Travels in Java: Situ Cisanti and the Source of the Citarum River

Travels in Java: Situ Cisanti and the Source of the Citarum River
The zero-kilometer marker for the Citarum River, Situ Cisanti. Photo: Trees4Trees/Yulianisa Dessenita

The Citarum is the longest and largest river in West Java, providing water for over 27 million people and irrigation for nearly 40% of regional rice production. In recent years, it has achieved notoriety as one of the world’s most polluted water courses. But there is another side to the Citarum. Trees4Trees followed the river upstream and discovered something truly beautiful. 

Back to Square One: The Birthplace of the Citarum 

Walking through the main entrance of the village, we are welcomed by a thick blanket of trees. In the distance, we can hear the trickle of water and the sound of birds singing – a sure a sign the ecosystem here is in good health. It also means we’re nearing our destination. 

Upstream from the noise and pollution of the coastal urban areas, the Citarum River begins life in a quiet lake called Situ Cisanti. Located 37 miles (60 km) from the center of Bandung in Tarumajaya Village, this five-hectare lake sits at an altitude of nearly 5,000 feet (1,500 m) above sea level. Up here, the mornings are misty and quiet, and the views are breathtaking. 

Situ Cisanti and the Source of the Citarum River
(Above) Misty and quiet: Situ Cisanti in Bandung Regency. Photo: Trees4Trees/Kemas Duga Muis.

A Walk on the Wild Side of West Java 

The lake itself is hidden away at the end of a long and winding road – a network of paths that wriggles uphill through Bandung Regency. They fan out through an endless landscape of farmland and fields, which includes Kertasari – one of Java’s oldest tea plantations, set up in 1906.

Travels in Java: Situ Cisanti
(Above and below) Local residents are committed to protecting the forest and the precious waters of Situ Cisanti. Photo: Trees4Trees/Yulianisa Dessenita (above) & V. Arnila Wulandani (below)
Citarum River
Travels in Java: Situ Cisanti and the Source of the Citarum River

There’s plenty to do here too. Visitors can explore the scenery surrounding Situ Cisanti, with activities such as fishing, boat rides, and photography. Or they can just soak in the peace and quiet of this tranquil place.  

Located in the shadow of Wayang mountain, the area is a great spot for hiking, or for jogging around the lake. Facilities include a large parking lot, toilets, and food stalls. Best of all, admission is just Rp 15,000 (US$ 1) per person. 

Travels in Java: Situ Cisanti and the Source of the Citarum River
(Above) A natural spring where the Citarum River begins. Photo: V. Arnila Wulandani.

Spring into Life: The Birthplace of the Citarum 

“Our ancestors left us a message,” explains Atep, who has been working to protect this area since he was young.  “From generation to generation, (we must) protect the springs according to local wisdom in our village.”  

The springs he is referring to are the Citarum, Cikahuripan, Cikoleberes, Cihanuwung, Cisadane, Cikawudukan, and Cisanti. Most of the water that fills Situ Cisanti and flows downstream through the Citarum River comes from these seven springs, which are so vital to life and livelihoods in West Java. 

“We can drink the water directly from these springs. “The rules even restrict visitors wearing shoes when entering this pond to keep it clean,” says Atep, who adds that the Citarum and Cikahuripan springs provide drinking water for his village. 

children in Situ Cisanti and the Source of the Citarum River
(Above) Children fishing in a river that flows from Situ Cisanti. Photo: Trees4Trees/Yulianisa Dessenita

Read also: A Watershed Moment Planting Begins at the Citarum River

Trees4Trees: A Cleaner, Greener Future for the Citarum 

In 2021, Trees4Trees set out on a tree planting program in Cibereum village, close to Situ Cisanti. In the most recent planting season (2022), more trees were planted here, as well as in the neighboring villages of Tarumajaya and Santosa. Much of the farmland in these hilly areas is poorly designed, which can lead to environmental problems such as erosion, flooding, and siltation of the rivers. 

“This can have a long-term impact on water availability,” explains Jeje Sutarja, Trees4Trees’ Unit Manager in the Cirasea 3-unit area. “By planting trees, we hope to enlarge the water catchment area around the upstream, conserve the water springs and preserve the beauty of this lake,” he added. 

The Citarum is famed as one of the dirtiest and most polluted rivers in the world. But up here, in the mountains where it was born, the river has a different story to tell. The birds are singing around Situ Cisanti, the water is clean enough to drink, and local people are working to conserve these waters according to the wisdom of their ancestors. The birthplace of the Citarum is a glimpse of what the river once was, but also a vision of what it could be; with enough support, and a shared commitment to clean and protect it, the Citarum could become famous for all the right reasons. 

Writer: V. Arnila Wulandani. Editor: Christopher Alexander

Rohmanudin’s Vision: Why Planting Trees is a Better Legacy Than Selling Land 

why Planting Trees is a Better Legacy
Photo: Trees4Trees/Kemas Duga Muis.

Rohmanudin, 53, has been familiar with farming activities since his childhood, as his parents were farmers who often brought him to the fields. However, Rohmanudin only began farming his own land in 2015. His land, located in Nagrak Village, Cangkuang District in Bandung Regency, was planted with various crops, including several types of trees, fruits, and vegetables. 

“From 2015 to 2016, I began working on my own field, planting various kinds of crops. In 2015, the Indonesia government initiated an agricultural program that led me to grow vegetables for the first time. Thank God, I have been growing different types of plants ever since,” he revealed. 

As part of the government agricultural program, a farmer group was established in Nagrak village, which still exists today. Rohmanudin is one of the most active members of this group.  

Joining to the Tree Planting Program to Improve the Result 

In 2021, Rohmanudin was offered the opportunity to join a tree planting program funded by Astra Zeneca, in collaboration with Trees4Trees and One Tree Planted. He proposed planting tree species that were suitable for his land’s conditions. 

Why Planting Trees is a Better Legacy Than Selling Land 
Rohmanudin maintains his land and plants various type of crops and trees. Photo: Trees4Trees/Kemas Duga Muis.

“I proposed then planted jabon (burflowers), sengon (Chinese albizia), and suren (red cedar) because they thrive in this area. I also planted other trees such as stinky beans, as well as fruit trees like sapodilla and rambutan,” Rohmanudin said. 

Since joining the tree planting program, he has noticed significant differences compared to his previous farming activities. He stated that the implementation of the program has improved significantly, and he feels that it is much better now than in the past. 

“In the past, the planting system was not as structured. Now, we have a more structured approach, and I can say that the way we do is the correct one,” Rohmanudin added. 

Read also: A Watershed Moment: Planting Begins at the Citarum River

Effort to Restore the Former Forest in the Village

Rohmanudin is deeply concerned about the vast deforestation that has taken place in his village, where forests have been cleared and replaced with residential areas. As such, he strongly believes that the tree planting program can have a positive impact if implemented effectively, and is therefore highly motivated to care for the trees. 

Planting Trees is a Better Legacy
Planting Trees is a Better Legacy; Rohmanudin with the burflower tree he has grown. Photo: Trees4Trees/Kemas Duga Muis.

“In the past, this area was full of rare birds and big trees. The mornings were beautiful and so refreshing. The land was more fertile than today. But now, look, they’re gone! There’s a lot of dry land, and water is scarce. Why did this happen? Because the land was sold out, and housing was built. In the area behind my house, eight hectares were sold out, and now, ten more hectares are gone! Housing has been built there again,” Rohmanudin lamented. 

Planting Trees Instead of Selling Land for a Better Future

Seeing the reality that is happening in his village, Rohmanudin feels agitated. He worries that if all the land in his village is sold and turned into housing, there will be nothing left for future generations, and not enough land to cultivate. 

“Imagine what will happen to our children and grandchildren in the next 10-20 years? They will have nothing left. Moreover, if everyone builds houses here and there, we will get more pollution and disease,” he said. 

Planting Trees is a Better Legacy
Planting Trees is a Better Legacy; Rohmanudin’s trees grow bigger and greener. Photo: Trees4Trees/Kemas Duga Muis.

He also believes that cutting down a lot of trees will interrupt the process of producing clean air that is essential for human beings. That is why he thinks this tree planting program is necessary. He believes there are advantages that villagers can get, and even planting trees on a little land for the next generations is essential. 

Rohmanudin expects this program will make farmers in his village more aware of protecting their land and keeping it fertile so that more trees could be planted and more results could be harvested. Therefore, they can make a living from the results instead of selling their land to the land developer. 

Regreening Jakarta’s Concrete Jungle through Urban Forestry

Regreening Jakarta’s Concrete Jungle
With support from Microsoft, and in collaboration with local farmers, schools, and communities, Trees4Trees will continue replanting urban areas around Jakarta.

In terms of urban area, Jakarta is the second biggest city in the world. And it’s still growing; areas on the outskirts are quickly swallowed by the urban sprawl, and the increasing number of industrial centers is already having an environmental impact. But in the satellite towns of Bekasi and Karawang, locals are finding ways to push back against the concrete tide: by planting more trees. 

Replanting urban forests offers all kinds of benefits. Trees combat pollution and lower temperatures. They provide habitats for animals and livelihoods for people. They filter drinking water, protect against flooding and prevent soil erosion. On a larger scale, urban forests are proven to mitigate the negative impacts of climate change by sucking carbon dioxide out of the atmosphere.  

Going Green in Greenland: Trees4Trees’ Replanting Program   

Recognizing the importance of urban forests, and with support from Microsoft and One Tree Planted, Trees4Trees kicked off a tree-planting initiative in the Greenland International Industrial Center (GIIC) in Bekasi and the Karawang International Industrial Center (KIIC) in Karawang. The program, which began in November 2022, has already covered an area of 25 hectares.  

Regreening Jakarta’s Concrete Jungle
(Above) Since November 2022, Trees4Trees has planted 17,778 new trees around Bekasi and Karawang

“With this project, our goal is to plant 25,000 trees in GIIC and KIIC,” explains Anto Wartono, Planning Manager at Trees4Trees. “We hope these trees will soon grow into urban forests.”  

According to Anto, Trees4Trees has already planted 17,778 trees around GIIC and KIIC. Around 8,000 more trees are expected to be planted in the area over the next few weeks.  

The program actually went beyond planting. To raise public awareness about the importance of green spaces in urban areas, Trees4Trees engaged with local women farmers and ran an environmental campaign in local schools and communities.  

Rehabilitating the Riverbanks 

One of the main goals of the project is to restore areas around rivers. In recent years, the riverbanks have been eroding away due to land conversion. Trees4Trees focused on areas either side of the Cipamingkis and Cikalapa rivers, which flow through the GIIC area in Bekasi and the KIIC in Karawang, respectively.   

Regreening Jakarta’s Concrete Jungle
(Above) The Cipamingkis River in Bekasi, where Trees4Trees has been active recently

In Jakarta, temporary shelters are a common sight on the city’s riverbanks. During the rainy season, rising water levels can lead to floods and landslides. Adding trees to the banks of rivers is an effective defense against these dangers. 

“Many riverbanks have been converted into residential areas and semi-permanent buildings,” says Anto, who has experienced plenty of obstacles to urban planting. “Unlike in rural areas, planting trees in urban areas is more challenging – there are only a few spaces we can use as green areas.”    

Greening Industrial Areas, Supporting Farmers 

The process of urbanization and land conversion is also squeezing farmers off their land. As part of the urban forest project, Trees4Trees has been working with displaced farmers, helping them establish plantations in the newly reforested areas. By planting trees with high economic value – like durian, avocado, and caqui – we are helping devise new and sustainable ways to support local livelihoods. 

“We have planted 3,085 trees in two villages around KIIC, Puseurjaya and Margamulya village,” says Anto. “While in the GIIC buffer zone, we have planted 2,300 trees in Pasirtanjung village by involving local farmers,” he added.   

Preserving Biodiversity  

Trees4Trees’ work in KIIC also covered the Telaga Desa conservation area; an educational park that provides a precious green oasis in Karawang. As part of the project, more than 3,000 trees were planted here. Trees species chosen for this purpose included kemang (white mango), buni (currant), pulai (blackboard tree), mundu (yellow mangosteen), genitri (rudraksha), puspa (needlewood), and gandaria (mango plum).  

Regreening Jakarta’s Concrete Jungle
(Above) Microsoft’s Gavin Hodge (left) helps plant trees in the GIIC in Bekasi

“These trees will grow 20 meters high in 5 years,” explains Gavin Hodge, the DCD Project Manager at Microsoft. He joined the activity in GIIC and KIIC area as a volunteer tree planter, and believes this project will offer a range of benefits. “(It’s) going to protect our environment and improve the estate, while also improving the situation for the community. So it’s good that Microsoft can be a part of it.” 

With support from Microsoft, and in collaboration with local farmers, schools, and communities, Trees4Trees will continue replanting urban areas around Jakarta. Every sapling holds enormous potential. In time, they could change the landscape in one of the world’s biggest urban areas.   

To find out more about our ongoing replanting programs, and to see how you can help, visit devtrees4trees.portopaper.com.  

Writer: V. Arnila Wulandani. Editor: Christopher Alexander

Coastal Communities and Culinary Traditions: Mangrove Restoration in Pati

mangrove
Coastal Communities and Culinary Traditions: Mangrove Restoration in Pati
Fried bandeng presto (steamed milkfish) slices, an authentic culinary of Pati. Photo: Trees4Trees/V. Arnila Wulandani.

The uniqueness of bandeng presto (steamed milkfish) lies in its cooking technique. Steaming the fish at high pressure creates a delicate texture that locks in flavor and allows the meat to fall effortlessly off the bone. After being cooked in this way, even the soft spines of the fish can be eaten. From beachside pots to the kitchens of restaurants, local cooks have mastered this technique, and milkfish have become a dish that’s synonymous with Pati Regency of Central Java. 

This iconic fish puts food on the table in more ways than one. Many people living in Pati make their living as fishpond farmers, with milkfish being their main source of income. However, these industries are increasingly under threat from flooding. Now, with the help of Trees4Trees, farmers are finding that mangroves have the power to reverse the damage and protect their livelihoods. 

An Essential Resource for Local People 

In a year, fishpond farmers in Pati can harvest milkfish two or three times, depending on the weather. “We can sell one kilogram of milkfish for around 15,000 to 25,000 rupiah (US$ 1 to 1.60),” explains Djamari, one of the fishpond farmers from Dukuhseti village. He only cultivates milkfish, as this is the most reliable, most profitable commodity.  

Parmi, another fishpond farmer from Dukuhseti village, agrees. As he explains, “milkfish is the main component of authentic foods in Pati, so the demand is always high,” he added. 

Pati Beach
(Above) the mangroves that surround them. (Below) Fishponds in Dukuhseti village and. Photo: Trees4Trees/V. Arnila Wulandani

Fishponds in Dukuhseti village

Livelihoods Under Threat: Extreme Weather and High Waves  

Fishponds in Pati are increasingly under threat. Recently, when the tide is high, and the weather is bad, the surge can flood the fishponds and decimate stocks of the precious milkfish.  

“Virtually every year, our fishponds are threatened by waves,” explains Parmi. “Last year, when my pond was destroyed, only a few fish were left. I suffered losses of nearly 100 million rupiah due to the damage,” he revealed.  

Parmi’s story is familiar to many fishpond farmers in the region. Djamari added that he has experienced similar problems, which were disastrous to his business. “I estimate that my losses due to last year’s high tide were in the tens of million rupiah,” he said.  

However, Djamari and Parmi actually fared much better compared to their neighbors in other villages. This is because their ponds were protected by mangroves. “Even though there are not many, these mangroves protected our fishponds,” explained Parmi, pointing to the mangrove trees around him.  

Mangrove in Pati
(Above) In Pati, mangroves have proven to be an effective way of limiting the damage caused by annual floods. Photo: Trees4Trees/Yulianisa Dessenita.

The Many Benefits of Mangroves 

Musthofa is the leader of a group of fishpond farmers in Dukuhseti village. He laments that mangrove cover in Pati has been in decline in recent years. “Everything within a hundred meters of the shoreline should be a greenbelt area,” he explains, noting that this protection is largely absent. “Most farmers in our group are aware of the benefits offered by mangroves; we have seen ponds protected with mangroves suffer less damage than areas that are not,” he added.  

“The mangrove trees around our pond were planted in 1995 and stand up to 10 meters tall,” explains Parmi, who also revealed that these trees can offer multiple benefits to farmers. “They not only prevent erosion and waves – the fallen leaves also function as natural fertilizers to fishponds, which accelerates fish growth,” he said. 

Mangrove Farmers
(From left to right) Djamari, Musthofa and Parmi – fishpond farmers who have been helping T4T plant mangroves in Pati. Photo: Trees4Trees/Yulianisa Dessenita.

Restoring Coastal Areas, Supporting Farmers, and Preserving Traditions 

Djamari, Parmi and Musthofa are three of the many local farmers who have been helping Trees4Trees to restore coastal ecosystems and protect livelihoods in Pati. Since 2021, we’ve planted around 138,000 mangrove trees in an area covering 27.8 hectares; in the most recent planting season alone, we planted mangroves in eight coastal villages.  

“We hope the mangroves we have planted will grow tall and strong so they can protect fishponds and prevent coastal erosion in areas around our village,” said Parmi. He added that by planting mangroves, the authentic culinary traditions of Pati – such as bandeng presto – will also be preserved.  

Writer: V. Arnila Wulandani. Editor: Christopher Alexander

Tips for Being an Eco-friendlier Woman

Tips for Being an Eco-friendlier Woman
A woman brings reusable bag. Photo: Freepik

The world celebrates International Women’s Day every March 8th. The day is an opportunity to recognize the contributions of women to society and call for greater gender equality in all areas of life. As a woman who wants to celebrate this momentous day by contributing to the earth through eco-friendly ways in daily life, you can try these tips to become an eco-friendlier woman.  

You can also celebrate the day with woman you love most in your life by considering these things as gifts.  

Get rid of single-use makeup wipes and switch with reusable wipes 

Using single-use makeup cotton wipes or facial cleansing wipes can be wasteful. Instead, switching to reusable cloth wipes can be a simple way to be more eco-friendly in your beauty routine. These cloth wipes can be washed and reused multiple times, resulting in less waste. 

Tips for Being an Eco-friendlier Woman
Reusable cloth wipes can be a way to be more eco-friendly in a beauty routine. Photo: Pexels/Karolina Grabowska

Upcycle, secondhand, and eco-friendly material clothes 

The trend of fashion is very dynamic making the clothing models, variation, and types change vastly. It is easy to buy up-to-date clothes from shops which do not consider the environment of clothing production, but we should consider it because the process involves a huge amount of energy consumption, water, and natural resources. 

Tips for Being an Eco-friendlier Woman
Secondhand clothes, slow fashion, clothes swap, or upcycle clothes are ways to do more sustainable in fashion. Photo: Pexels/cottonbro studio

Instead of buying new clothes every time the fashion trend is changing, we can do a more sustainable way to get clothes and keep fashionable, such as: 

  • Upcycle items we already own 
  • Buy secondhand clothing 
  • Organize a clothes swap or attend it to swap your clothes with others 
  • Choose slow fashion (with a good quality, durable, and long-lasting model) so you can wear it for a long time  
  • Buy clothes with eco-friendly materials like natural dyed clothes or made from degradable material like cotton or silk.  

Earth-friendly bath and skin care products 

There are so many varieties of bath and skin care products made from natural these days. They are free preservatives and free chemicals so safer for the body and for the earth. It usually comes with wonderful-smelling soap, shampoo, and conditioner bars or nature-based skin care from various plants and fruit ingredients, like aloe vera, calendula, rose, and many more. Natural and earth-friendly bath and skin care products sure can pamper your skin and body after a tiring day.   

Recycle and reduce packaging of beauty products 

Another thing to consider before buying beauty products is whether they come with minimal or no packaging. Reducing packaging waste, especially from products that are a part of a woman’s daily routine, can be a significant contribution towards reducing our overall waste. Choosing beauty product brands that offer refillable packages or have programs in place to recycle their packaging is the best way to reduce waste. Alternatively, you can recycle the packaging into useful items or send it to recycling centers. 

eco-friendly soap
Photo: Pexels/Photo by Ümran Gün

Switch to eco-friendly kitchenware  

There are lots of eco-friendly kitchenware, cutlery, and other tableware offered nowadays. Usually, they are made from organic materials that are safe for environments like bamboo for cutlery or spatula, coconut fiber or loofah for dishwasher, responsible wood for glass or plates, or pot from pottery or durable material, so it can be used for a long time. Using eco-friendly kitchenware that is harmless to the environment is a great option to live more sustainably starting from the kitchen.     

Reusable shopping bags and produce bags 

Plastic waste is a serious problem we face these days. Going to the grocery store often means using a bunch of plastic bags and plastic produce sacks and then throwing them away shortly after. Bringing reusable shopping bags and produce bags every time going shopping is a great action to make a green contribution for the earth.  

Plant trees, support women  

Planting trees is a sustainable way to protect the earth. Moreover, it indirectly contributes to cleaning the air and water, which is beneficial for our skin and body. You can celebrate this year’s International Women’s Day by planting trees with Trees4Trees. By doing so, you will also be helping to empower women in our community. Let’s support women for a better and greener future! Plant tree with us through this LINK  

plant a tree
Celebrate the International Women’s Day by planting with Trees4Trees. Photo: Trees4Trees/Kemas Duga Muis.

 

The Story of Euis Maryati: Widowed and Planting Trees to Support Her Family

Euis Maryati
Euis Maryati: Widowed and Planting Trees to Support Her Family

For a woman with four children, it is never easy being a single parent. This is how Euis Maryati (57) feels. She is one of the farmers in Patrolsari Village, Arjasari District. Since a few years ago, she had to be a mother and also head of the family.

As a widower, her life is struggling. Even though, she keeps herself motivated to be a strong woman for the sake of her family. Unlike common life of most women in her village, her daily life is not only about taking care of the household things, but also making income to fulfill her family’s needs. Otherwise, she has to work harder than anyone else. 

Farming Crops is not Enough to Fulfill Her Family’s Daily Needs

Fortunately, Euis Maryati has a field that she can plant many kinds of plants. Most of them are seasonal food crops. Through her field, she can depend her life to the crops’ yield. “Here, I planted various kind of food crops. I planted chilies, cassava, ground nuts, and red bean. There is also corn. Usually, I harvest my seasonal crops once in every two to three months,” said Euis Maryati.  

Afterwards, she sells her crops in a traditional market around her village. Some of the crops are also self-consumed by her family. According to Euis Maryati, by planting crops, at least she does not have to worry if some days she does not have enough money to buy food. Still, she can pick some food crops from her field for her own family consumption.  

Euis Maryati: Widowed and Planting Trees to Support Her Family
Euis Maryati has harvested crops from her field. Photo: Trees4Trees/Kemas Duga Muis

Even though, to meet her family’s daily needs, she cannot avoid doing double jobs at one time. Besides farming, she also sells snacks. “If I do not farm, I cannot support my family’s needs. However, farming crops is not enough. So, I have also opened a small business selling snacks. It is to increase my income to meet my family’s daily needs,” she conveyed. 

Planting Trees: Cultivating a Better Future for Her Family

In 2021, when she was offered a partnership program of tree planting funded by Astra Zeneca collaborated with Trees4Trees and One Tree Planted, Euis Maryati planted burflower-tree, avocado, mango, and orange. She planted those trees among her seasonal crops in her field. She admitted that she was lucky to get plants from the tree planting program. She hopes a lot from trees she planted for the future of her family. 

She has been persevering in taking care of her trees. She cleans the grass every day so that all the plants grow well. She also applies her plants with organic fertilizer that she made herself from animal dung. 

Euis Maryati: Widowed and Planting Trees to Support Her Family
Euis Maryati is checking her jabon trees planted in her field along with various crops.

She expects, by taking good care of those trees, she will be able to harvest the good results. Moreover, now plants in her field are more varied. With more types of trees planted, she hopes she can sell more yields in the future, then she can fulfil her family’s needs much better than today. 

“My life has been difficult for years. So I am hoping that it does not get any harder. If not myself, who else will  support my family? I realize that I am both the mother and the head of the family. It is not easy. But for my children and their future, I will continue to work harder,” she stated.  

She thanks to the tree planting program and she hopes it can bring more prosperity and a better future for women farmers and single parents like her.