Petungkriyono’s Biodiversity: Potential and Challenges

Petungkriyono District in Pekalongan Regency, Central Java, is an area rich in biodiversity. More than 64% of its territory is covered by forests teeming with flora and fauna. The local community primarily relies on small-scale farming and livestock for their livelihoods. However, despite its significant natural potential, traditional farming and livestock practices that are not yet optimized often hinder efforts to improve economic well-being and preserve the environment.

Relung Indonesia Foundation: Building Sustainable Agriculture in Petungkriyono

The Relung Indonesia Foundation envisions creating a dynamic harmony between humans and nature. This vision is realized through the development of various sustainable programs in Petungkriyono, which not only support the well-being of the community but also conserve the forest ecosystem. These programs aim to reduce the impact of climate change by applying environmentally friendly and efficient agricultural techniques.

Agroforestry Development: A Combination of Coffee, Fruit Trees, and Other Productive Plants

One of the main focuses of the Relung Indonesia Foundation is the development of agroforestry, a farming system that combines the cultivation of coffee, fruit trees, and other productive plants like bananas. Agroforestry not only increases agricultural yields but also helps maintain ecosystem balance. With a target to develop 150 hectares of agroforestry land across nine villages by 2027, the foundation has already planted 60,000 coffee trees and 6,000 avocado trees by 2023.

For the traditionally managed robusta coffee plants, the Relung Indonesia Foundation introduced more modern rejuvenation techniques, including pruning and improving cultivation methods with enhanced training techniques. With the implementation of these methods, coffee productivity is expected to increase by 30-40%, supporting farmers’ economic sustainability and environmental preservation.

Innovations in Livestock Farming: Increasing Efficiency through the Development of Superior Grass Varieties

In addition to focusing on agroforestry, the Relung Indonesia Foundation also sees great potential in developing more efficient livestock farming. Efficient livestock farming is key to creating sustainable agricultural systems. Currently, livestock farmers in Petungkriyono spend about 30-50% of their daily work time grazing. To reduce this burden, the foundation has developed superior grass varieties that are not only more nutritious but also more efficient. With the implementation of these superior grass varieties, grazing time can be reduced to 15-25% of daily work time, and livestock weight is expected to increase by 5-10%.

Soil Fertility Management with Indigenous Microorganisms (IMO)

Soil fertility is a critical factor in successful sustainable agriculture. The Relung Indonesia Foundation is committed to improving soil quality in Petungkriyono by using Indigenous Microorganisms (IMO). The use of IMO helps improve soil structure and increases crop productivity naturally without relying on harmful chemicals. This initiative is part of the effort to realize more environmentally friendly organic farming.

Development of Compost Business Units: Eco-Friendly Alternatives for Local Agriculture

As part of the effort to support organic farming, the Relung Indonesia Foundation is also developing compost business units based on cow manure. This compost offers a more environmentally friendly alternative compared to chicken manure, which is currently widely used by local vegetable farmers. With high-quality compost, farmers in Petungkriyono can support the sustainability of their agriculture while reducing negative impacts on the environment.

Commitment to Sustainability: Preserving Nature and Improving Community Well-Being

The Relung Indonesia Foundation continues to take strategic steps to realize its vision of harmony between humans and nature in Petungkriyono. Through agroforestry development, livestock efficiency improvement, and soil fertility enhancement, the foundation is committed to creating a better future for the local community. This sustainable approach not only enhances the well-being of farmers and livestock keepers but also preserves the environment that serves as their source of life.

Initiatives for the Future: A Model of Sustainable Development for Indonesia

These initiatives are expected to serve as a model for other regions in Indonesia facing similar challenges. With strategic and sustainable steps, the Relung Indonesia Foundation not only contributes to local development but also to global efforts in maintaining the balance between humans and nature.

Contributor:

Meiardhy Mujianto