Tuwed and Tukadaya are two villages in Melaya District, Jembrana Regency, located within two important watersheds in Bali: Sangianggede and Tukad Melaya. Known for their strong agricultural tradition and tourism potential, these areas represent the richness of Bali’s rural landscape. Yet, like many parts of the island, they are increasingly facing pressure from rapid human-driven development. 

Significant land-use changes have occurred, converting forests for production purposes and agricultural expansion. Their strategic position along the Java–Bali logistics route has further accelerated development, with land increasingly transformed into residential and commercial areas. While development brings economic opportunity, it also poses risks to environmental health, local livelihoods, and food security. During the rainy season, communities in these villages, like others in Jembrana, are often affected by river flooding, a challenge linked to watersheds degradation. 

In response to these challenges, Faithfull, a Bali-based sustainable fashion company, initiated tree planting in these two villages this season to support ecosystem restoration and strengthen local livelihoods. 

Planting Trees Together: Sharing Love for Bali and Part of a Sustainable Commitment 

Chrisma Aryanta, Faithfull Office and HR Manager, shared that the tree-planting initiative aligns with the company’s sustainability vision and mission and part of its corporate social responsibility program. As a fashion company, Faithfull believes their responsibility goes beyond creating products. “Fashion is deeply connected to nature – from the threads we use to the materials we source. Planting trees is our way to give something back to nature in return,” she explained. 

As an initial step in this renewed commitment, just before Valentine’s Day, Faithfull brought its team members together with local communities and Trees4Trees to plant trees in Tuwed Village. The initiative continues with 10,000 additional trees to be planted in Tuwed and neighboring Tukadaya, helping restore the greenery of Melaya, an area located near two of Bali’s important natural sites: West Bali National Park and the Melaya Protected Forest. 

The effort reflects the brand’s commitment as a Bali-based sustainable clothing company to share its love and give back to the island they call home. “Deforestation is getting more serious, not only in Indonesia but all over the world,” Chrisma said. “This season, we choose planting trees here in Bali because we are Bali-based, we love Bali and we want to make Bali even better.” 

Five Years of Growing Green Together  

The tree-planting initiative in Bali marks an important milestone in the long-standing collaboration between Faithfull and Trees4Trees, celebrating five years of tree-planting partnership. Since 2021, Faithfull has planted over 20,000 trees across Java and Bali together with Trees4Trees, addressing pressing environmental challenges, including drought, water scarcity, erosion, and landslides, while supporting local livelihoods. Around 140 farmers have been directly involved, integrating tree planting into their agricultural landscapes.  

“At Faithfull, we want to help ensure a better future for everyone and everything. We see the harmful effects of deforestation, and we know we need to take action,” Chrisma said. 

Continuing this shared effort, the Bali planting responds to the increasing land conversion in the Sangianggede and Tukad Melaya downstream watersheds. Khoirum Minan, Trees4Trees Project Manager, emphasized that the initiative goes beyond environmental restoration. 

“This program not only increases tree cover in Jembrana, but also strengthens local livelihoods, particularly through the cultivation and integration of cacao trees, which provide long-term economic benefits,” he explained. 

Creating Impacts: Supporting the Environment and Communities 

Echoing this perspective, Rusmanto Manulang, Trees4Trees Bali Site Coordinator, highlighted that tree planting delivers meaningful environmental and social value. 

“The most important impact lies in the environmental benefits, especially in protecting water reserves and maintaining clean air, both of which are essential for long-term ecosystem health. However, at the same time, the economic potential is also significant,” he said. 

He explained that non-timber forest products, such as leaves, can be properly managed and used as livestock feed – a valuable resource for farmers who raise animals. Over time, products such as fruits, nuts, and timber can provide additional income streams, strengthen household economies, and enhance community resilience. 

“Beyond economic benefits, the initiative also motivates farmers to manage their land more effectively and sustainably, particularly degraded and unproductive areas,” said Rusmanto. By transforming empty land into productive agroforestry systems, farmers can secure both environmental restoration and future income. 

With more trees planted this season, Faithfull hopes its fashion business can contribute not only to social and economic development, but also to long-term environmental sustainability – ensuring that style and stewardship grow hand in hand, rooted in Bali’s soil for generations to come. 

Writer: V. Arnila Wulandani. Photos: Y. Dessenita