The Greenland International Industrial Center (GIIC) in Cikarang is one of Jakarta’s biggest industrial zones. And yet, even here, pockets of nature continue to proliferate. Through the enlightened approach of the GIIC management, and with critical support from local people, these patches of green within the estate are being stitched together. 

Trees4Trees, One Tree Planted (OTP) and Microsoft have teamed up with local farmers to help catalyze the regreening process. Amung and his wife, Tami, are two of many who are ensuring ‘Greenland’ remains an integral part of the GIIC. In the process, they’re bringing relief to the area, finding a connection to the past, and planting hope for the future.  

Nature and nurture 

For as long as he can remember, Amung has had an affinity with farming – nurturing plants to nourish his family. Together with his wife, he grows vegetable crops and fruit trees on disused industrial land in the GIIC.  

“I’ve been farming here since 2014,” he explains. “It’s been about 10 years now. The land I work on provides us with vegetables, cassava, and many other crops and fruits.”   

Income from his farming has allowed Amung to provide for his family, while also covering school expenses for his two children. “Although it’s not a lot, we’re grateful,” he says.

Staying connected to their roots 

For Tami, working the land brings back memories. Before this area became an industrial zone, it was the site of her ancestral home. “One day, I visited and found the land where my house used to be had been abandoned. I told my husband and asked him to farm here,” she explained.  

Before long, Tami and Amung brought the land back to life. “I used to farm in other locations, but this land is the best,” says Amung. “Most plants can grow easily here. It is also close to the river for irrigation.” 

Tree-planting support from Microsoft  

In 2022, Trees4Trees, with funding from Microsoft and support from OTP, launched a tree-planting program around the GIIC. The aim was to restore degraded land and increase tree cover to create an urban forest.  

“In 2022, we got 350 seedlings in total, consisting of fruit trees like mango, petai, and durian, as well as timber like mahogany, teak, and jabon,” says Amung. “We’re thankful to be able to plant them and benefit from them in the future. This program really supports us.”  

The program successfully planted 21,000 trees in public spaces and on local community lands. In 2023, Microsoft added another 19,000 trees. This year, the initiative will continue, expanding tree cover throughout the industrial zone. 

Amung and Tami hope all their trees will survive and bear fruit such as mangoes and petai, which they can sell. They are also looking forward to planting more new trees in future and contributing to the regreening of the local area. 

Progress towards a greener future 

In just over a year, Amung and Tami have already transformed around 0.5 hectares of unused land in the GIIC area into a lush, green space that is filled with teak, jabon, and mango. Amung attributes this success to nature: “I think the soil is perfect for these trees to thrive, even without special treatment,” he says. 

Amung and Tami’s actions have played a vital role in keeping the GIIC green. In addition to providing shade, clean air, and water to the surrounding environment, the green spaces of the GIIC also deliver sustainable livelihood opportunities to local farmers. This also provides a blueprint for a more sustainable, more equitable future; a collaborative model that benefits local communities, business, and nature.