Hartono is local smallholder from Sulung Village who is leading the way in regenerative agriculture and environmental restoration for a sustainable future

Hartono, a farmer from Sulung Village in Central Kalimantan, has dedicated his life to creating a better future for his village through regenerative agriculture and ecosystem restoration. He practices regenerative agriculture by growing oil palm on his farms and actively restoring degraded lands in his village. Moreover, he contributes to planting thousands of tree seedlings on degraded land, hoping to restore the natural environment and ensure the well-being of future generations.

As a husband and father of three, Hartono (45), a farmer in Sulung Village, Kotawaringin Barat District, bears a significant responsibility for his family. Hartono and his spouse need to balance their time caring for their children, who still require much attention. Often, Hartono watches his children sleep soundly, driven by a strong desire to ensure they have a brighter and more secure future than he experienced.

Hartono works hard to manage his farm that is the foundation of hope for his family. In addition to oil palm, he grows various crops, such as eggplant, long beans, peanuts, corn, chilies, cassava, and watermelon. The harvest is for both sale and family consumption.

Moreover, he provides one hectare of his land as a demonstration plot for the local community. He neatly plants one or two rows of oil palm trees, interspersed with various fruit trees, using an agroforestry system. This land management system combines oil palm cultivation with planting fruits and vegetables on the same land. "I hope that the community in Sulung Village can utilize this land to learn environmentally friendly agricultural practices. Furthermore, local farmer groups can follow these planting patterns," Hartono said warmly.

Hartono shared that 24 years ago, he decided to settle in Sulung Village. He began building a new life in this remote village with his small family. After several years of relying on agriculture, Hartono witnessed firsthand the adverse effects in his village when nearly all farmers massively used chemical fertilizers.

He added that the massive use of chemical fertilizers gradually polluted the village's healthy water and rivers. He often received reports of children suffering from diarrhea or livestock falling ill from consuming the contaminated water. This incident weighed heavily on his heart.

Hartono learned to produce organic fertilizer as a part of regenerative agriculture practice.

Hartono then sought solutions to the events affecting his village. He began to explore more environmentally friendly agricultural techniques. He received training in various aspects, including sustainable soil management, natural pest control, chemical-free practices, and the promotion of biodiversity. He adopted regenerative agriculture through this knowledge, focusing on applying organic fertilizers. Hartono believes that implementing regenerative agriculture can be a way for the community in his village to maintain soil and water health. He also sees a glimmer of hope for restoring the health and well-being of Sulung Village through this agricultural practice. "The implementation of regenerative agriculture is not only for the current generation but also for the future well-being of our children," he said with enthusiasm and conviction.

Hartono takes care of plant seedlings at the Sulung Village Nursery for ecosystem restoration.

In addition to practicing regenerative agriculture, Hartono also contributes to managing a greenhouse and seedling nursery for a restoration program funded by the village. Together with the local community, he participated in 6,948 tree seedlings plantations on 25 hectares of degraded land in Sulung Village. The plants are arranged based on their function, with 61% for ecology and 39% for the economy. "I vividly remember when I first moved here, Sulung Village was still very lush with dense trees. These nursery seedlings are our hope to restore that lushness," Hartono said as he gazed at the surrounding trees.

Hartono realized that implementing eco-friendly agriculture practices and becoming an active leader in his village's restoration efforts has given him a new purpose in life. Additionally, he feels the need to set an example for his community.

Hartono's journey in advocating for Sulung Village has been full of challenges, hope, and determination. From his struggle against nature to his efforts to combat environmental pollution, every step has been taken with the belief that a better future is possible. He fights for the well-being of his family and community through regenerative agriculture and active involvement in restoration activities.

Hartono with his humble family, for whom he strives to create a better and more sustainable future.

Writer: A. Arif Wangsa