When Tradition Preserves Nature: Indigenous Wisdom from West Java

Indonesia, the world’s largest archipelago, is rich in cultural heritage and ethnic diversity. Here, more than 1,300 ethnic groups form a vibrant mosaic of traditions, many of which are deeply rooted in nature. This connection to nature is especially apparent in the Sundanese Indigenous villages of West Java, where many of our tree-planting programs are based.

Where Tradition and Nature Intertwine

Heri is a resident of Legok Kiara, a cultural hamlet in Rawabogo Village, Bandung Regency. He explains, “we have a proverb passed down through generations: There’s no separation between us and nature – only unity in life. Without nature, where would we live?”

Legok Kiara Water Spring — Natural springs like this one in Legok Kiara Hamlet are a vital supply of clean water for the community.

According to Heri, the forest is the village’s lifeline. “Our clean water flows from forest springs. If trees are cleared, drought and floods will follow, so we work hard to protect it.”

In the neighboring Cikondang hamlet in Lamajang Village, Wawan shares a similar perspective. “We take wood from our forest only for houses or rituals,” he says, “and always in accordance with customary rules; no one dares to cut down trees without getting permission from the elders first.” For people like Heri and Wawan, respect for nature is enshrined in local laws and practices, underpinning many aspects of daily life.

Cikondang itself is known for its strong culture, pristine nature, and reverence for tradition. The hamlet is home to one of the oldest known Sundanese traditional houses in Indonesia which, like the community itself, has stood the test of time and continues to stand proud in the modern era.

Rumah Adat Cikondang — Located in the midst of the forest, this traditional house in Cikondang is built from wood and bamboo. It is around 370 years old.

“Here, we believe following traditional rules is the same as obeying God’s law,” says Abah Anom, guardian of the Cikondang traditional house. “Anyone who violates them – for example, by cutting trees illegally or selling farmland – will be punished by God.”

Rituals and Rites of Passage: Living in Harmony with Nature

For generations, local wisdom has guided the Sundanese and helped them to live in harmony with nature. “We still practice traditional rituals today,” says Abah Anom. “By continuing them, we believe our lives will be spared from misfortune.”

Abah Anom goes on to explain a few of his community’s customs in greater detail: “Each year, we hold a traditional irrigation ritual to water 140 hectares of farmland along the Cisangkuy River, ensuring land is irrigated fairly,” he says. “We also perform a clean water ritual at Ciruntah spring, which is a vital water source for the community; we keep it clean and pray to preserve its providence.”

In Legok Kiara, a similar ritual called Ngalokat Cai (preserving water) begins with cleaning water channels and is followed by prayers over collected spring water. “These rituals reflect our gratitude and responsibility to protect water sources,” says Heri.

Ritual budaya Sunda — (Above) A Sundanese man carries ritual offerings on his head. (Below) Local communities gather at a spring in Legok Kiara for a water ritual, praying for abundant water.

Nature As the Inspiration for Art and Culture

In addition to being a spiritual foundation for daily life, nature can also be a source of artistic inspiration. Vandik, a painter from Jelekong Art Hamlet in Baleendah Village, seeks to reflect Indonesia’s natural beauty in his work. “My first teacher was nature,” he explains. “It’s impossible to paint – in form or color – without studying it closely.”

Lukisan Vandik — Vandik paints landscapes inspired by the nature around his village, bringing Indonesia’s beauty to his canvas. His works have been exhibited internationally, including in the Netherlands and the US.

Jelekong is home to a long and proud tradition of artists who have taken their inspiration from nature. As Vandik explains, “the early efforts of our elders earned this place the title Art Village,” and to this day the region is still famed for its songs, dances, paintings, and wayang golek (a traditional form of wooden puppetry).”

Meanwhile, in Legok Kiara, Sundanese arts are often showcased through tourism. “We perform pencak silat, the traditional martial art, along with music like tarawangsa, angklung, and calung performances. All are linked to nature,” says Heri.

Heri also reveals that the intricate movements of the pencak silat dance are an embodiment of forest animals. Moreover, Tarawangsa music is rooted in rituals that give thanks to nature – even the musical instruments themselves are crafted from wood and bamboo sourced from the forest.

When Tradition Preserves Nature — (Above) Sundanese men play the traditional instruments tarawangsa (left) and jentreng (right) during a sacred ritual of thanksgiving for the harvest. The sound of the tarawangsa is believed to summon the ancestors. (Below) Wayang golek, wooden puppetry, remains one of the most popular forms of Sundanese performing arts.

Restoring Forests, Preserving Tradition

With support from AstraZeneca and One Tree Planted, Trees4Trees has already planted 12 million trees throughout the Citarum watershed in West Java, which is home to many cultural villages. “With trees planted in our village, the Trees4Trees program helps us protect the forest,” says Heri. He adds that, in 2024 alone, over 300,000 trees were planted in his village, with more than 500,000 in Lamajang and Baleendah, where the cultural hamlets of Cikondang and Jelekong are located. “We are very grateful for every one of these precious trees,” he added.

This initiative not only restores ecosystems but also sustains the natural resources Indigenous communities depend on. By planting trees, Trees4Trees is preserving both culture and nature – ensuring they remain intertwined and continue to flourish together for many more generations to come.

Petani farmer Trees4Trees — Trees we planted together with farmers in Rawabogo Village in 2023 have flourished and grown healthily.

Writer: V. Arnila Wulandani. Editor: Chris Alexander. Photos: Kemas Duga Muis, Reza Alwiandhi for Trees4Trees

Supporting Women Farmers Through Reforestation in the Citarum Watershed

Most people living upstream of the Citarum watershed, which spans West Bandung Regency in West Java, make their living from farming. For Sundanese – the main ethnic group in West Java – this is more than just a source of income. It is a tradition passed down through generations. Many of the farming community here are women, most of whom have been working the land from an early age.

Over 5,000 woman farmers have participated in tree-planting activities since Trees4Trees first began its Citarum watershed reforestation efforts in 2021 (around a quarter of the total turnout). With funding support from AstraZeneca and One Tree Planted, these women have been able to preserve family traditions and improve their economic independence; their participation also highlights the key role women must play in restoring the environment and strengthening communities.

Family, Farming and Tradition: Continuing the Legacy in West Java

“I’ve never left my village and have worked the soil with my family since I was a teenager,” explains Aisha (60), from Ancolmekar Village. She is one of many local women who have dedicated their lives to farming.

Aisha joined Trees4Trees as a grower in 2021 and quickly demonstrated her exceptional skills. In 2022, she was recognized as one of the best farmers in the area. “My farming skills have improved over time,” she explains, “because farming has been my habit for decades, sharpening my ability to nurture every plant I grow.”

Iis Hasanah (47), from Cijambu Village, spent 11 years working abroad as a household servant in Saudi Arabia before returning home to settle down and continue her family legacy of farming. “After elementary school, my mother often brought me to the field,” she remembers, “which showed me how to sow seeds and grow trees and crops.” She now splits her time between farming and caring for her son, passing her skills on to the next generation.

Iis Hasanah and Aisyah — Iis Hasanah (left) and Aisah (right) have determined to work the land and continue their family legacy.

Nurturing Families by Caring for Nature

For some women, farming offers a connection to their roots. For others, it is a way to provide for their families. Maryati (43) from Kutawaringin Village began farming in her 20s to supplement her family’s income and put her two children through school.

“In addition to shade trees, I chose to plant fruit and coffee trees due to their competitive prices,” says Maryati. “This way, I can help my husband earn additional income and save more money to secure our family’s economy.”

Supporting Women Farmers — Maryati prunes the leaves of a burflower-tree, part of her daily commitment to care for trees she has planted.

Kokom, from Mekarjaya Village, has been farming for 10 years. On her plot measuring 700 sqm, she grows cassava and peanuts, along with fruit trees. “I sell fruits like avocado, along with coffee and cloves, to cover my children’s needs,” she says. “Crops like cassava, peanuts, and vegetables are for family consumption, which helps us save money on food.”

Women’s Empowerment: The Key to Environmental Preservation

The active participation of women in Trees4Trees’ Citarum watershed restoration efforts demonstrate their determination to be productive. Andini Mulyani, a woman farmer from Mekarjaya Village, believes women are equally capable of contributing to their communities as men. “It’s not about competing with men,” she says, “but having equal opportunities and roles. Farming isn’t only for men, women can do it too.”

Through the Citarum watershed reforestation initiative, women are given equal opportunities in tree-planting, including access to seedlings, training and capacity building, and various other benefits. These resources empower them, not only to contribute to their community and families, but to positively impact the surrounding environment. “We receive free seedlings, the yield is ours, and the training sessions help women farmers like us improve our knowledge,” says Iis.

Despite living near the watershed, many areas in the Citarum watershed face drought and water scarcity. Aisha believes tree-planting activities enable women to collectively address these environmental challenges.

“Drought, landslides, and water shortages are common issues here,” she says. “The planting initiative from Trees4Trees gives us the chance to preserve water, prevent disasters, and develop our livelihoods while improving the surrounding environment.”

By empowering women farmers as tree-growing partners, Trees4Trees’ Citarum watershed reforestation program is restoring degraded lands and building community resilience to the impacts of climate change. Crucially, these positive impacts are rooted in local tradition and the principles of gender equality within sustainable social forestry practices.

Writer: V. Arnila Wulandani. Editor: Chris Alexander. Photos: Zaki Luqman, Giri Satriyo, Adia Mufidz, Kemas Duga Muis for Trees4Trees

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Nurturing the Next Generation: Support for Young Farmers in West Java

“Most people my age don’t think about getting into farming,” says Heri, a 36-year-old from Batulayang in West Bandung Regency. “They believe there’s more money to be had in city jobs, but that’s not always that case.” Heri speaks from experience. He used to be one of the majorities who took city jobs – recent government data shows that only 17% of people aged 17 to 39 in West Java are farmers.

In recent decades, rapid development has transformed rural areas into modern landscapes, replacing farmlands with factories, shopping centers, and housing. This shift has changed job trends, with many young people choosing city-based careers over farming. Nevertheless, some young people like Heri are growing disillusioned with city life and returning to their roots.

“From my experience in horticulture, I’ve seen how farming can lead to success and become a sustainable livelihood for many, helping them provide for their families,” says Heri. The most important thing for young people is to change their mindset and recognize that farming can lead the way to entrepreneurship,” he added. With support from Trees4Trees, this new generation is rediscovering the benefits that rural life can bring.

Homecoming: Choosing Farm and Family

Many of the young farmers participating in Trees4Trees reforestation programs learned farming from their parents. Munawar Sidiq (21), a Gen Z farmer from Mandalawaji Village, began farming as a child. After briefly working on a construction project in the city, he returned to continue his parents’ legacy.

“City life wasn’t for me,” he explains. “I have family, land that would have gone to waste if I didn’t take care of it;. if all young people like me leave the village, who will farm, grow trees, produce food, and protect nature?”

Similarly, Dani (32) from Pakutandang Village, developed basic farming skills under his father’s tutelage in his teenage years, before later joining a restoration project in Sumatra. He decided to return and become a full-time farmer in 2018. “This experience gave me advanced skills in farming that I can now use to transform my family’s field,” he said.

New Solutions for a New Generation

Armed with the knowledge and experience they have gained from their travels, these young farmers are committed to helping their villages develop better, more sustainable practices. Aditya Swara (20), a farmer from Girimulya Village, chose to stay home instead of moving to the city, with a mission to tackle water scarcity in his village. Like other residents, he manages vegetable plots and grows fruit trees. “We rely on growing vegetables, but water access is limited,” he says. “During the dry season, it becomes a real challenge.” To combat this, Aditya combines vegetable farming with shade trees like teak and mahogany, which also help to improve soil quality and the availability of groundwater.

Yonan (33) from Kidangpananjung Village, also sees the value of tree planting. To prevent future water scarcity in his surrounding area, he plants trees among his crops. “Without tree cover, water disappears,” he says. “More trees mean more water.”

Youth involvement in environmental preservation is crucial, yet interest in farming among them is still lower than needed. Recognizing this, Heri initiated ‘Citra Muda’, a farmers’ group uniting young people aged 17 to 39 and encouraging them to pursue farming. With over 46 members, the group aims to secure a future for farming in their village. “I want to motivate them to create opportunities and become agricultural entrepreneurs through farming,” he said.

Flourishing in Farming with a Tree-planting Program

Since 2021, Trees4Trees, together with AstraZeneca and One Tree Planted, has led a tree-planting initiative to restore the Citarum Watershed. This program has empowered young farmers with new opportunities and knowledge. Yonan and Heri shared that the program allowed them to plant various trees at no cost and gain organic farming techniques through training.

Meanwhile, for Dani, being named one of the program’s best farmers was an honor. “I never thought I’d be recognized. I just did what was necessary, and the team acknowledged my efforts. It motivated me to keep improving my land and protecting my village environment.”

Aditya’s field was also selected as a demonstration plot due to his impressive planting efforts and the growth of his trees. “Through the demonstration plot, it’s a great opportunity for me to showcase sustainable farming and educate other farmers in the village, especially young people,” he said.

These young farmers are grateful for the tree-planting initiative and eager to continue working to build greener villages. “We hope Trees4Trees and partners keep supporting young farmers like us with free seedlings and training” said Munawar. “I believe more trees and more involvement from young people will ultimately lead to a greener environment.”

Writer: V. Arnila Wulandani. Editor: Chris Alexander. Photos: Nopan Noviana, Benyamin Harits, Fahry SK, Indra Dirjakusuma, Kemas Duga Muis

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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.

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Minister Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan Inspects Trees4Trees’ Citarum Revitalization Project

The Indonesian government is determined to revitalize the Citarum River. Since 2018, they have been working to address environmental challenges and achieve this goal through Citarum Harum, a program which is helping breathe new life into one of Indonesia’s most important waterways.

In 2021, AstraZeneca teamed up with Trees4Trees and One Tree Planted to support this program and deliver the government’s targets. On August 29, 2023, we welcomed a delegation of honored guests to inspect the progress of our own Citarum River Revitalization Project, which contributes to Citarum Harum. This group included representatives from government ministries, program directors, and the country president of AstraZeneca.

Leading the delegation was Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan, Indonesia’s Coordinating Minister for Maritime and Investment. Together with his team, he inspected Trees4Trees’ Ciminyak Nursery, held discussions with local stakeholders, and checked on seedlings that will help reach a target of 20 million trees planted by the end of 2027.

Minister Luhut visited Trees4trees in Ciminyak Nursery — (Above) Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan, Indonesia’s Coordinating Minister for Maritime and Investment

Accelerating Citarum watershed revitalization

The Citarum watershed is home to around 160,000 hectares of degraded land, two thirds of which is found outside of forest areas. If left untended, degraded lands can become a source of environmental problems like erosion, floods, and droughts. An environmental and humanitarian crisis is already beginning to unfold. Action is needed now to reverse these worrying trends.

To prevent disaster, these areas should be the focus of revitalization efforts – a point emphasized by Saparis Soeharjanto from the Ministry of Environment, Forestry, and Climate Change (MoEF) during the official visit. As the Director of Watershed Planning, Evaluation, and Control, he committed his support to driving this development forwards.

Working with farmers to rehabilitate degraded land

The program, which is funded by AstraZeneca Forest, is helping rehabilitate degraded land within five sub-watersheds of the Citarum: Cisangkuy, Ciwidey, Cirasea, Ciminyak, and Citarik. So far, more than 42,000 local farmers have joined up as tree grower partners.

According to Se Whan Chon, who is the President of AstraZeneca Indonesia, the program focuses on ecosystem restoration and clean water access within the watershed, as well as creating new livelihoods through agroforestry.

“AstraZeneca wants to be a part of the journey to help Indonesia improve its environment, particularly in the context of the Citarum River Reforestation Project,” explained Se Whan Chon during a discussion with Minister Luhut and other parties during the visit. “Trees4Trees, our local partner, has been working closely with farmers to educate and engage them,” he added.

Last year, this program successfully planted 4.5 million trees. A total of 20 million are expected to take root by 2027. Trees4Trees’ nurseries have been – and will continue to be – crucial to delivering these targets. “We operate three nurseries with a combined capacity of over 5 million seedlings to support the 2023 tree-planting initiative,” explains Pandu Budi Wahono, Trees4Trees’ Program Manager.

“This year, we aim to plant 4.5 million more trees to rehabilitate the degraded lands of Citarum,” explains Trees4Trees’ West Java Regional Manager, Tomi Bustomi. “We’ll be working with 21,000 farmers to achieve this goal by early next year,” he added.

Turning local impacts into global benefits

During the visit, Minister Luhut pointed out the bigger picture of these replanting operations, describing tree planting as one of the best defenses we have in the fight against global heating.

“We are witnessing severe pollution, not only in Indonesia but around the world,” said the minister. “Planting trees is an effective solution to sequester carbon emissions and combat pollution,” he added.

The minister also highlighted the crucial role farmers have to play in this fight, as they are on the frontline of reforestation efforts. “Farmers,” said the minister, “make a significant contribution to emissions reduction through tree planting, and we should take pride in their efforts.”

Through continuous recruitment, empowerment and planting support, Trees4Trees and our partners will continue to help farmers revitalize the Citarum watershed. By regreening at the local level, we are helping them make a difference on a global scale.

To learn more about Trees4Trees replanting programs, and to find out how you can get involved, go to trees4trees.org.

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

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Taking Out the Trash: Combating Plastic Pollution in Java

Beach clean up by Trees4Trees team — Taking Out the Trash: Combating Plastic Pollution in Java

Plastic waste on shorelines and riverbanks can be a depressing sight. But the trash we see is just the tip of the iceberg. It’s estimated that 400 million tons of plastic are produced annually. And around 14 million tons of it ends up in the ocean. That’s the equivalent of two garbage trucks of plastic dumped into the sea, every minute of every day. For a year.

This tide of trash doesn’t just come from the coast. Garbage from inland is swept into waterways and rivers by rain and wind (and people), then transported to the sea. But its journey doesn’t end there.

When plastic waste enters the ocean, it also enters the food chain. Plastics are eaten by marine life, causing severe injuries and death.

Plastics also poison the environment itself. These materials are especially deadly to mangrove forests, as they entangle and choke the roots, reducing oxygen levels in the soil and causing the slow demise of plants and the animals that rely on them for food and shelter.

Turning the Tide on Trash

Tackling plastic waste is a big challenge. But solutions are out there, and every little helps. Working with a team of partners and volunteers, Trees4Trees recently got to work on a beach clean-up program spanning 1.2 miles (2 km) of mangroves and coastal ecosystems near Dukuhseti Village in Central Java’s Pati Regency. The activity was part of Trees4Trees’ 15th anniversary celebrations and were timed to coincide with World Ocean Day and World Environment Day.

Mustofa is one of Trees4Trees’ local partners. During the clean-up operations, he revealed the impact plastic continues to have on Dukuhseti. “This pollution not only damages the soil,” he explains. “I worry that the huge amounts of plastic waste we see here will also damage the mangroves cover in the area and break up the green belt we have created.”

Khoirum Minan is the Pati area Unit Manager for Trees4Trees. He agrees that something needs to be done to protect mangroves and restore ecosystem health. “Plastic waste hinders the growth of mangroves and leads to their death, so we have to do something to protect them,” he said.

During their clean-up operations, Khoirum and Mustofa recovered a diverse array of waste items, which collectively illustrate the scale of the problem. Their haul included countless plastic bottles and items of food packaging, along with weird and less-than-wonderful items like sandals, diapers, sanitary pads, and even a mattress (not the kind of seabed that marine conservationists are used to).

plastics waste in beach — (Above) Unpacking the problem. Food packaging and other plastics are a common sight in the rivers, waterways, and coastal regions of Java, where pollution is reaching a crucial tipping point.

Taking Out the Trash: Combating Plastic Pollution in Java — (Above) Clean-up operations by Trees4Trees mobilized a team of volunteers and partners along more than a mile of coastline in Pati Regency

Cleaning Up Tourism Hotspots

Another location where Trees4Trees has been busy recently is Cemara Sewu beach, a popular tourism destination that’s in danger of being ruined by plastics. “During our clean-up activities, we discovered loads of food and drink packaging left by visitors,” explains Rizky Praditya, Trees4Trees’ Kebumen area Unit Manager. “If we don’t clean up the waste here, the pollution will soon affect other areas too,” he warned.

Changing Attitudes on the Citarum River

To really make a difference to plastic pollution, you need to go to the source. This means traveling upriver. As Mustofa explains, “so long as people keep throwing trash into the river, the shore will always be polluted with plastic waste and so will the ocean.”

With that in mind, Trees4Trees began working on clean-up operations in the tributaries of the Citarum River, which is sadly famous for its polluted waters. Focusing on the Cidadap and Rawabogo rivers. Trees4Trees got to work alongside local communities, village officials, and young environmental activists.

“Cidadap river flows near residential areas,” says Asep Denis, the Ciminyak 3 Unit Manager. “The residents here have a habit of throwing their waste into the river,” he added. According to Mahesa, the Ciwidey Unit Manager, this makes community involvement an essential part of clean-up operations.

“We’re working to raise awareness in local communities, encouraging their involvement in keeping the river clean,” he said.

The problem of plastics can sometimes seem like a mountain to climb. But with various clean-up actions already being carried out in locations across Java, Trees4Trees and partners are taking steps in the right direction. Whether cleaning beaches, clearing rivers, or changing attitudes in local communities, the only way is up.

Writer: V. Arnila Wulandani. Editor: Christopher Alexander

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