Farmers are the unsung heroes of sustainability. Their determination, innovation, and resilience are what inspire us to continue our mission at Kaleka. This year, we have been deeply moved by their incredible stories, tales of challenges transformed into opportunities, and of livelihoods uplifted through sustainable practices.

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This first part of our series highlights five inspiring farmers, Marijan, Suratmi, Supian Sury, Suparjo, and Majianto, farmers who have shown us the true meaning of dedication and hope. These stories remind us that every effort, no matter how small, contributes to a brighter and more sustainable future.

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## **1. Marijan**

 ![](https://petani.s3-ap-southeast-1.amazonaws.com/blogentity/083a6656-8523-4968-b834-b1316db9b025.jpg)

Marijan showed us his unwavering determination by conserving the Nypa forests in his village of Sabuai, Central Kalimantan, while turning them into a source of sustainable income. Between 2022 and 2023, Marijan mastered the art of producing Nypa sugar, a non-timber forest product, despite facing numerous challenges such as natural pests and limited resources.

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Through perseverance, he now harvests up to 8 liters of sap daily and produces 150 kilograms of sugar monthly, which he markets at exhibitions and gift shops. Marijan’s dream is to create a sustainable future for his community by inspiring others to join this eco-friendly endeavor, protecting the forests while uplifting livelihoods. Read more about Marijan’s inspiring journey [here](https://kaleka.id/our-stories/marijan-extracting-sweetness-from-sabuais-coa).

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## **2. Suratmi**

 ![](https://petani.s3-ap-southeast-1.amazonaws.com/blogentity/4b790d41-e45c-4ace-b092-d9db70ca5b90.jpg)

Suratmi exemplifies resilience by stepping into a new role as a farmer in Selunuk Village, Seruyan District, after the loss of her husband. At 64 years old, she took charge of their 3-hectare oil palm plantation, despite having no prior experience in agriculture. The journey was far from easy—learning farming techniques and managing the land alone tested her resolve.

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Yet, with determination and support from the Agro Lestari Farmer Group, she mastered skills like producing organic fertilizer and embraced the challenges with courage. Driven by her late husband’s message to stay strong and keep learning, Suratmi dreams of inspiring other women to play an active role in agriculture and build a brighter future for their community. Read more about Suratmi’s inspiring story [here](https://kaleka.id/our-stories/suratmi-fostering-a-new-happiness-through-agr).

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## **3. Supian**

 ![](https://petani.s3-ap-southeast-1.amazonaws.com/blogentity/f60eabca-b872-4040-8ddd-c7e3a0de57d7.jpg)

Supian Sury inspired us by leading 610 smallholder farmers in Seruyan District to achieve both Indonesia Sustainable Palm Oil (ISPO) and Roundtable Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) certification. As chairman of the Asosiasi Petani Kelapa Sawit Bahalap Seruyan (APKSBS), Supian transformed the challenges he once faced into a collective mission to empower fellow farmers.

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Under his leadership, APKSBS has become a vital resource for farmers, bridging gaps in knowledge and fostering sustainable practices. Supian envisions expanding the association’s reach, bringing certification and sustainable opportunities to even more farmers across Seruyan District. Read more about Supian Sury’s inspiring journey [here](https://kaleka.id/our-stories/supian-pursuing-sustainable-palm-oil-in-seruy).

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## **4. Suparjo**

 ![](https://petani.s3-ap-southeast-1.amazonaws.com/blogentity/86f3664c-f9bd-48ee-8d62-1f8d999178ea.jpg)

Suparjo’s commitment to community empowerment and sustainable farming has transformed Selunuk Village, Seruyan District, Central Kalimantan, into a regenerative agriculture model. After retiring from a 40-year career as an elementary school teacher, Suparjo shifted his focus to regenerative agriculture. As the leader of the Selunuk Agro Lestari Farmer Group, he has guided local farmers toward eco-friendly farming practices, teaching them how to restore ecosystems and build long-term agricultural resilience.

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His hands-on approach, from producing organic fertilizers using water hyacinth and chicken manure to educating others about chemical-free farming, has fostered collaboration and knowledge sharing in his community. Suparjo’s vision for a sustainable future drives his efforts to create a thriving farming community, where prosperity and environmental preservation go hand in hand. Read more about Suparjo’s inspiring journey [here.](https://kaleka.id/our-stories/suparjo-from-teaching-in-school-to-championin)

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## **5. Majianto**

 ![](https://petani.s3-ap-southeast-1.amazonaws.com/blogentity/aedb0cb4-a5dc-4d4f-bd99-94abebd7213c.jpg)

Majianto’s journey shows how passion and perseverance can turn challenges into opportunities. In Bangkal Village, Seruyan District, he transformed his 2-hectare oil palm plantation into a model of regenerative agriculture. A dedicated school teacher and the sole breadwinner for his family, Majianto balances his role as an educator with his passion for sustainable farming.

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Despite his minimal salary, he embraces organic farming methods, shifting from chemical fertilizers to environmentally friendly practices while intercropping fruit trees alongside his oil palms. His commitment not only reduces production costs but also improves soil health and promotes sustainability.

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Majianto’s efforts extend beyond his own land, as he trains local farmers, empowering them with agricultural skills that can transform their lives. His dedication to both education and agriculture is a testament to his resilience and vision for a sustainable future for his family and community. Read more about Majianto’s inspiring journey [here.](https://kaleka.id/blog/celebrating-our-inspiring-farmers-stories-fro)

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**=========**

As we conclude this first chapter of inspiring farmer stories from 2024, we are reminded of the power of resilience and collaboration in creating a sustainable future. Their journeys inspire us to push forward, empowering even more farmers to embrace sustainable practices and transform their lives.

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This is only the beginning. In the upcoming second part of this series, we will share more remarkable stories of farmers who continue to inspire us with their unwavering commitment to sustainability. Stay with us as we celebrate their efforts and explore the collective impact of their contributions in shaping a better tomorrow.

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Petani adalah pahlawan tanpa tanda jasa dalam keberlanjutan. Keteguhan, inovasi, dan ketahanan mereka menjadi inspirasi bagi kami di Kaleka untuk terus menjalankan misi kami. Tahun ini, kami tergerak oleh kisah-kisah luar biasa mereka—tantangan yang diubah menjadi peluang, dan mata pencaharian yang meningkat melalui praktik berkelanjutan.

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Bagian pertama dari seri ini menyoroti lima petani inspiratif: Marijan, Suratmi, Supian Sury, Suparjo, dan Majianto. Mereka telah menunjukkan arti sejati dari dedikasi dan harapan. Kisah-kisah ini mengingatkan kita bahwa setiap upaya, sekecil apa pun, berkontribusi pada masa depan yang lebih cerah dan berkelanjutan.

## **1. Marijan: *mengolah kekayaan alam untuk meningkatkan ekonomi rumah tangga tanpa ekspansi lahan***

 ![](https://petani.s3-ap-southeast-1.amazonaws.com/blogentity/95dc2740-4e8d-44a1-966b-b8c1d272ece4.jpg)

Marijan menunjukkan tekadnya yang tak tergoyahkan dengan melestarikan hutan nipah di desanya, Sabuai, Kalimantan Tengah, sambil menjadikannya sumber pendapatan berkelanjutan. Pada 2022-2023, ia menguasai keterampilan memproduksi gula nipah, meski menghadapi tantangan seperti hama dan keterbatasan sumber daya.

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Kini, ia dapat memanen hingga 8 liter nira setiap hari dan memproduksi 150 kilogram gula setiap bulan untuk dipasarkan di pameran dan toko oleh-oleh. Jika di pasar lokal, harga gula nira saat ini $3 USD atau setara  49.087,50 rupiah ($1 USD = Rp16.360 IDR) per kg. Hanya dari penjualan gula nira, Marijan mendapatkan peningkatan tambahan pendapatan sebesar 7.363.125 rupiah.

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Tambahan pendapatan tersebut berhasil meningkatkan pendapatan ekonomi rumah tangganya dari keluarga miskin. Impian Marijan adalah menciptakan masa depan berkelanjutan bagi komunitasnya dengan menginspirasi orang lain untuk bergabung dalam upaya ramah lingkungan ini, melindungi hutan sekaligus meningkatkan kesejahteraan. Baca kisah Marijan selengkapnya [di sini.](https://kaleka.id/our-stories/marijan-extracting-sweetness-from-sabuais-coa)

## **2. Suratmi: *mengurangi biaya produksi dengan praktik pertanian yang baik***

 ![](https://petani.s3-ap-southeast-1.amazonaws.com/blogentity/ad06cfaa-0300-4629-b3a7-42b683d447ca.jpg)

Suratmi adalah contoh ketangguhan, mengambil peran baru sebagai petani di Desa Selunuk, Kabupaten Seruyan, setelah kehilangan suaminya. Di usia 64 tahun, ia mengelola kebun sawit seluas 3 hektar, meskipun tidak memiliki pengalaman sebelumnya di bidang pertanian.

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Dengan dukungan Kelompok Tani Agro Lestari, ia belajar membuat pupuk organik dan menghadapi tantangan dengan keberanian. Suratmi ingin mengurangi biaya produksi dengan belajar membuat pupuk organik sendiri sebagai pengganti dari pupuk kimia yang rata-rata menghabiskan lebih dari 40% biaya produksi sawit.

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Didukung oleh pesan suaminya untuk tetap kuat, Suratmi bermimpi menginspirasi wanita lain agar aktif di sektor pertanian dan membangun masa depan yang lebih cerah bagi komunitas mereka. Baca kisah Suratmi selengkapnya [di sini.](https://kaleka.id/our-stories/suratmi-fostering-a-new-happiness-through-agr)

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## **3. Supian Sury: *sertifikasi untuk meningkatkan nilai ekonomi sawit melalui keberlanjutan***

 ![](https://petani.s3-ap-southeast-1.amazonaws.com/blogentity/38e24776-a76a-4b82-b81c-17ade834e332.jpg)

Supian Sury menginspirasi dengan memimpin 610 petani kecil di Kabupaten Seruyan untuk meraih sertifikasi Indonesia Sustainable Palm Oil (ISPO) dan Roundtable Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO). Sebagai ketua Asosiasi Petani Kelapa Sawit Bahalap Seruyan (APKSBS), ia mengubah tantangan menjadi misi kolektif untuk memberdayakan petani.

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Di bawah kepemimpinannya, APKSBS menjadi mitra strategis bagi petani yang menjembatani kesenjangan pengetahuan dan mendorong praktik berkelanjutan. Supian bercita-cita memperluas jangkauan asosiasi untuk memberikan peluang berkelanjutan bagi lebih banyak petani. Baca kisah Supian Sury selengkapnya [di sini.](https://kaleka.id/our-stories/supian-pursuing-sustainable-palm-oil-in-seruy)

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## **4. Suparjo: *pertanian regeneratif untuk mendukung pertanian berkelanjutan***

 ![](https://petani.s3-ap-southeast-1.amazonaws.com/blogentity/be24ca43-c7e1-4388-9577-495353d0dee2.jpg)

Suparjo, mantan guru SD selama 40 tahun, kini memimpin transformasi Desa Selunuk menjadi model pertanian regeneratif. Sebagai ketua Kelompok Tani Agro Lestari Selunuk, ia membimbing petani lokal menuju praktik berkelanjutan, termasuk pembuatan pupuk organik dari eceng gondok dan kotoran ayam. Komitmennya mempromosikan kolaborasi dan berbagi pengetahuan di komunitasnya, menciptakan keseimbangan antara kemakmuran dan pelestarian lingkungan. Baca kisah Suparjo selengkapnya [di sini.](https://kaleka.id/our-stories/suparjo-from-teaching-in-school-to-championin)

## **5. Majianto: *pertanian regeneratif untuk mendukung keberlanjutan sawit***

 ![](https://petani.s3-ap-southeast-1.amazonaws.com/blogentity/94384ecd-49e3-4385-9139-6c3895ba9bee.jpg)

Majianto menunjukkan bahwa semangat dan ketekunan dapat mengubah tantangan menjadi peluang. Di Desa Bangkal, Kabupaten Seruyan, ia mengubah kebun sawit seluas 2 hektar menjadi contoh pertanian regeneratif. Sebagai guru dan kepala keluarga, ia menggunakan metode organik, menanam pohon buah di antara sawitnya, dan melatih petani lokal dengan keterampilan pertanian berkelanjutan. Dedikasinya mencerminkan visinya untuk masa depan yang lestari bagi keluarganya dan komunitasnya. Baca kisah Majianto selengkapnya [di sini.](https://kaleka.id/blog/celebrating-our-inspiring-farmers-stories-fro)

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**=========**

Sebagai penutup bagian pertama ini, kisah-kisah mereka mengingatkan kita akan kekuatan ketahanan dan kolaborasi dalam menciptakan masa depan berkelanjutan. Perjalanan mereka menginspirasi kami untuk terus maju, memberdayakan lebih banyak petani untuk mengadopsi praktik berkelanjutan dan mengubah hidup mereka.

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Ini baru permulaan. Di bagian kedua dari seri ini, kami akan berbagi lebih banyak kisah luar biasa dari petani yang terus menginspirasi kami dengan komitmen tak tergoyahkan mereka terhadap keberlanjutan. Tetaplah bersama kami untuk merayakan upaya mereka dan mengeksplorasi dampak kolektif kontribusi mereka dalam membentuk hari esok yang lebih baik.

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Part 1 - Celebrating Our Inspiring Farmers: Stories from 2024

Bagian 1 - Petani Inspiratif Kami: Kisah dari 2024 