrounded by state forests and the towering 1,690-meter Sangar Mountain, which has drawn more visitors each year. This popularity has opened new opportunities of income for local communities through community-managed tourism.

Yet, the beauty of the forest that visitors admire today exists thanks to the tireless dedication of local forest farmers who have spent years planting and nurturing trees to keep their land alive. Without their efforts, Mekarjaya’s forest could have suffered the same fate as many other parts of the Malabar range – degraded by land conversion and extensive logging.

Sangar Mountain is located in the Mekarjaya Village in Bandung Regency, West Java.

Starting Greening Action Through Self-Reliance

Asep, one of the village’s farmers, remembered how his journey began when he moved to Mekarjaya in 2018 and quickly joined the community’s reforestation mission. “I already had extensive experience in cultivating and planting trees since 2010,” he recalled. “Together with several local communities, we collected gmelina seeds from the streets to produce our own seedlings. Later, we grew thousands of trees and planted barren land around us.”

With his experience, Asep became a strong supporter of Mekarjaya forest greening efforts. “Back then, we relied only on ourselves. We planted sandalwood, gmelina, eucalyptus – whatever we could – to protect the land we live, because much of the neighborhood forests were already gone,” he said.

Managing Forest Through Social Forestry

Alex, another forest farmer and leader of Mekarjaya Village’s social forestry group, shared how the community has taken collective responsibility to preserve the forest. Today, more than 100 villagers work together to manage around 140 hectares of state forest in their village.

“We began looking after the forest in 2008, when the government first opened the opportunity for communities to manage it. But it was only in 2017 that we officially gained the right through the social forestry scheme,” Alex explained.

Through this scheme, they hold a 35-year permit to manage the state forest – restoring and maintaining the land while being allowed to grow crops and fruit trees, but without cutting down forest trees. “Our responsibility is clear: restore and protect the forest by planting trees and keeping it healthy and lush,” Alex said.

Since 2017, the villagers have held annual tree-planting activities as part of their commitment to forest preservation. “At first, we used our own seedlings,” Alex continued. “But over time, many nature lovers and hikers began donating trees. Their support has allowed us to continue planting new trees year after year.”

Non-timber Harvesting and Preserving Native Tree Species

The Mekarjaya forest is rich in native West Javan tree species. “We have puspa, rasamala, saninten, ki semut, and many other tree species,” Alex said. To protect ecological health, the farmers prioritize hardwood and native trees, while for economic benefits, they grow multipurpose and fruit species.

“We mainly plant coffee to gain economic benefit, as it has high demand and this land is perfect for it,” Alex explained. “We also grow jackfruit, bitter bean, and avocado to harvest non-timber products.” Similarly, Asep focuses on cultivating non-timber trees such as coffee, sapodilla, and bananas. “I also grow damar pine trees – once they mature, they provide shade, while I can harvest their sap,” he added.

Another farmer, Sutajaya, has chosen a different path. He focuses on creating an arboretum of native trees to support tourism and education. “As Sangar Mountain attracts more hikers, I established an arboretum where visitors can learn about biodiversity while climbing to the mountain,” he explained.

Trees4Trees Support: Planting Trees Empowering Communities

In 2021, when Trees4Trees and TREEO launched a tree-planting initiative, farmers in Mekarjaya eagerly joined the program. Around 30,000 trees were distributed, accelerating reforestation and creating a healthier and more resilient forest.

“This program truly helps us, as the trees allow us to restore our forest more quickly and enhance economic benefit for local forest farmers,” Alex said. While for Sutajaya, the program goes beyond economic benefits. “As the trees grow bigger and stronger each day, they provide oxygen and restore balance to the ecosystem. Native species are thriving, creating habitats for wildlife while improving air and water quality. For me, that’s the most important benefit,” he reflected.

A view of the state forest in Mekarjaya Village from afar, where local farmers have planted trees.

Together, the dedication of local forest farmers and the support from initiatives like Trees4Trees and TREEO are breathing new life into Mekarjaya’s forests. What was once threatened by degradation is now transforming into a thriving ecosystem that not only safeguards biodiversity but also sustains the people who depend on it. “Those trees make our forest more abundant. They hold immense ecological and economic value that sustain our environment and strengthen the lives of our community,” Alex said.

Writer: V. Arnila Wulandani. Photo: Kemas Duga Muis

#FarmerStory #GunungPengaron #Mekarjaya bandung trees4trees

Eco-Friendly Farming: Cicalengka Farmers Move Beyond Timber Logging

For farmers in Nagrog Village, Cicalengka District, West Java, farming is not just a job that fulfills their daily lives, but a cultural heritage passed down through generations. Most of them inherit family land, which they manage by growing crops and trees. They harvest and sell their yield, providing them with a decent livelihood.

Traditionally, crops like chili, banana, citronella grass, clove buds, and some vegetables formed their primary harvests. They also cultivated trees like burflower (jabon), gmelina, and albizia (sengon), earning income by logging and selling the timbers. However, in recent years, many of them have recognized the need to adopt more environmentally friendly practices to secure their livelihood for the future.

From Harvesting Timber to a New Eco-Friendly Farming Model

“Logging trees for timber is an outdated way to earn income,” said Faisal, one of Nagrog Village’s farmers. “For us, cutting down the trees and selling the timber is a thing of the past. We’re transitioning to a farming model focused on growing trees without cutting them down. Tree cover is essential for preventing erosion and controlling rainwater runoff in our village,” he explained.

In recent years, the farmers in Nagrog Village have united to create a greener future. As an initial step, they have shifted their focus to cultivating more trees and crops, prioritizing the sustainable harvest of fruits and leaves over cutting timber.

Eco-Friendly Farming — Faizal took a rest after working on his land in Nagrog Village

Maximizing Cloves and Citronella Grass

Clove trees and citronella grass are the main crops they cultivate lately. “Clove buds fetch a good price in the market. It’s 80,000 rupiah per kilogram,” shared Agus, another farmer. “Citronella grass grows exceptionally in our village land, with consistent demand and good prices as it’s used for essential oils,” he added. Agus also noted Arabica coffee’s potential, priced between 15,000 and 18,000 rupiah per kilogram, although market fluctuations are a challenge. “So, we need to diversify crops and fruit trees to stabilize our income,” he emphasized.

On the other hand, Yaya, another farmer, faces different challenges when growing cloves due to his open land exposed with direct sunlight. “The dry season has always been tough, especially last year. Many of my young clove trees didn’t survive the heat. My crops also struggled,” he said. “I’ve used shading nets, but I think more shade trees are needed to reduce the heat and improve their survival rate,” he said.

Agus is taking care of burflower trees he planted, ensuring they grow healthy.

Greener Future with Tree Planting Support

In 2022, new hope arrived for the green initiatives taken by farmers in Nagrog Village. EcoMatcher, in collaboration with Trees4Trees introduced a tree planting program that engaged local farmers as tree grower partners. Among the participants were Faizal, Agus, and Yaya, who benefited from the program.

“I received over 400 tree seedlings of clove and burflowers trees. This really helped me since I can’t afford them on my own,” said Yaya. He considered cloves to enhance the existing trees he planted, and burflowers to provide shade for his sun-scorched land.

Faisal highlighted how the program supports farmers in multiple ways, not only providing free seedlings but also advanced farming knowledge. It includes teaching farmers with agroforestry technique to optimize results both income and environmental health.

“We planted burflower trees to provide shade for our crops. Citronella grasses were planted on sloped lands to prevent erosion, and clove trees were added to our existing stock, offering valuable buds in six years while benefiting the environment. We’re truly grateful for this program,” Faisal said.

Cultivating Hope for the Future

With increased tree cover supporting their green initiatives, farmers are now exploring further innovations. “Clove trees offer benefits beyond the buds; their leaves can be used for essential oil production. We’re also looking into enhancing income from citronella grasses by producing essential oils ourselves, because the demand is high, and the market is competitive,” said Faisal.

However, a lack of production machinery and knowledge remains a challenge for them. Despite this, they remain hopeful about realizing their dream. “With more trees planted, we believe doors open to further improvements in our sustainable farming practices,” added Faisal.

In line with Faisal, Agus expressed his commitment to working with fellow farmers in his village to implement environmentally friendly farming practices. “I’m no longer interested in logging trees for timber. By preserving trees, we protect the environment and safeguard our village’s water sources for our community’s lasting survival. I think that is the most important thing,” he said.

Writer: V. Arnila Wulandani. Photo: Kemas Duga Muis

#EcoFriendlyFarmer #EcoMatcher reforestation Sustainable Livelihoods Impact trees4trees

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Women Strengthening Economic and Environmental Preservation in Pati

Women’s Participation in Farming