In this day and age, where everything moves fast and hyperconnected, people are drawn to validation. Many seek more recognition, more follows, more engagement, or simply acknowledgment in various aspects of life. So, it’s not surprising that a lot of people think value comes from recognition. But that’s not always true, is it?

Realistically, everyone wants to be known in one way or another. It’s easy to be drawn to those who do the bare minimum in front of a camera while overlooking those making a real impact away from the spotlight.

Meanwhile, in Kedungwringin Village, Kebumen, Central Java, far from the noise, rush of the city, even cameras, Samino had been working the land for over 20 years as a farmer. Each morning, he walks the same path to his fields, the earth beneath his feet familiar, the routine unchanged. “For me, farming is a calling and commitment to Mother Nature,” he said with his humble smile.

Becoming a Tree Grower and Facing Challenges of Farming

That day, the sky was clear, unlike usual when rain often poured down. With steady steps, Samino walked 300 meters to his field, just as he did every day. Behind him, the Trees4Trees team followed while observing his farm, taking notes, and preparing to document his story.

Samino, 45, is a father of three children who are still in school. In addition to farming, he also runs a carpentry business at home, making door frames to supplement his income. Although he only completed elementary school, his passion for farming and learning new things has never faded.

His strong spirit and dedication earned him with title of Best Farmer in Kebumen in 2023—an impressive achievement considering he had only joined as a partner farmer earlier that year. It was a clear sign that his care for the land and the trees wasn’t just for show. Still, farming in his village comes with its fair share of challenges.

The dry season often brings drought, and pest attacks can wipe out an entire harvest. But giving up isn’t in his nature. Alongside his fellow members in the Kapokan Kedungwringin farmer group, he keeps pushing forward, taking part in efforts like making organic fertilizer to enrich the soil and lessen their reliance on chemical solutions.

“Being a farmer is enjoyable; there’s a unique satisfaction in using the harvest we grow ourselves,” Samino shared with a warm, contented grin. 

Planting Trees: Reviving the Dry Land in His Village 

Samino has a big vision for his village. He doesn’t want to see empty land go to waste or the village turn barren. Because of this deep concern, he volunteered to become a field facilitator for Trees4Trees—helping spread the word about the program to other farmers and acting as a bridge between them and the field coordinator. As a tree grower, he’s received 230 seedlings, most of them jabon (Anthocepalus cadamba). That choice was intentional—he believes jabon will make his land more productive in the long run. 

Through the program, Samino also joined a training on making livestock feed to be used as a feed bank. It’s proven to be very useful, especially since he raises livestock himself. For him, farming is more than work—it’s something that speaks to his soul. He once tried his luck in Jakarta as a furniture worker, but city life, with all its noise and pollution, never felt like home. 

“I spent some time working in Jakarta, but my heart has always belonged to the village—with its clean air and the abundance of nature,” he said. 

When he returned home, he was shocked to see so much barren land. “What really struck me when I came back was how dry and empty the land had become. That’s when I felt the urge to do something about it,” he added. 

Planting with Purpose, Living with Heart 

When the Trees4Trees team came to visit, Samino proudly showed them the trees he had planted. He hopes that one day, these trees will not only improve his livelihood but also bring lasting benefits to his children and grandchildren. He often reminds others of the importance of caring for the trees properly to get the best results. 

Aziz Arifandi, the Field Coordinator for Kedungwringin Village, described him as a cooperative and passionate tree grower. “At first, he was shy and quiet, but once you get to know him, he’s actually really easy to talk to,” Aziz said. “He’s a peaceful, calm person—someone other farmers feel comfortable around when having discussions.” 

According to Aziz, drought and pests remain the biggest challenges for farmers in the village. He hopes the tree growers will become more enthusiastic and communicative in facing these issues so the village can grow greener. Among them all, Samino stands out—he’s always the most excited whenever the Trees4Trees team visits. 

But there’s more to Samino than just his dedication to planting trees, when he’s tired from working in the fields, Samino has a simple way of unwinding—fishing and playing his guitar. The soft strum of the strings brings him a sense of peace. Through his dedication to farming and reforesting the land, Samino proves that when you work with heart and determination, it’s possible to create meaningful change for the environment and for the next generation. 

Writer: Teresia K. Miranti. Interview and compiled source: Aziz Arifandi. Photos: Henning Ilmi W