Jakarta – There is a critical need to empower farmers with proper agricultural techniques, governance, capacity development, and financial support to manage the issues of water scarcity and pest invasions exacerbated by unpredictable weather patterns. Bernadinus Steni, Chairman of the Kolibri Alliance, highlighted the necessity of empowering farmers with the resources and knowledge to adapt to climate change.
The Kolibri Alliance was officially launched today in Jakarta to support Indonesia’s farming communities amidst escalating climate challenges. This new coalition, composed of eight civil society organisations, aims to enhance sustainability and fight deforestation within the nation’s agriculture sector.
Steni said the alliance strives to support those on the ground and find ways to support farmers facing climate change challenges. He also touched on the severe local challenges, such as soil degradation and the urgent need for education on sustainable practices. “The agricultural sector in Indonesia faces various problems. Soil degradation and climate change are major factors in the decline of agricultural productivity,” he added.
Sharing insights from the field, La Ode Fitriyadi Nursyawal from Butuni Folk School (Serabut), Southeast Sulawesi, discussed shifting from traditional farming methods to agroforestry to increase income diversity. “We have gone from monoculture to diversified agriculture, now planting coffee and nutmeg alongside coconuts,” Nursyawal told reporters at the Kolibri Alliance launch.
Similarly, grassroots initiatives like those led by Sutiyati, a kindergarten teacher and farmer from Jambi, are making strides in organic farming. With the support of the Union of Oil Palm Farmers (SPKS), local communities are learning to produce organic fertilisers from palm oil waste and livestock manure, addressing the scarcity of chemical fertilisers.
Konroadus Soba, a farmer from Maumere, shared his experience with organic farming methods that have revitalized his crops despite challenges such as banana diseases and water scarcity. “We learned how to make organic fertiliser from lamtoro (Leucaena leucocephala) and organic pesticides. Now, we feel the difference after farming with intercropping,” Soba stated.
The launch event, themed “Joining Forces for a Sustainable Environment,” marks a significant step towards collaborative efforts in environmental advocacy and sustainability in agriculture. The alliance plans to work closely with government bodies to promote sustainable practices nationwide.
The Kolibri Alliance, established in 2021, includes organisations such as the Indigenous Peoples Communication Network in Aceh and the Bantaya Association in Central Sulawesi, covering nine districts with forest areas spread across the Indonesian archipelago. Kaleka, acting as the secretariat, coordinates the alliance’s activities and expands its membership to include more local organisations dedicated to addressing climate change and natural resource conservation. (nsh)
Banner photo: Farmers at Labuandiri Village, Siotapina Sub-district, Buton Regency, one of the villages assisted by the Kolibri Alliance, work together to make corn planting holes during the planting season, January 2024. (Source: Kolibri Alliance)
