Tag: bandung

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.

#FarmerStory #GunungPengaron #Mekarjaya bandung trees4trees

Harry Raharja: Getting Back to Nature in Pengalengan

(Above) In Margamukti Village, a farm has benefitted from planting trees beside vegetable plots

About 30 miles south of Bandung in West Java, Pengalengan District is a rolling green patchwork of dairy farms and tea plantations. Traditional villages are dotted all around, along with lakes, waterfalls, and hot springs. For the growing number of tourists who come here to enjoy the fresh air and beautiful views, the area appears serene and peaceful. But below the surface, Pengalengan has a different story to tell.

In recent years, unsustainable farming practices, combined with unchecked land conversion, have degraded the land. Combined with natural disasters like earthquakes and extreme weather events, many farmers have begun to worry about the environmental impact these developments are having on the landscape.

Working with nature, not against it

One of them is Harry Raharja, owner of Harry’s Farm in Margamukti Village. In 1990, he began planting vegetables, crops, and fruits on his family farm in the Cisangkuy sub-watershed area. At the time, some of his neighbors were selling their land to tourism developers. Those who continued to farm did so with a heavy hand – removing tree cover and using chemicals to maximize their yields. Bucking this trend, Harry continued to implement sustainable practices as his ancestors had done – working with nature, instead of only taking from it.

For Harry, this is not just an aesthetic decision. He believes having tree cover around his farm brings benefits like shade and fresh air, while also binding the soil together and protecting his land from erosion and water shortages. “It may reduce the yield I can harvest from the farm,” he says, “because the vegetables which are covered by trees will not get as much sunlight or grow as well as those in open land. But I don’t mind. I get a greater benefit by letting trees grow at my farm.”

Harry is working with nature to maintain fertility on his farm. To avoid monocropping, his land is planted with a range of vegetables such as chili, potatoes, carrots, and tomatoes. Then, on the borders, he has planted eucalyptus and rasamala trees to provide shade. He has also planted groves of orange trees, which stand apart from his vegetable gardens.

(Above) Harry Raharja, owner of Harry’s Farm in Margamukti Village, where Trees4Trees has been helping plant rasamala trees (below)

Short-term gains create long-term problems

In the time it has taken for Harry’s trees to grow, he has seen a boom in land conversion around Pengalengan, most notably the conversion of forest areas into tourist attractions such as lodges, cafes, lookout points, and other vegetable plots to feed the ever-growing influx of visitors.

Many of these plantations were created without environmental sustainability in mind. Their lack of terracing makes the land more vulnerable to landslides, which are triggered by flooding during the rainy season. To maximize their yield, farmers also clear away trees from the land, making it even more prone to erosion.

The loss of tree cover has also made Pengalengan, once famed for its cooler climes, noticeably hotter during the day, and caused water shortages due to a lack of absorption and storage capacity. This cycle of flooding and drought has taken a heavy toll on the land, while weekend traffic jams have also created a new problem: Air pollution.

Rasamala Tree — (above) Together with local workers, members of Trees4Trees help plant a new generation of trees on Harry’s Farm

Nature-based solutions for man-made problems

Harry saw the damage being done and decided to take action. In 2022, he joined a Trees4Trees planting program which helped plant 10,000 avocado, rasamala, and mahogany trees on his 30-hectare plantation. With funding support from Astra Zeneca Forest (AZ Forest) and One Tree Planted (OTP), these activities formed part of a wider project to add 50,000 new trees to Bandung Regency, focusing on three sub-watersheds of the Citarum River Basin (Citarik, Cirasea, and Cisangkuy).

To this day, each of the trees Harry planted with AZ Forest, OTP and Trees4Trees are standing strong. When other areas in Pengalengan experience flooding and landslides, or when water shortages hit during the dry season, Harry’s Farm stays green and productive. By maintaining tree coverage on his land and staying connected to nature, he is better able to sustain his yields and ensure the availability of water.

These benefits have also impacted the wider community. Harry employs a team of local farmhands on his land, who always have work to – whether harvesting fruits and vegetables or caring for the trees that shelter his fields. In addition to providing them with a reliable livelihood, the environmentally conscious practices implemented at Harry’s Farm have also helped to inform and educate the wider community. With continued support from AZ Forest, Trees4Trees and OTP, the people of Pengalengan can repair the damage done in recent times and look forward to a greener, more sustainable future.

Interview: V. Arnila Wulandani. Writer: Chris Alexander. Photos: Kemas Duga Muis/Trees4Trees

#Pangalengan #Rasamala bandung

Travels in Java: Take a Dip in the Cibolang Hot Spring

Travels in Java; Located around 30 miles (50 km) south of Bandung in Pengalengan, West Java, the Cibolang hot spring is surrounded by the beauty of nature. Now, with its growing reputation among tourists, Cibolang is bringing new meaning to the term ‘hot spot’.

In the surrounding landscape, visitors can roam around scenic tea plantations, dial up the adrenaline with river rafting trips, hike in the misty mountains, or simply unwind in the warm, volcanic water of the hot springs.

Perched at an altitude of 4,750 feet (1,450 meters) above sea level, Wanasuka Village is home to the 2-hectare Cibolang hot spring. It takes about two hours to get there from Bandung by car, on a journey through the verdant landscapes of West Java.

Tucked away between two mountains

At journey’s end, the Cibolang hot spring sits in the foothills of twin mountains, called Wayang and Windu. Up here, the air is cool and fresh, with temperatures rarely edging over 68 degrees Fahrenheit (20 Celsius). All around, fragrant pine trees and colorful calliandra combine to create the feeling of a secret glade in the forest.

According to local traditions, the mountains here are sacred places where gods reside. They are also the wellspring of the Citarum River, which flows from seven springs in Wayang mountain to a lake called Situ Cisanti, before joining the Citarum tributaries. Peoples say the water that trickles down from the mountain is divine, as it comes direct from the gods.

And the Cibolang hot spring is certainly a heavenly place to spend the day. The volcanic heart of the mountain warms the spring waters to temperatures between 104 and 115°F (40-46°C), creating a kind of natural bath or jacuzzi, tucked away in the forest.

What to do in Cibolang Hot Spring

Established in 1990, the Cibolang hot spring complex provides visitors with access to three main pools, each filled with natural hot water that flows direct from the mountains.

Entrance tickets are just Rp25,000 (US$ 1.60) per person, and you can even grab yourself a private pool ticket for Rp40,000 (US$ 2.58) per person. This is a great way to let off steam with family and friends.

The Cibolang hot springs are open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. To get the most out of your trip, follow our top tips:

Top Tips: Visiting Cibolang Hot Spring

Visit in the early morning and late afternoon, when the atmosphere is serene and magical
The water is like a hot bath, so dip your toes first and acclimatize to the temperature
Rent a mat and enjoy a picnic with friends and family
Grab yourself private pool, then sit back and enjoy the view
Don’t forget to bring a swimsuit!

Keeping Cibolang Green

Forest and farmland surrounding the hot springs. (Photo: Trees4Trees/Kemas Duga Muis)

As part of our commitment to preserving the upstream regions of the Citarum River, which includes the Cibolang hot springs, Trees4Trees has been busy planting trees to keep the area green and healthy.

“Since 2022, our replanting program has been hard at work around the villages of Wanasuka and Banjarsari, with 54,000 trees planted in strategic locations. “We specifically planted trees on local farmland, to help the environment while also supporting local farmers,” explains Muhammad Anggy, Trees4Trees’ Cisangkuy Unit Manager.

These activities provide a range of benefits to the local landscape, from ensuring the availability of water sources, to preventing erosion, and preserving the hot springs, which provide a source of income for many people living in the area. But this is just the beginning. Around 61,000 trees will be planted in Wanasuka and Banjarsari village by the beginning of next year (2024).

Zeni is Trees4Trees’ Field Coordinator for these two villages in Cisangkuy. He hopes these replanting efforts can make a big difference in the near future. “By adding more trees, we aim to preserve the hot spring and the foothills of the twin mountains that form part of the upstream Citarum river,” says Zeni. “By improving upstream areas at the source of the river, we also hope to benefit downstream areas, bringing prosperity to local communities and returning the Citarum to its natural state.”

Writer: V. Arnila Wulandani. Editor: Christopher Alexander

bandung cibolang hotspring pengalengan tree planting west java

Itang: A Young Farmer on a Mission to Pass Down Springs through Planting Trees

At 37 years old, Itang Zaenal stands out as a young farmer collaborating with Trees4Trees as a tree grower in Mandalahaji Village, Bandung Regency. In contrast to his peers who often seek employment outside the village, Itang has made a choice to remain within his community. He skillfully tends to his plot of land and has effectively generated income from its produce for several years.

Become a farmer since his young age

Itang owns a parcel of land situated approximately 1 kilometer from the Cirasea sub-watershed, a tributary of the Citarum river. On this land, he cultivates both timber and various crops, aiming to secure both short-term and long-term income sources. The yields he generates from his land enable him to provide for his family, including his two children.

However, Itang’s journey as a farmer commenced at a remarkably young age. At just seventeen years old, he decided to follow his passion and become a farmer.

“In those times, very few young individuals showed interest in farming. This was due to the mistaken belief that farming couldn’t lead to substantial earnings. I stood among the minority of young villagers who opted to remain in our community and pursue farming. Most of them preferred urban employment,” he revealed.

Itang also acknowledged that prior to his decision to settle in Mandalahaji village, he had briefly worked in the city of Bandung. “City life didn’t resonate with me, I suppose. The rigid work hours left me with minimal opportunity to engage in activities I enjoyed,” Itang expressed.

Benefiting from Trees4Trees’ Citarum rehabilitation tree planting program

In 2022, Itang was presented with the opportunity in the tree-planting program initiated by Trees4Trees, sponsored by AstraZeneca and One Tree Planted. “The idea thrilled me, as I received tree seedlings completely free of charge and I get to keep all the results for myself. It was a significant help for me,” Itang expressed

Focusing on planting bur-flower (Jabon) trees and coffee, Itang intends to gain long-term benefits. “Jabon is very well-suited to the soil conditions in my field, so it grows exceptionally well in this area. Jabon also regenerates new shoots automatically after being cut down, ensuring constant flourishing. Coffee, on the other hand, is a promising commodity. With more coffee trees, I can earn a better income,” Itang explained.

Applying organic farming

Since his beginning, Itang has employed organic farming techniques in nurturing his trees. He has personally crafted fertilizer from the manure of his livestock. “Thank goodness, when I employ organic fertilizers made from the blend of manure and soil, the growth of the trees accelerates significantly,” he exclaimed while gesturing towards the flourishing trees around him.

Itang also expressed his gratitude for the organic fertilizers and pesticides provided by Trees4Trees. He noted that with these organic materials, he managed to foster Jabon trees that grew to around 2 meters in height in just eight months. “The outcome fills me with great excitement,” he confessed. He further added that these organic resources complemented the organic approach he had been practicing for years.

Planting trees, passes down the Citarum springs to the next generation

Itang’s land is situated approximately 15 kilometers from the source of the Citarum River. This location marks the origins of seven springs, which converge to form the Citarum River and its tributaries.

“From these springs, the water flows into the Cirasea River – one of the Citarum’s tributaries that runs near my land. This river holds vital importance for the villagers, serving as a primary irrigation source and sustaining the trees I’ve planted. Thus, preserving both the river and its banks is essential,” Itang emphasized.

He underscores that planting trees along the riverbanks plays a crucial role in curbing erosion and the siltation stemming from river sedimentation.

“With the exceptional spring waters of the Citarum River, my endeavor in tree planting aims to pass on the legacy of healthy water sources to my children and the generations to come. I strive to pass down ‘mata air’ (water springs), not ‘air mata’ (tears). If we neglect our duty to care for it, all that remains to pass down would be tears – nothing of our natural heritage would be left,” Itang passionately conveyed.

bandung citarum citarum watershed reforestatiion

Sar’an: Preserving His Land and Planting Trees for Greater Benefits

Preserving Land and Planting Trees around Citarum Watershed for Greater Benefits — Sar’an: Preserving His Land and Planting Trees for Greater Benefits

Even though he is 72 years old, Sar’an is still active to do farming activities. He started farming five years ago. At that time, there was a tree planting program from the government that provided tree seedlings to be planted on villagers’ land, including in his field.

Sar’an lives in Sukanagara village. It is located in Soreang District, Bandung Regency. Prior to his farming activity today, Sar’an was a goat breeder. He decided to farm due to his expectation to be able to improve his well-being more. At the same time, he also wants to restore the soil fertility around his village.

Preserving the Land He Owns for the Long-term Profit

“So many lands in this village have been converted into plantations, offices, and residents. There are also lands owned by villagers which was initially rented out at the beginning but later sold. The result, villagers find it difficult to earn income. That’s because their land that normally can be cultivated on their own has changed function or changed ownership. I am regretting that many people in this village have sold their land. So, when they want to farm, they have to rent the land because they do not have anymore,” Sar’an said.

Sar’an also revealed, in his village, there are many farmers who used to own their land, now only become sharecroppers because their land has been sold. Some sold their land to companies, some sold it to housing developers. Although many farmers in his village sold their land, Sar’an never wanted to sell his own land. It is because for him, planting in his own land is much more profitable in the long run.

From the previous government program, Sar’an received several trees. They were mindi, mahoni (mahogany), gmelina, and suren trees. Unfortunately, the mindi tree was not suitable with the soil and the condition on his land, so the mindi tree planting was failed. When he joined to a tree planting program funded by Astra Zeneca and collaborates with Tree4Trees and One Tree Planted, Sar’an planted jabon (burflower-tree) and manglid trees. Unlike mindi tree which was failed before, these two type of trees can thrive and growing well on his field.

Besides, Sar’an also planted kinds of vegetables in his field. “There are chili, beans, and peanuts that I have planted by my own. Before joining to this program, I have also planted cloves, suren, and mahogany trees by myself,” Sar’an told.

Sar'an: Preserving Land and Planting Trees around Citarum Watershed for Greater Benefits — Sar’an and his Trees

Replanting Trees He Harvested

From trees he planted, he plans to sell the timber after his trees entering the harvest period. However, he will plant new trees to prevent his land being damaged. “After trees are old enough to be harvested, then I will replant new trees to keep the soil stable. Beside, replanting trees will also swift the waterflow. If we do not replant, I am worried landslides will be occurred. Water can also get harder. I do not want that happen,” he said.

Sar’an thanks to the tree planting program that provide him trees. He hopes the tree planting program he joined will bring him good results and can support his livelihood in the long term. He also hopes both vegetables and other trees he planted can provide economic and environmental benefits. In his village, Sar’an also actively persuades other villagers to plant trees and advise them not to be easily tempted by offers to sell their land. He is sure that they will get greater benefits by having his own land that they can cultivate themselves.

bandung citarum watershed ciwidey farmer story

Nurturing the Next Generation: Trees4Trees School Visits

As the global human population continues to grow, the natural world is under increasing pressure. Efforts are needed now to protect and preserve our planet’s ecosystems for future generations. And this begins with education.

Through a series of school visits in June, Trees4Trees engaged with kids in Java, building their understanding of environmental issues and getting them excited about conservation. The activities were timed to coincide with Trees4Trees’ 15th anniversary, on June 11.

“Comprehensive environmental education plays a vital role in preparing kids to address the challenges posed by climate change in the future,” explains Novita, Trees4Trees Planning Assistant. “Schools serve as excellent starting points for such education,” she added.

Making Learning Fun

During a visit to Bukit Aksara Elementary School in Semarang, the Trees4Trees team used an animated video on global warming and tree planting to capture the children’s attention.

“I loved the video,” said Rino, a fourth-grade student at the school. “I learned a lot about global warming and what I can do to prevent it.”

“I’ve seen other animated movies at school too, where the Earth had no trees left, and people had to buy oxygen to breathe. I don’t want that future, so I am excited with this session,” added Rino.

In West Java, Trees4Trees visited Cieuri 1 Elementary School Ibun, Hidayatussa’adah Al Husni School Cipongkor, and Firdaus School Pengalengan in Bandung. In each location, activities focused on waste management, the importance of tree planting, and basic knowledge of conservation.

Learning by Doing: Hands-on Environmental Action

To provide students with hands-on experience, educational sessions included practical activities. At Bukit Aksara, students planted Ketapang trees in their schoolyard, and learned how to care for them properly.

Nurturing the Next Generation: Trees4Trees School Visits

Students at Hidayatussa’adah Al Husni School also rolled up their sleeves and got planting. “During the session, we taught students to plant trees around the school,” remembers Irfan, the Unit Manager of the Ciminyak 2 site. “Together with them, we also planted 80 trees to green the school’s surroundings.”

At Cieuri 1 Elementary School, students went on a litter-picking walk to better understand the impact of their actions. The activity helped them develop more responsible habits.

Trees4Trees School Visits — (Above) Senior high school students at Hidayatussa’adah Al Husni Islamic Boarding School

Through all these efforts, Trees4Trees aims to empower children to become stewards of the Earth and help create a sustainable future for all.

Want to get involved? Trees4Trees is available to visit your school to share conservation skills and knowledge. For more information, please get in touch.

The Importance of Environmental Education

School Visits by Trees4Trees team — Cieuri 1 Elementary School, students went on a litter-picking walk to better understand the impact of their actions. Photo: Kemas Duga Muis/Trees4Trees

According to the State of the World’s Forests (SOFO) 2022, our planet has lost approximately 10% (420 million hectares) of forest cover in the last 30 years.

As highlighted by UNICEF, children are particularly vulnerable to the adverse impacts of environmental problems, which impact their health, education, and overall well-being.

Children are the future stewards of our planet. To ensure the long-term survival of the natural world, we must equip the next generation with the environmental knowledge they need to care for our planet.