Jakarta – The importance of family food security is the cornerstone for community survival and well-being, the University of Indonesia said on Wednesday, December 4. Recognising its strategic importance, the Community Service program from the Islamic Studies, Psychology, Education, and Sociocultural Research Cluster (KR SI2PSB) of the School of Strategic and Global Studies, University of Indonesia (SKSG UI), organised a short training program themed Climate-Resilient Agriculture, Family Food Security, and Green Productivity on Untung Jawa Island from December 2 to 3, 2024.
The initiative aligns with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 2, “Zero Hunger,” which emphasises eradicating hunger and achieving food security, proper nutrition, and sustainable agriculture.
The initiative, supported by the Environmental Agency of Jakarta, particularly the Seribu Islands Environmental Sub-Agency and the Untung Jawa Village Office, builds on research conducted in 2023. The study found that food security on Untung Jawa Island is relatively stable due to abundant seafood resources, proximity to larger islands (like Java), and existing transportation services. However, issues related to micronutrient intake remain. Addressing these challenges requires ensuring the availability of nutritious food through innovative climate-resilient agricultural practices tailored to the island’s limited land and water resources.
By incorporating fast-growing crops and engaging community members—especially youth—the program aims to improve public health and provide cost-saving alternatives to household vegetables. Surplus yields could even be leveraged for future economic activities and tourism support.
During the program, Prof. Dr. Lydia Freyani Hawadi, M.Si, M.M., Psikolog, Head of the KR SI2PSB Research Cluster, highlighted the crucial role of youth from Karang Taruna, supported by broader community participation. Dr. Prisca Delima discussed family food security and green productivity, while R.B. Sutarno demonstrated practical farming techniques. Yuliana Sujirah guided participants in processing harvested produce.
The workshops introduced innovative farming techniques using recycled gallons and bottles, enabling urban agriculture in small spaces. Selected crops, such as Brazilian spinach, okra, centella, chives, and scallions, were chosen for their ease of growth and nutritional value. Participants also learned to process these underutilised crops into local delicacies, promoting their flavours and benefits.
The training sessions received an enthusiastic response, with participants successfully experimenting with the techniques and receiving orders for their processed foods through the island’s social media groups. The trainers provided examples of alternative technologies, such as compost bins, liquid fertiliser production, urban farming containers, and seeds, to support family food security and green productivity on the island.
This initiative empowers participants to produce compost and fertiliser while practising sustainable urban agriculture independently. Over time, the program is expected to enhance access to nutritious food on the island, as locally grown vegetables will be readily available without purchasing. (nsh)
Banner photo: Cooperative planting on urban village land. Untung Java Island, Kepulauan Seribu. (SKSG UI/handout)
