Photo: A melon vine begins to fruit at the Kampung Bayam Madani urban farm in North Jakarta
JAKARTA – North Jakarta is known for its sweltering heat and barren landscape, leaving many to doubt its suitability for farming.
Such thoughts reflect issues faced by locals who do farm in the region: land constraints, harsh climate conditions, and mounting pressures from urbanization, among others.
“Most people here would ask: Can you really grow anything in North Jakarta, where it’s hot and dry?” said Muhammad Furqon from local farmer group Kampung Bayam Madani. “Then they would list [common crops like] cabbage, cauliflower, or choy sum, plants that typically grow in higher, colder areas. Actually, if we know how to balance the pH, [learn] the proper care for each plant, it’s possible. We’ve seen the results. We’ve had harvests.”
The collective, which met the PR team in mid-April, sees city-based farming as more than creating economic value. This practice is about preserving living spaces, identities as farmers, and productive lands amid rapid urban developments.
For Furqon and his team, it entails crop and fish cultivation, as they also seek to strengthen local food security. Their 5,000-meter site features fish ponds producing 3-4 quintals per harvest, with reared species including catfish, tambaqui, pangasius, Nile tilapia, and gourami.
Photo: Kampung Bayam Madani farmer group leader Muhammad Furqon with one of his growing melons
“[I think] it’s destiny that all of us were raised by loving farmer parents. That’s why we’re continuing [the tradition]. [Farming] provides us with our living space,” Furqon added.
Yet, he acknowledged the need for outside support to boost their operations. The group learned that networking and collaboration help with expanding their farm; they don’t have to do it alone.
Korindo Foundation happens to be their first partner, with its Green Sponsorship program funding a communal kitchen, waste recycling site, and polybag provision initiative.
“[Green Sponsorship] taught us the importance of having passion, courage, and a helping hand in our journey. We learned more about the power of solidarity and unity.”
Not only does this collaboration provide support; it connects Kampung Bayam Madani with opportunities for growth. By coming together, agricultural stakeholders lay a solid groundwork for sustainable, independent urban farms. (PR)
