“Most people my age don’t think about getting into farming,” says Heri, a 36-year-old from Batulayang in West Bandung Regency. “They believe there’s more money to be had in city jobs, but that’s not always that case.” Heri speaks from experience. He used to be one of the majorities who took city jobs – recent government data shows that only 17% of people aged 17 to 39 in West Java are farmers.  

In recent decades, rapid development has transformed rural areas into modern landscapes, replacing farmlands with factories, shopping centers, and housing. This shift has changed job trends, with many young people choosing city-based careers over farming. Nevertheless, some young people like Heri are growing disillusioned with city life and returning to their roots.  

“From my experience in horticulture, I’ve seen how farming can lead to success and become a sustainable livelihood for many, helping them provide for their families,” says Heri. The most important thing for young people is to change their mindset and recognize that farming can lead the way to entrepreneurship,” he added. With support from Trees4Trees, this new generation is rediscovering the benefits that rural life can bring. 

Homecoming: Choosing Farm and Family

Many of the young farmers participating in Trees4Trees reforestation programs learned farming from their parents. Munawar Sidiq (21), a Gen Z farmer from Mandalawaji Village, began farming as a child. After briefly working on a construction project in the city, he returned to continue his parents’ legacy.  

“City life wasn’t for me,” he explains. “I have family, land that would have gone to waste if I didn’t take care of it;. if all young people like me leave the village, who will farm, grow trees, produce food, and protect nature?”  

Similarly, Dani (32) from Pakutandang Village, developed basic farming skills under his father’s tutelage in his teenage years, before later joining a restoration project in Sumatra. He decided to return and become a full-time farmer in 2018. “This experience gave me advanced skills in farming that I can now use to transform my family’s field,” he said. 

New Solutions for a New Generation 

Armed with the knowledge and experience they have gained from their travels, these young farmers are committed to helping their villages develop better, more sustainable practices. Aditya Swara (20), a farmer from Girimulya Village, chose to stay home instead of moving to the city, with a mission to tackle water scarcity in his village. Like other residents, he manages vegetable plots and grows fruit trees. “We rely on growing vegetables, but water access is limited,” he says. “During the dry season, it becomes a real challenge.” To combat this, Aditya combines vegetable farming with shade trees like teak and mahogany, which also help to improve soil quality and the availability of groundwater. 

Yonan (33) from Kidangpananjung Village, also sees the value of tree planting. To prevent future water scarcity in his surrounding area, he plants trees among his crops. “Without tree cover, water disappears,” he says. “More trees mean more water.” 

Youth involvement in environmental preservation is crucial, yet interest in farming among them is still lower than needed. Recognizing this, Heri initiated ‘Citra Muda’, a farmers’ group uniting young people aged 17 to 39 and encouraging them to pursue farming. With over 46 members, the group aims to secure a future for farming in their village. “I want to motivate them to create opportunities and become agricultural entrepreneurs through farming,” he said. 

Flourishing in Farming with a Tree-planting Program 

Since 2021, Trees4Trees, together with AstraZeneca and One Tree Planted, has led a tree-planting initiative to restore the Citarum Watershed. This program has empowered young farmers with new opportunities and knowledge. Yonan and Heri shared that the program allowed them to plant various trees at no cost and gain organic farming techniques through training.  

Meanwhile, for Dani, being named one of the program’s best farmers was an honor. “I never thought I’d be recognized. I just did what was necessary, and the team acknowledged my efforts. It motivated me to keep improving my land and protecting my village environment.” 

Aditya’s field was also selected as a demonstration plot due to his impressive planting efforts and the growth of his trees. “Through the demonstration plot, it’s a great opportunity for me to showcase sustainable farming and educate other farmers in the village, especially young people,” he said. 

These young farmers are grateful for the tree-planting initiative and eager to continue working to build greener villages.  “We hope Trees4Trees and partners keep supporting young farmers like us with free seedlings and training” said Munawar. “I believe more trees and more involvement from young people will ultimately lead to a greener environment.” 

Writer: V. Arnila Wulandani. Editor: Chris Alexander 

Photos: Nopan Noviana, Benyamin Harits, Fahry SK, Indra Dirjakusuma, Kemas Duga Muis