We partner with governments, businesses, civil society groups and others to change the way the world produces and uses food and energy and designs its cities. Our 100+ projects span from advising mayors on how to reduce traffic fatalities to working with restaurant chains to cut food waste to powering rural healthcare facilities with clean energy. We mobilize global and regional initiatives that spur international climate action, advance sustainable ocean management, halt tropical deforestation, restore degraded landscapes and more.

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TOPIC

Days by days, we move closer to a crossroad of growing population and receding ability to produce agricultural commodities. While fertile land for food production is defined as optimal land, suboptimal land is the land that is less fertile but still can be used. At a glance, it seems to cannot be used for anything – be it too wet, too dry, too acidic. Recently, though, many studies have shed light on the opportunity (and challenge) to cultivate this type of land to be a productive one.

<span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre;white-space:pre-wrap;">Flashing back to October 2025, Tay Juhana Foundation (TJF) marked World Food Day by organizing a youth essay competition that centered on farmer regeneration and the future of food in Indonesia. Carried under the global theme <span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:400;font-style:italic;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre;white-space:pre-wrap;">“Hand in Hand for Better Foods and a Better Future,”<span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre;white-space:pre-wrap;"> the competition opened a space for young people to engage with the realities shaping our food system and pour their ideas and reflections.<span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre;white-space:pre-wrap;">Through a careful curation process, carried out in collaboration with a practitioner from Koalisi Rakyat untuk Kedaulatan Pangan (KRKP), Wahyu Ridwan Nanta, and a lecturer from Institut Teknologi Sumatra (ITERA), Dr. Elsa Windiastuti, S.TP., <a href="http://M.Si">M.Si</a>., TJF selected eight essays that stood out for their relevance, depth, and clarity of perspective. These essays are brought together in this book as a collective reflection of how young Indonesians are thinking about farmer regeneration, food resilience, and the shared responsibility of sustaining our food future. Beyond bringing these essays together, this book is launched as an effort to raise awareness among young people about sustainable agriculture and food security, issues that remain closely tied to the long-term challenge of farmer regeneration in Indonesia.<span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre;white-space:pre-wrap;">The essay book features a lead piece by Ni Luh Gede Gauri Vimala Kaushtubhasai, followed by writings from Cindy Purnama Fitri, Rafania Naura Nasywa, Feri Dwi Putra Suhartono, SP., Refandhy Tri Wijaksono, Calvin Triyoga Nugraha, Sekar Larasati, and finally Alivia Saraswati Kadzan.<span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre;white-space:pre-wrap;">Read the full book <a style="text-decoration:none;" href="https://be.tayjuhanafoundation.org/storage/680/01KFM95YJ0VTP0Q4F022RNV170.pdf"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:#1155cc;background-color:transparent;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:underline;-webkit-text-decoration-skip:none;text-decoration-skip-ink:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre;white-space:pre-wrap;">here</a><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre;white-space:pre-wrap;"> to dive deeper into the fresh ideas and reflections. For more chances to take part in ongoing conversations and initiatives around Indonesia’s food future, follow us on <a style="text-decoration:none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/tayjuhanafoundation"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:#1155cc;background-color:transparent;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:underline;-webkit-text-decoration-skip:none;text-decoration-skip-ink:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre;white-space:pre-wrap;">Instagram</a><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre;white-space:pre-wrap;"> and <a style="text-decoration:none;" href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/tayjuhanafoundation"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:#1155cc;background-color:transparent;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:underline;-webkit-text-decoration-skip:none;text-decoration-skip-ink:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre;white-space:pre-wrap;">LinkedIn</a><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre;white-space:pre-wrap;">.

Opening Space for Youth Voices on Farmer Regeneration and Food Futures

The Degradation of Parit in Indragiri Hilir Today

Parit: Waterways that Shape Life in Indragiri Hilir

<span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre;white-space:pre-wrap;">Indonesia’s vast tropical peatlands are more than just carbon stores—they are home to resilient communities whose lives depend on the land. Spanning 13.43 million hectares, with more than half of it in Sumatra, these tropical peatlands play a vital role in maintaining ecological balance while supporting livelihoods that have lived through generations. Among others, Riau Province stands out for its extensive peatland and plantation landscapes. Here, coconut ranks as the second most important commodity after palm oil, contributing around 11% of Indonesia’s national production.<span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre;white-space:pre-wrap;">In the Regency of Indragiri Hilir (Inhil), coconut cultivation has long been part of local tradition. The cultivation system is predominantly managed by smallholder farmers using traditional, locally adapted practices passed down through generations. Unlike large industrial estates, smallholder plantations usually run on a modest scale—relying on manual labor, traditional methods, and natural soil conditions, with little use of chemical inputs, and limited access to bigger markets. Yet, within these humble systems, the wellbeing of nature and community livelihoods can continue to move hand in hand. The coconut trees that have long lined its peatlands are not just sources of income, but also a part of a living system where soil, water, and community are deeply connected with each other through close interactions. <span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:700;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre;white-space:pre-wrap;">Seeing the Bigger Picture through a Socio-Ecological Lens<span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre;white-space:pre-wrap;">With that in mind, we use the socio-ecological system (SES) perspective to help us look at <a style="text-decoration:none;" href="https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10668-025-06756-6?utm_source=rct_congratemailt&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=oa_20250913&amp;utm_content=10.1007%2Fs10668-025-06756-6"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:#1155cc;background-color:transparent;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:underline;-webkit-text-decoration-skip:none;text-decoration-skip-ink:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre;white-space:pre-wrap;">Inhil&#039;s coconut supply chain dynamics.</a><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre;white-space:pre-wrap;"> Through this perspective, <span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:700;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre;white-space:pre-wrap;">human and non-human components<span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre;white-space:pre-wrap;"> within the system (i.e. farmers, soil, water, and crops) <span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:700;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre;white-space:pre-wrap;">are seen as interconnected<span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre;white-space:pre-wrap;">, not separated and independent from each other. Every activity done on the ground is part of the ecosystem—where a change in one aspect can affect the behaviour of another and vice versa, creating a feedback loop. In terms of <a style="text-decoration:none;" href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0951832013002147?via%3Dihub"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:#1155cc;background-color:transparent;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:underline;-webkit-text-decoration-skip:none;text-decoration-skip-ink:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre;white-space:pre-wrap;">resilience</a><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre;white-space:pre-wrap;">, this perspective helps us understand what keeps a community strong—how people and nature support each other to recover or avoid disruptions.<img src="https://be.tayjuhanafoundation.org/storage/images/05d620ab-99ec-4329-88af-9702f370c7f4.jpg" width="4032" height="3024"> <span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:700;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre;white-space:pre-wrap;">How Coconut Farmers Build Resilience in Inhil’s Peatlands<span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre;white-space:pre-wrap;">Through our fieldwork in Inhil, we observed how the coconut farming community demonstrates this deep connection in everyday life. One of the phenomena that we explored <a style="text-decoration:none;" href="https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10668-025-06756-6?utm_source=rct_congratemailt&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=oa_20250913&amp;utm_content=10.1007%2Fs10668-025-06756-6"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:#1155cc;background-color:transparent;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:underline;-webkit-text-decoration-skip:none;text-decoration-skip-ink:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre;white-space:pre-wrap;">in our research</a><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre;white-space:pre-wrap;"> is how the coconut farmers have long explored ways to establish a more resilient livelihood despite the natural dynamics of coconut plantations as well as peatlands’ vulnerable nature. To build economic resilience, they find their way to diversify their income through rotating between roles and planting diverse crops besides coconut.<span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre;white-space:pre-wrap;">One of the most common ways farmers strengthen their income is by <span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:700;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre;white-space:pre-wrap;">diversifying their work roles<span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre;white-space:pre-wrap;">. With coconut harvest periods spanning within every couple of months, coconut farming creates space for farmers to take on other work. Many farmers work as laborers on one another’s farm, usually by friends and neighbors. This way, farmers are able to have multiple income sources as they assume dual roles as both landowners and laborers. However, interestingly in some cases, laboring on others’ farms is not always paid in cash—as most modern views on livelihood would expect—but following a rotation agreement as a communal activity which signifies strong kinship within the community.<span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre;white-space:pre-wrap;">Another choice of practice is <span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:700;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre;white-space:pre-wrap;">intercropping<span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre;white-space:pre-wrap;">, or cultivating other crops alongside coconuts. Farmers plant betel nuts, bananas, potatoes, pineapples, and other varieties for household consumption and small-scale sale. These crops not only improve local food security but also serve as additional income sources, helping families remain steady when external factors—like weather or market fluctuations—affect coconut yields.<span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre;white-space:pre-wrap;">Together, these approaches form a picture of community-driven resilience, where traditional practices, cooperation, and local knowledge sustain both livelihoods and the land itself.<img src="https://be.tayjuhanafoundation.org/storage/images/93b23fc2-9428-4584-9c3b-accbde9dac40.jpg" width="4240" height="2400"> <span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:700;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre;white-space:pre-wrap;">Continuing the Story from Inhil’s Coconut Farmers<span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre;white-space:pre-wrap;">These practices we found in Inhil are just one part of a larger story of connection between people and the peatlands they call home. Every decision—what to plant, how to share the work, when to harvest—reflects a deeper relationship between livelihoods and ecosystems.<span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre;white-space:pre-wrap;">Join us in uncovering more stories from Inhil’s peatland communities and how they adapt and thrive amidst change <a style="text-decoration:none;" href="https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10668-025-06756-6?utm_source=rct_congratemailt&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=oa_20250913&amp;utm_content=10.1007%2Fs10668-025-06756-6"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:#1155cc;background-color:transparent;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:underline;-webkit-text-decoration-skip:none;text-decoration-skip-ink:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre;white-space:pre-wrap;">here</a><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre;white-space:pre-wrap;">. Also, don’t miss our webinar with Zentide and Greeneration Foundation, tomorrow, 16th October 2025 <a style="text-decoration:none;" href="https://webinar.greeneration.org/"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:#1155cc;background-color:transparent;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:underline;-webkit-text-decoration-skip:none;text-decoration-skip-ink:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre;white-space:pre-wrap;">here</a><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre;white-space:pre-wrap;">, as part of our World Food Day 2025 campaign.<span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre;white-space:pre-wrap;">Stay connected with us on <a style="text-decoration:none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/tayjuhanafoundation/?hl=en"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:#1155cc;background-color:transparent;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:underline;-webkit-text-decoration-skip:none;text-decoration-skip-ink:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre;white-space:pre-wrap;">Instagram</a><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre;white-space:pre-wrap;"> and <a style="text-decoration:none;" href="https://id.linkedin.com/company/tayjuhanafoundation"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:#1155cc;background-color:transparent;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:underline;-webkit-text-decoration-skip:none;text-decoration-skip-ink:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre;white-space:pre-wrap;">LinkedIn</a><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre;white-space:pre-wrap;"> for updates and field stories from the ground.

Resilient Roots: How Indragiri Hilir’s Coconut Peatland Farmers Adapt to Change

When we think about food sources, vast rice fields, fertile farmland, or abundant oceans often come to mind. However, we often overlook wetlands, despite their crucial role in feeding billions of people worldwide. As dynamic ecosystems where land and water intersect, wetlands have long fascinated scientists and agricultural experts. These unique landscapes are not only biodiversity hotspots and natural carbon sinks but also hold immense potential for sustainable farming. Harnessing their fertility while overcoming environmental challenges requires innovation and collaboration.Wetlands, characterised by the intersection of aquatic and terrestrial environments, have long intrigued researchers and agricultural experts. Wetlands International states that these unique ecosystems offer considerable value, functioning as crucial biodiversity hotspots, natural carbon sinks, and fertile soils conducive to sustainable agricultural practices. The conversion of these fertile yet difficult conditions into productive agricultural systems requires creativity and cooperative efforts. Indonesia encompasses roughly 40.5 million hectares of wetlands, which constitutes about 20% of the nation’s overall land area. This makes wetlands, such as peatland and swampland, an important resource for improving national food security.Recognising this potential, the Tay Juhana Foundation (TJF) convened TJF Sharing Session (TSS) #1, with the theme Farming in Wetlands, on March 13, 2025. The event brought together farmers, researchers, and community leaders to explore the opportunities, best practices, and challenges of wetland-based farming. The interactive event included farmers, researchers, and community leaders, providing practical experiences and scientific insights on the role of wetlands in fostering resilient and productive agriculture.<a href="https://old.tayjuhanafoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/1.png"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-228363" src="https://old.tayjuhanafoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/1.png" width="1114" height="556" loading="lazy" srcset="https://old.tayjuhanafoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/1.png 1114w, https://old.tayjuhanafoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/1-300x150.png 300w, https://old.tayjuhanafoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/1-1024x511.png 1024w, https://old.tayjuhanafoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/1-768x383.png 768w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1114px) 100vw, 1114px"></a>The discussion starts with story sharing from Hermawan, a rice farmer from Rambutan Village in South Sumatra who began cultivating peatland two years ago when the soil was compact, highly acidic, and nearly barren. With the support of the Centre for International Forestry Research—World Agroforestry (CIFOR-ICRAF) in South Sumatra, Hermawan implemented zero-burning techniques, built  dams and canals for effective water management, and converted weeds and livestock waste into nutrient-rich compost.His dedication paid off; rice production surged from 2.3 to 5 tonnes per hectare. More importantly, his success has inspired fellow farmers to adopt similar sustainable practices, proving that environmentally friendly farming can also be profitable.<a href="https://old.tayjuhanafoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/2.png"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-228365" src="https://old.tayjuhanafoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/2.png" width="1116" height="584" loading="lazy" srcset="https://old.tayjuhanafoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/2.png 1116w, https://old.tayjuhanafoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/2-300x157.png 300w, https://old.tayjuhanafoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/2-1024x536.png 1024w, https://old.tayjuhanafoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/2-768x402.png 768w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1116px) 100vw, 1116px"></a>The second discussion is carried out by Dedek Putri Mufarroha, the SLAI (Suboptimal Land Agriculture Initiative) Enumerator. Kampung Gambut, located in North Pontianak, West Kalimantan, is a successful village with vast vegetable fields stretching as far as the eye can see. Farmers in this area view innovation and open communication as important to their success. The village’s transformation into a leading vegetable grower can be attributed in part to the leadership of local cooperative head Irwansyah, who has transformed the hamlet into a major crop provider.Farmers in Kampung Gambut learn from one another, adopting techniques such as using dolomite to regulate soil acidity.  They understand that collective effort, rather than reliance on outside help, drives progress. However, challenges remain. Despite harvesting 7–8 tonnes of vegetables daily, market prices often fail to reflect their hard work.<a href="https://old.tayjuhanafoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/3.png"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-228367" src="https://old.tayjuhanafoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/3.png" width="1104" height="584" loading="lazy" srcset="https://old.tayjuhanafoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/3.png 1104w, https://old.tayjuhanafoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/3-300x159.png 300w, https://old.tayjuhanafoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/3-1024x542.png 1024w, https://old.tayjuhanafoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/3-768x406.png 768w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1104px) 100vw, 1104px"></a>Lastly, we discuss the scientific explanation about sustainable farming on wetland. This topic is presented by Rabbirl Yarham Mahardika, who emphasises the extensive historical and scientific relevance of tropical peatlands. A study conducted by <a href="https://iopscience.iop.org/article/10.1088/1748-9326/abb853/pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Monika Ruwaimana et al. (2020) </a>highlights a significant contrast between the comparatively young coastal peatlands in Rasau Jaya and the centuries-old interior peatlands in Kapuas Hulu, with some dating back approximately 49,600 years.Beyond their geological significance, peatlands serve as vital habitats for endangered species and function as crucial carbon sinks. However, without proper water management and sustainable practices, these ecosystems face rapid degradation. Protecting peatlands is not just about conservation. It is a fundamental step toward strengthening climate resilience and securing food systems for future generations.Wetlands offer immense potential for agriculture, supporting rice, sago, and horticultural crops while providing a consistent water supply for aquaculture and biodiversity that enhances agroforestry and polyculture systems. The key takeaway from the TSS event was clear: sustainable wetland agriculture requires continuous  innovation, adaptation, and collaboration. It is about finding harmony between nature and human needs.  The escalation of climate uncertainty, indigenous wisdom, collective knowledge, and novel methodologies are proving essential for building resilience.To explore the discussion in more detail, feel free to rewatch the full session through the following link: <a href="https://youtu.be/VYu9uBGSwmA?si=kvD6d2Uehef17UR8" target="_blank" rel="noopener">TJF Sharing Session 2025 – Bertani di Lahan Basah</a>

Maximizing Nature’s Concealed Potential in Wetland Agriculture

<h3>Journal of Suboptimal Land Agriculture: Optimization of Land Management</h3>Suboptimal land refers to land that has natural limitations, such as low fertility levels, high soil acidity, or drainage issues, requiring special interventions to be utilized optimally. In Indonesia, most suboptimal land includes peat soil, marginal dry land, and freshwater swamps. With a significant land area, suboptimal land agriculture holds great potential to support the agricultural sector, provided that it is managed properly through sustainable and innovative approaches.<h3>Definition of Suboptimal Land and Its Challenges</h3>In simple terms, suboptimal land agriculture refers to land with physical, chemical, or biological characteristics that do not support intensive agricultural cultivation without improvements or special management. Some characteristics of suboptimal land include low pH (acidic soil), poor drainage (either too wet or too dry), and low nutrient content. Despite these challenges, this land type holds great potential to be developed into productive agricultural areas when managed with the right approach.<h3>Strategies for Optimizing Suboptimal Land Management</h3><h4>1. Sustainable Peatland Management</h4>Peatland, which falls under the suboptimal category, requires special attention. One of the key strategies is peatland ecosystem restoration through methods such as rewetting (re-moistening), revegetation (replanting native vegetation), and drainage control. These steps aim to maintain soil moisture, prevent fires, and optimize the ecological functions of peatland.<h4>2. Utilizing Agricultural Technology for Suboptimal Land</h4>Modern technology, such as precision irrigation, satellite-based monitoring, and eco-friendly organic fertilizers, can help increase suboptimal land productivity. With technology, farmers can identify specific soil and crop needs, leading to higher yields without harming the ecosystem.<h4>3. Crop Engineering</h4>Developing crop varieties that tolerate suboptimal land conditions, such as swamp rice or drought-resistant maize, is a key solution for utilizing this land. These varieties are designed to thrive in less-than-ideal environments, ensuring optimal productivity.<h4>4. Empowering Local Communities</h4>Local communities must be actively involved in every effort to manage suboptimal land. Education on sustainable agricultural practices, such as peat-friendly crops or integrated fish farming in swamp areas, can provide economic benefits while preserving the environment.<h4>5. Effective Water Management</h4>Proper drainage control is essential for suboptimal land, especially for peatland and swamp areas. By constructing canal blocks and maintaining balanced water levels, the land can be optimized without the risk of excessive drying or flooding.<h3>Benefits of Suboptimal Land Optimization</h3>Optimizing suboptimal land provides significant benefits, both environmentally and economically.<h4>1. Enhancing Agricultural Productivity</h4>By implementing proper water and land management, suboptimal land can be used for agriculture, such as sago, coconut, or other environmentally friendly crops.<h4>2. Preventing Ecosystem Degradation</h4>Sustainable land management helps reduce soil degradation risks, carbon emissions, and ecological disasters such as peatland fires.<h4>3. Improving Local Economic Growth</h4>By optimizing suboptimal land, local communities have new opportunities to increase their income through agriculture, livestock, or fisheries.For example, properly managed peatland can be used to grow sago, coconut, or other environmentally friendly crops. In addition, swamp land can be integrated with fish farming, creating a more productive and sustainable farming system.<h3>Challenges in Managing Suboptimal Land</h3>Despite its vast potential, suboptimal land management faces various challenges. Some of these include limited access to technology, lack of farmer knowledge on sustainable management, and conflicts between conservation and economic exploitation. Additionally, high rehabilitation costs are often a barrier, particularly in remote areas.<h3>Solutions and Recommendations</h3>To overcome these challenges, a comprehensive and collaborative approach is needed. Some recommendations include:<ul><li>Multi-Stakeholder Collaboration: Governments, private sectors, and local communities must work together to ensure sustainable suboptimal land management. Incentive programs for companies adopting environmentally friendly practices can encourage greater investment.</li><li>Education and Training: Providing training to local farmers on modern agricultural techniques and environmental sustainability is key to success.</li><li>Utilizing Data and Technology: Data-driven land mapping systems can help identify priority areas for restoration and development.</li></ul><h3>Journal of Suboptimal Land Agriculture</h3>Although suboptimal land has various limitations, it holds great potential to support Indonesia’s agricultural sector. By understanding the definition of suboptimal land, recognizing its characteristics, and utilizing its potential wisely, this land can be transformed into a productive asset that contributes to food security and environmental sustainability. With planned management, supported by technology and collaboration, suboptimal land agriculture can become a key pillar in national agricultural development.<h3>The Future of Suboptimal Land Agriculture</h3>Suboptimal land in Indonesia faces major challenges but also presents extraordinary opportunities for optimization. With the right approach, technological innovation, and collaboration among various parties, suboptimal land can be a solution to support food security, economic sustainability, and environmental conservation.One inspiring example is <a href="https://old.tayjuhanafoundation.org/our-work/our-project/peatland-research/" target="_new" rel="noopener">Tay Juhana Foundation</a>, which has been a pioneer in managing suboptimal land agriculture sustainably. With a focus on environmentally friendly cultivation, they have proven that suboptimal land agriculture can become a productive resource to meet food demands. With support and joint efforts, this initiative can accelerate the transformation of suboptimal land into a valuable asset for all.<a href="https://www.instagram.com/tayjuhanafoundation/?hl=id" target="_new" rel="noopener">Tay Juhana Foundation</a> has shown that sustainably managing suboptimal land is not just possible but is already happening. Let’s join forces to create a greener and more sustainable future. Awareness, support, and real action from all stakeholders are key steps to ensuring this initiative’s success.Together, we can transform suboptimal land into a source of hope for future generations.Let’s take action for a sustainable future, today. 🌍

Journal of Suboptimal Land Agriculture: Optimization of Land Management

Jakarta, October 7, 2024, Tay Juhana Foundation (TJF) is delighted to announce the exceptional accomplishments of its members in the World Coconut Day 2024 competition organized by the International Coconut Community. Ratu Nabillah clinched the top spot in the writing category with her essay “Social Capital as a Catalyst for Collaborative Actions in Realizing a Circular Economy.” At the same time, Andri Kornelius secured second place in the photography category with his work titled “Coconut Contemplation.” This achievement showcases the ingenuity and commitment of TJF members in supporting sustainable initiatives. The written and visual works impressed the judges and effectively conveyed a profound message about the significance of coconuts in human life and the diversity of coconut ecosystems. Ratu Nabillah’s essay comprehensively elucidated how social capital can drive collaboration to realize a circular economy based on coconuts. Her thorough analysis of social and economic interactions in the context of coconut utilization significantly contributes to developing policies and practices for sustainable coconut management.<a href="https://old.tayjuhanafoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/WhatsApp-Image-2024-10-07-at-3.24.17-PM.jpeg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-228279" src="https://old.tayjuhanafoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/WhatsApp-Image-2024-10-07-at-3.24.17-PM.jpeg" width="1209" height="683" loading="lazy" srcset="https://old.tayjuhanafoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/WhatsApp-Image-2024-10-07-at-3.24.17-PM.jpeg 1209w, https://old.tayjuhanafoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/WhatsApp-Image-2024-10-07-at-3.24.17-PM-300x169.jpeg 300w, https://old.tayjuhanafoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/WhatsApp-Image-2024-10-07-at-3.24.17-PM-1024x578.jpeg 1024w, https://old.tayjuhanafoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/WhatsApp-Image-2024-10-07-at-3.24.17-PM-768x434.jpeg 768w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1209px) 100vw, 1209px"></a>Meanwhile, Andri Kornelius, with his photo “Coconut Contemplation,” captured the judges with its exquisite composition and profound meaning. The photo not only presents the visual beauty of a coconut carrier but also prompts viewers to contemplate the role of coconuts in human life and the environment. “We are proud of Ratu and Andri’s achievements,” said Nurul Ihsan, Operational Program Manager of Tay Juhana Foundation. “Their victories prove that TJF members have great potential to contribute to sustainable development. Their works inspire us all to continue innovating and finding solutions to environmental challenges, especially in addressing food security issues in the future.” <img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-228281" src="https://old.tayjuhanafoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/WhatsApp-Image-2024-10-07-at-3.24.18-PM.jpeg" width="1197" height="672" loading="lazy" srcset="https://old.tayjuhanafoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/WhatsApp-Image-2024-10-07-at-3.24.18-PM.jpeg 1197w, https://old.tayjuhanafoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/WhatsApp-Image-2024-10-07-at-3.24.18-PM-300x168.jpeg 300w, https://old.tayjuhanafoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/WhatsApp-Image-2024-10-07-at-3.24.18-PM-1024x575.jpeg 1024w, https://old.tayjuhanafoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/WhatsApp-Image-2024-10-07-at-3.24.18-PM-768x431.jpeg 768w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1197px) 100vw, 1197px">This triumph aligns with TJF’s vision to encourage people to care more about the environment and utilize natural resources sustainably. Through various programs and partnerships, TJF endeavors to positively impact society and the environment.  –About Tay Juhana Foundation Tay Juhana Foundation is a non-profit organization committed to transforming suboptimal land into productive and sustainable areas. Through various programs and partnerships, TJF strives to improve food security, protect the environment, and empower communities.For More Information: Andri Kornelius Communication Coordinator andri@old.tayjuhanafoundation.org 085753322520

Tay Juhana Foundation Achieves Success at World Coconut Day 2024

The &quot;TJF Essay Series: World Food Day 2025 Edition,&quot; titled Farmer Regeneration: The Future of Indonesia&#039;s Food, is an anthology of critical thought from eight exceptional young authors, chosen through rigorous scientific curation in collaboration with academics from ITERA and advocacy practitioners from KRKP. This publication debunks the myth of youth indifference to agriculture, instead offering an optimistic vision for food sovereignty. Within these pages, the authors present a new manifesto that views agriculture not as a relic of the past but as a frontier of future innovation critical to national resilience.Substantively, the book examines practical solutions to Indonesia&#039;s farmer regeneration crisis. The topics covered range from using digital technology (smart farming) to attract young talent and socio-cultural approaches to preserve local agrarian wisdom to analyzing the policies needed to ensure the welfare of young farmers. This collection of essays invites readers to explore new ideas that combine idealism and practical solutions, making it an indispensable resource for anyone concerned about the future of Indonesia&#039;s food systems.

TJF Essay Series: Regenerasi Petani: Masa Depan Pangan Indonesia

In Indragiri Hilir, Riau, known as &quot;The Land of a Thousand Parit,&quot; the traditional canal system, or parit, is the lifeline of the community. More than just agricultural infrastructure, the parit embodies communal knowledge, intercultural cooperation, and an adaptive response to the tidal peatland environment. This system not only sustains agriculture but also serves as the primary access connecting villages and supporting livelihoods.However, this socio-ecological system, which has endured for generations, is now facing serious threats. This research brief delves into the multidimensional challenges confronting the parit, from environmental degradation, such as soil subsidence, flooding, and water contamination to the economic and social pressures weakening its communal governance.By tracing the history of the parit, its function as a community-based water management system, and its current condition, this research proposes a way forward. Recommended solutions include strengthening governance through deliberation (musyawarah), restoring ecological buffer zones like mangrove and nipah forests, and diversifying local economies to reduce farmer vulnerability. Understanding the parit not merely as infrastructure but as an integrated socio-ecological system is key to its revitalization and ensuring its sustainability amidst mounting challenges.

PARIT: THE FOUNDATIONS OF AGRICULTURAL LIFE IN INDRAGIRI HILIR

Di tengah pertumbuhan populasi dan perubahan iklim, dunia menghadapi tantangan besar untuk memenuhi kebutuhan pangan secara berkelanjutan. Pertanian intensif telah menguras kesuburan tanah, sementara cuaca ekstrem seringkali menghancurkan lahan yang tersedia.Kini, keberlanjutan pangan atau food sustainability menjadi kunci: bagaimana kita menyediakan pangan cukup tanpa mengorbankan masa depan? Dengan pendekatan inovatif seperti pemanfaatan lahan suboptimal dan pengurangan limbah pangan, kita bisa menjaga keseimbangan ekosistem sekaligus memenuhi kebutuhan pangan di masa depan. Ketahanan pangan bukan hanya soal ketersediaan, tetapi juga tentang mewariskan bumi yang sehat bagi generasi mendatang.Unduh majalah versi mobile <a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1XyQm86MqM6DXefoYI1W5WDEtaJV806LV/view" target="_blank" rel="noopener">di sini</a> untuk kemudahan membaca di ponselmu.

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Resilient Roots: How Indragiri Hilir’s Coconut Peatland Farmers Adapt to Change

Journal of Suboptimal Land Agriculture: Optimization of Land Management

Tay Juhana Foundation Achieves Success at World Coconut Day 2024

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