Time is a strange thing. Some days it can feel like there’s too much time, but when you’re surrounded by the right people, and doing what you love, time has a way of feeling fleeting. That’s how it is for Pak Parjono, our 40-year-old resilience farmer. Beneath his tan skin and thick Javanese accent, he is far from ordinary. 

Behind his busy days managing his farmland, Pak Parjono is also a passionate artist. Since his youth, painting has been his escape, and even now, his artwork brings in extra income. Besides farming, he teaches religious studies at the local madrasa and raises livestock in his spare time. When exhaustion sets in, he retreats to his garden, where the greenery offers calm. 

Since joining Trees4Trees in 2017, Parjono has become a senior farmer, starting with teak and fruit trees like soursop. This year, he’s planting timber trees like sengon and jabon, along with avocado trees, continuing his dedication to reforestation. 

One of the things he values most about Trees4Trees is the training they offer. He hopes that in the future, there will be additional training, such as grafting techniques or other cultivation methods to help farmers become more skilled in caring for their plants. 

Parjono’s Journey from Malaysia to a Fulfilling Life as a Farmer in Durensawit Village 

An adventurer might be a very suitable word to describe Pak Parjono. Before settling into farming, he spent five years working abroad in Malaysia, taking on jobs in welding, livestock, and construction. Yet, when he returned to Indonesia, he found that farming was his true calling. “Farming suits me better because it brings me peace, seeing my land lush and fertile,” he recalled. 

Proud of his role as a farmer, Parjono believes that working with nature offers both healing and learning. “Maybe today’s generation feels ashamed to be farmers, but we contribute so much to the environment and the economy,” he added. He hopes his children will one day follow in his footsteps, helping to preserve the environment and take part in green initiatives that benefit the Earth. 

Despite challenges such as prolonged droughts and crop failures, Parjono remains optimistic. He constantly reminds his fellow farmers not to tire of planting and caring for the trees provided by Trees4Trees. “I am grateful to Libra Palma for providing seedlings and facilitating farmers to gain knowledge on greening our village,” he added. 

Parjono’s Inspiring Impact on Trees4Trees 

The spirit of Pak Parjono has inspired Marthan, the Trees4Trees Field Coordinator in Pati to keep spreading kindness and sharing good things around Durensawit Village. “Pak Parjono is not only a dedicated farmer but also a mentor to his peers. His perseverance and enthusiasm for learning and planting more types of trees inspire us all,” said Marthan enthusiastically. 

The harsh reality is addressing climate change and motivating farmers to be aware of and committed to greening the village. But Marthan is grateful for working side by side with Pak Parjono. He often helps Marthan to encourage other farmers to join the Trees4Trees reforestation program and even takes part in conserving the village’s water sources by planting trees around springs.  

In a world where everything is fast-paced, looking back and finding that little inspiration around our daily lives seems like a rare gift. Pak Parjono’s quiet determination show us that positive change often starts with small steps. Together, with the support from Libra Palma and Trees4Trees they remind us that no matter the challenges, the work we do today can leave a lasting impact on our environment and future generations. 

Written by Teresia Miranti | Source compiled by Marthan Saputra | Photograph by Marthan Saputra