Vironica Arnila

“Trendy and Engaging”: Yutaka Farm Makes Mangroves Fun

Located in Pasucen Village, some 8 miles (13 km) from the center of Pati Regency, Yutaka Farm is an outdoor café with a connection to nature. From the moment visitors set foot inside, they are greeted with lush greenery and plenty of photo-friendly corners. Artfully arranged bamboo decorations add to the beauty of gardens bursting with plants, flowers, and trees.

At Yutaka Farm, visitors can grab a bite to eat or get some refreshment in delicious dishes and beverages, capture stunning photos, and enjoy live music performances. There’s also plenty of fun activities to explore, which reveal the magic of plants.

A place where reforestation education takes centerstage

The founder of Yutaka Farm is Andi Lestari. From day one, his dream was to build an educational center that grew tree seedlings and helped children and young people get involved in conservation. In the beginning, youngsters were non-plussed by the farming concept. Andi knew he had to jazz things up a bit.

“This place is a part of our mission to introduce the concepts of reforestation and agriculture in a trendy and engaging way,” explains Andi. “By adopting this approach, we aim to grab the public’s attention, particularly children and young people.”

Andi believes that by grabbing kids’ attention first, he can spark their interest in planting trees. “This also involves the preservation of the mangrove ecosystem in Pati, which needs serious protective measures,” explains Andi.

At Yutaka, Andi introduces visitors to plants in some creative ways. With an emphasis on play and entertainment, Yutaka Farm has become a hub for the local community since it opened in 2019. Now, every weekend and on public holidays, the farm is packed with visitors.

Restoring mangroves along the Pati coastline

Andi is deeply concerned about the recent decline in Pati’s mangroves. Yutaka Farm was born out of his dedication to their preservation and restoration. Since 2009, he has been cultivating mangrove seedlings and then replanting them in the wild.

In addition to cultivating mangrove seedlings, Andi is an activist and educator who is involved in many mangrove restoration projects and activities, both as a founder and as a volunteer. Yutaka Farm is just one of many ways in which he is working to protect mangroves in Pati.

He believes the future of these important ecosystems depends on local kids becoming interested and getting involved in conservation. He also believes the well-being of the community is directly linked to the health of mangroves.

“Mangroves are essential to coastal areas in Pati, because they prevent erosion,” Andi explains. “When powerful waves struck the shores of Pati in 2022, places without mangrove coverage were hit harder compared to those with mangroves.”

Working with Trees4Trees

To really make a difference, Andi and his Yutaka Farm need help. “We cannot accomplish this task alone,” he says. “Local communities, institutions, and the government need to work together to raise awareness of mangroves and their importance to places like Pati.”

“In 2021, we partnered with Yutaka Farm to produce 30,000 mangrove seedlings,” says Khoirum Minan, the Trees4Trees Unit Manager in Pati. “The following year, our production increased significantly, surpassing 100,000 seedlings – we have now successfully planted them at several locations in the coastal areas of Pati.”

Mangrove replanting in Pati is an integral part of Trees4Trees’ long-term commitment to supporting the government’s vision for the region. Working alongside Yutaka Farm, Trees4Trees is creating a green belt along the coast, helping to restore natural ecosystems while also protecting the well-being of local communities inland.

Reviving Clean Water Access in Lebak Muncang Tourism Village: Elis’ Tree Planting Initiative

Lebak Muncang Village in Ciwidey District is predominantly characterized by agricultural areas, tea and coffee plantations, forests, and rice fields. Given that agriculture plays a vital role in supporting the livelihoods of the local community, the village has been selected by the Bandung Regency government as one of the ten pilot villages for nature-based tourism, particularly agro-tourism activities.

Photo: Desa Wisata Lebak Muncang

Benefiting Planting Trees from Their Crops

The majority of Lebak Muncang villagers are engaged in vegetable and fruit farming. Among them is Elis (55), who has been involved in farming for the past 30 years. Her land is cultivated with a variety of crops, including coffee, cassava, seasonal vegetables, and chilies. Previously, Elis used to farm alongside her husband. Unfortunately, two years ago, her husband passed away, leaving her to face the challenges of life as a single parent. Despite the hardships, Elis persevered and continued farming to provide for her two children.

“I am grateful for this tree planting program as it greatly benefits me as a farmer. The program team regularly visits to monitor the trees I planted, ensuring they are in good condition and growing healthily. I am also grateful because we are given ownership of the trees and their yields. This allows us to manage our crops to meet our daily needs and support our future,” expressed Elis.

Planting Trees to Restore Water Availability

However, Elis’s motivation for tree planting extends beyond the economic benefits for her family. She is deeply concerned about the environment surrounding her village. She mentioned that there used to be a substantial forest in the area, which has unfortunately been converted into residential areas. Consequently, accessing clean water has become a challenge.

“To access clean water, we have to install a hose from a spring located approximately 10 kilometers away from our village. In the past, when the forests were intact, clean water was readily available here, and we didn’t have to rely on distant springs,” she revealed.

Elis hopes that by planting more trees, the forest’s original function of providing clean water can be restored. She also looks forward to participating in the tree planting program next year, enabling her to plant more trees on her remaining 1,600-meter square of her land.

ciwidey lebak muncang planting trees water conservation

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Planting trees is one of the most effective ways to combat climate change and maintain a greener Earth. Trees provide numerous benefits on a daily basis. They actively remove carbon dioxide from the air and release oxygen into the atmosphere helping this planet in combating climate change. They offer cooling shade, act as a barrier against winds, as habitat for wildlife, purify the air we breathe and water we drink, prevent soil erosion, flooding, and other environmental problems.

At our organization, we focus on environmental renewal and local community empowerment through planting trees as part of reforestation initiatives. We achieve this by producing high-value seedlings and distributing them free of charge to local farmers, who have become our valued tree-grower partners.

Everyone has the power to take action and contribute to saving the Earth by planting trees and we wholeheartedly invite you to join us in planting trees both in terrestrial and coastal areas. By working together, we can forge a path towards a more sustainable planet for us all to inhabit.

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A Hub of Biodiversity: Exploring the Citarum

The longest river in West Java, the Citarum is home to thousands of plant species and hundreds of different types of birds and fish. This thriving ecosystem also holds immense cultural and economic value for local communities, but recent losses in biodiversity are impacting lives and livelihoods. Now, with help from Trees4Trees, local people are helping restore the river and secure a more sustainable future for those who rely on the resources it provides.

In this article, we take a closer look at the plants and animals that make the Citarum River Basin such an important hub for biodiversity in West Java. We’ll also explore some of the work being done to preserve these natural treasures and meet the people working on the frontline of conservation.

A Connection to Nature and Culture

The name “Citarum” comes from “ci,” meaning water, and “tarum,” which refers to the indigo tree (known locally as tarum areuy). This species was once a common sight along the banks of the river, where its network of roots helped to stop soil erosion. The tree was also used by local people as an organic fertilizer and a natural dye, giving batik fabrics from West Java a distinctive blueish hue.

However, a combination of development and environmental degradation have made this species increasingly rare. Replaced by synthetic dyes, it has been slowly disappearing from the banks of the river that bears its name.

*(Above) The Tarum areuy tree, which gives the Citarum its name. Photo: Earth.com*

Flora and Fauna: Natural Beauty, Economic Bounty

The Citarum basin is home to over 3,000 flowering plants and 1,000 tree species, many of which are used by local people to make a living. This, includes teak, rasamala, Java olive tree (or kepuh), jamuju, bayur, puspa, and kosambi trees. The sugar palm tree (known locally as tangkal kawung) provides communities with income derived from its sap, fruit, palm fibers, and leaves.

The Citarum river is a haven for around 314 bird species, including the rare, black-crowned night heron, locally known as “kowak malam“. This unique animal shares its home with other bird species such as the slender-billed crow, the common iora, zebra dove, little spiderhunter, cattle egret, and the Javan pond heron. In the river itself, out of the 23 native fish species, only nine remain: hampal, lalawak, beunteur, tagih, kebogerang, lais, lele, lempuk, and gabus. Invasive species like carp and tilapia are increasingly replacing their native cousins.

Biodiversity Bouncing Back: Replanting Trees, Restoring the Citarum

“I was born and raised in one of the villages on the riverbanks of Citarum, and I have personally witnessed the transformation of the Citarum basin,” reveals Tomi Bustomi, Trees4Trees’ West Java Regional Manager and a local resident. According to Tomi, during his childhood, there was an abundance of local fish species here. Nowadays, it is hard to find them in any tributary of the Citarum.

With funding from AstraZeneca and additional support from One Tree Planted, The Trees4Trees is working to rejuvenate degraded lands surrounding the Citarum River. This will involve planting 10 million trees by the end of 2025. As Tomi explains, “This program focuses on rehabilitating degraded lands, particularly in areas prone to landslides, floods, erosion, and water scarcity.“

Armin Mubarok is Trees4Trees’ Impact Officer. He says the program will help reduce erosion rates, mitigate sedimentation, stabilize water flow, and enhance biodiversity. “By planting trees in critical areas devoid of fauna, we expect the return of animal species, such as insects, birds, reptiles, and amphibianes within five to 10 years,” explains Armin. “As the vegetation grows in the riverbanks and the food chain flourishes, biodiversity will thrive.”

The overarching aim of the planting program is to regenerate the region, using biodiversity as barometer of progress. As Tomi explains, “biodiversity is an indicator of ecosystem recovery; our tree planting efforts represent a significant step towards restoring the Citarum to its former glory.”

Writer: V. Arnila Wulandani. Editor: Christopher Alexander

astra zeneca citarum citarum basin citarum biodiversity one tree planted

Tasum: Growing Rudraksha Trees and Staying True to His Roots

Rudaksha fruits — When ripe, rudraksha fruits are covered by an iridescent blue outer fruit, which gives them their other name: blueberry beads. Photo: Trees4Trees/Yulianisa Dessenita.

“I find my soul is at more peace in the village than in the big city.” For as long as he can remember, Tasum (45) has had his heart set on being a farmer. In his youth, most of his friends were attracted to the bright lights of the big city. Tasum briefly followed the same path and got a job in a hardware store in Jakarta. But before too long, he realized urban living was not for him, and went home to Selogiri Village in the greenery of Kebumen Regency, Central Java.

What he found on his return was a sense of purpose. He set himself up on a plot of land belonging to his family and started cultivating rudraksha trees (Elaeocarpus ganitrus). Seedlings he planted grew and flourished, blossoming into the realization of a lifelong dream.

Understanding the True Value of Trees

Rudraksha trees are revered in India – the Sanskrit name comes from the hard, spherical stones of its fruit, which are commonly used as prayer beads by Hindus, Buddhists, and Sikhs. When ripe, they’re covered by an iridescent blue outer fruit, which gives them their other name: blueberry beads.

Tasum: Growing Rudaksha Trees — (Above) Highly prized for their decorative swirls, sacred beads, and healing properties, seeds of the Rudraksha tree are also providing Central Java’s farmers with a sustainable source of income. Photo: Wikipedia

In Selogiri Village, the tree is known as the jenitri (or ganitri) tree. It is no less sacred to the people of Java, as it puts food on their table. The dried fruit seeds are highly prized commodities, used for necklaces, bracelets, and prayer beads.

According to Tasum, the value of the seed lies in its distinctive whirling patterns (mukhi). “The more patterns on it, the more expensive it becomes,” he explains. The fruits are not only prized for their spiritual significance, but also for their medicinal properties (again, mukhi is the key: more swirls = stronger healing energy).

Large quantities of Tasum’s crop go on to be sold abroad, with India being the most common destination, followed by Nepal and China. The income has been a blessing for local farmers, who have only recently begun to appreciate the potential – and the true value – of these trees.

A single tree can produce around 6,000 to 10,000 seeds in a season, which can bring in an average of between $12 and $20. Sometimes, the trees provide more unique patterns that fetch a higher price. “2015-2017 was the golden period,” he remembers. “I sold some of these for as much as $2 to $6 per fruit!,” Like the eventual buyers of his crop, Tasum sees these natural treasures as gifts from God.

Tasum, a farmer from Silogiri village — Tasum, a farmer from Selogiri village, believes fruit tree farming offers a more sustainable way to go; it’s also more efficient, and potentially more profitable. Photo: Trees4Trees/Yulianisa Dessenita.

Hard Graft: Working Together to Find Sustainable Alternatives

Many older farmers in Tasum’s village plant cash crops. But he believes fruit tree farming offers a more sustainable way to go; it’s also more efficient, and potentially more profitable.

“If I plant fruit trees, I can harvest the fruits or seeds, while the trees remain intact,” he explains. “For me, cutting down even one tree is a great loss.”

By using grafting techniques, Tasum has been able to expand his plantation of rudraksha trees to around 300 individual plants. He also grows other fruits such as durian, avocado, and coffee.

In 2021, with the support of Plant for The Planet (PFTP) as the sponsor, he joined Trees4Trees to help expand our reforestation efforts. Since then, he’s planted hundreds of seedlings. While profit he makes is a big bonus, Tasum values the long-term benefits trees provide to his village and the surrounding area.

Having uprooted himself once from Selogiri, Tasum is more convinced than ever before that a farmer’s life is for him. Now, with the help of Trees4Trees, he’s putting down roots in more ways than one.

Writer: V. Arnila Wulandani. Editor: Christopher Alexander

blueberry beads ganitri jenitri rudraksha trees selogiri

Roots of Java: Indigenous Tribes Hold the Key to Environmental Protection

In Java, tribal cultures have found ways to live in harmony with nature. From cooking and eating to architecture and fabric dyeing, these groups incorporate eco-friendly practices in their daily activities; guided by traditional wisdom and knowledge, they utilize natural resources to meet their needs.

In our ongoing mission to restore forests on Java, Trees4Trees have met and been inspired by many of these Indigenous communities, whose commitment to environmental sustainability is embodied in many aspects of daily life. Let’s take a closer look and some of these green innovations.

Biodegradable food packaging

For generations, local communities have found natural solutions to the problem of carrying food from A to B. In Java, they use leaves from banana, teak, coconut, taro, and bamboo trees, while also finding use for the leaves and husks of corn. This form of single-use packaging is locally made, easy to replenish, and breaks down quickly and harmlessly when discarded.

(Above) Using traditional skills, a single banana leaf can be folded into plates, bowls, and spoons. Photo: Trees4Trees/Yulianisa Dessenita.

Sustainable plates, cups, and kitchenware

The utility of leaves doesn’t stop there – with a little local know-how, these materials can also be folded and fashioned into plates and bowls. Using traditional skills, a single banana leaf can even be made into a spoon. These innovations can save the earth – they can also free you from doing the dishes!

Roots of Java; held in place by a small wooden pin, — (Above) with a few strategic folds, held in place by a small wooden pin, leaves can provide biodegradable bowls for noodles or porridge. Photo: Trees4Trees/Yulianisa Dessenita. (Below) Dried bamboo fibers and fronds can be woven into durable, decorative (and degradable) packaging solutions. Photo: desabligo.magelangkab.id

For many tribes in Java, bamboo is a ubiquitous and versatile material. Its sturdy leaves can be dried and woven together into various types of food containers, boxes, and trays. In the Javanese jamu tradition, healthy herbal drinks are mixed together from rhizomes such as turmeric, ginger, or aromatic ginger mixed with rice extract, and then served in simple yet decorative bowls made from coconut shells.

(Above) Polished coconut shells make simple yet elegant containers for a healthy glass of ‘jamu’ (traditional herbal drinks). Photo: Trees4Trees/V. Arnila Wulandani

Adding a dash of color: natural fabric dyeing

One of the most iconic cultural creations from Java is batik – textiles decorated with elaborate designs using a combination of stencils, tie-dyeing, or hot wax from a traditional pen called a canting. These patterns are brought to life with rich colors derived from nature: for blue hues, tribes use plants such as indigofera or tarum tree leaves (Indigofera tinctoria); for earthy browns, they turn to soga tree bark (Peltophorum pterocarpum); and to add a flash of golden yellow, the local tengaran tree or ceriops mangrove bark (Ceriops tagal) has the answer.

Roots of Java; Batik — (Above)In Javanese culture, each batik motif has a different meaning and purpose that is adapted to the phases of human life, from birth, marriage, to death. For example, the Gringsing Toya Buron motif is used by a women in traditional processions of giving birth. Photo: V. Arnila Wulandani/Batik collection of Sonobudoyo Museum

Clean and green: natural detergents don’t cost the earth

For generations, local people in Java have been using a natural soap derived from fruit extract to wash their clothes and kitchenware. It can even be used as an eco-friendly shampoo. The lerak (Sapindus rarak) tree is part of the soapberry family. As the name suggests, it contains saponin and anti-bacterial properties, but also produces foam that helps remove stains.

These natural detergents can gently clean batik fabrics without any harmful wastewater. Cheap to make and totally natural, these eco-friendly soaps can help batiks hold onto their vivid colors, while also keeping Java green!

(Above) Natural fruit extracts from the lerak tree (Sapindus rarak) can be used to make eco-friendly soaps. Photo: zerowaste.id

Sustainable foundations: eco-friendly architecture

Many kinds of traditional houses can be found in West Java, each with their own unique architectural style. One thing they all have in common is that the frames are made from bamboo and wood, while the roofs are typically made from dried coconut or palm leaves.

The Sundanese people have a particular resting place known as a saung; usually built in the middle of a rice field, this is a simple open structure built on stilts. The Baduy people use bamboo to build their traditional houses, with river stones as the foundation and structures built in harmony with the contours of the land.

traditional houses in Java have a lower carbon footprint than industrial construction projects — (Above) Using stones from the river and wood from nearby trees, traditional houses in Java have a much lower carbon footprint than industrial construction projects

In Java, trees and forests play a central role in the lives of local people. From kitchenware to clothing and building materials, the leaves, bark, stems, and fruit of Java’s trees are utilized for a variety of different purposes.

Traditional cultures recognize the need to conserve these important materials. Over many generations, communities have learned to take only what they need from nature and use what they have in a way that does no harm.

Taking our inspiration from this traditional knowledge, Trees4Trees will continue working to replant trees, while also celebrating the cultural wisdom that utilizes them sustainably.

Writer: V. Arnila Wulandani. Editor: Christopher Alexander

eco-friendly activities local wisdom

Author: Vironica Arnila

“Trendy and Engaging”: Yutaka Farm Makes Mangroves Fun

A place where reforestation education takes centerstage

Restoring mangroves along the Pati coastline

Working with Trees4Trees

Reviving Clean Water Access in Lebak Muncang Tourism Village: Elis’ Tree Planting Initiative

Benefiting Planting Trees from Their Crops

Planting Trees to Restore Water Availability

Donate Trees with Trees4Trees!

Donate Tree with PayPal

Donate Tree Direct to Bank Account

Why Should You Donate Trees4Trees?

A Hub of Biodiversity: Exploring the Citarum

A Connection to Nature and Culture

Flora and Fauna: Natural Beauty, Economic Bounty

Biodiversity Bouncing Back: Replanting Trees, Restoring the Citarum

Tasum: Growing Rudraksha Trees and Staying True to His Roots

Understanding the True Value of Trees

Hard Graft: Working Together to Find Sustainable Alternatives

Roots of Java: Indigenous Tribes Hold the Key to Environmental Protection

Biodegradable food packaging

Sustainable plates, cups, and kitchenware

Adding a dash of color: natural fabric dyeing

Clean and green: natural detergents don’t cost the earth

Sustainable foundations: eco-friendly architecture

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