Strengthening Urban Food Independence through Sustainable Urban Farming by PT PLN (Persero) UIT JBB together with Filantra
Partner : PT PLN (Persero) UIT JBB
Industry : Electricity
Objective : The objective of this urban farming assistance program is to encourage increased awareness and capability among urban communities in utilizing limited land productively through sustainable urban farming practices. Through the implementation of the FABA Green Sulur utilization program supported by PT PLN (Persero) UIT JBB, this initiative also aims to provide an alternative and appropriate utilization of coal combustion by-products (FABA) to support agricultural activities. Therefore, the program is expected to contribute to improving local food availability, encouraging community self-reliance, and fostering healthier and more environmentally friendly lifestyles in urban areas.
Challenges :
Based on the explanation above, several challenges were identified in the implementation of urban farming assistance activities in urban areas, including:
- Limited land availability in urban areas, restricting optimal urban farming practices
- Low public knowledge regarding sustainable urban farming concepts and techniques
- Limited practical skills among the community in managing productive and efficient urban farming activities
- Lack of public awareness regarding the importance of local food independence amid dependence on external food supplies
- The absence of a farming culture or habit within urban communities
- Challenges in shifting public mindsets toward healthier and environmentally friendly lifestyles
Solutions :
Based on the implementation of the program, the solutions provided were not only focused on technical aspects but also directed toward strengthening program sustainability and long-term capacity development of the farming group. These efforts were carried out to ensure that the group would not only be able to run the program during the assistance period but also continue and independently develop their activities in the future. The solutions implemented include:
- Strengthening synergy among stakeholders to ensure the program runs in a more structured and sustainable manner
- Area development through the integration of agriculture and tourism potential as added value
- Strengthening program identity through branding to support recognition and networking
- Intensive assistance to enable the group to independently manage the program
Program Impact :
The implementation of this program has not only impacted technical capacity building but has also brought changes in institutional aspects and the group’s mindset in developing their business activities. These impacts are important in supporting program sustainability and strengthening the role of farming groups within the community. The impacts generated include:
- Stronger collaboration established between the group and supporting parties
- Increased confidence among the group in managing and developing their business
- Clearer and more structured business development direction
- Growing awareness regarding the importance of program sustainability
- Opening opportunities for local potential-based economic development
SDGs Relevance :
- SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
Related to increasing productivity, marketing capabilities, and income generation for farming groups through training activities - SDG 4: Quality Education
Related to improving the knowledge and skills of farming groups, particularly in financial management and business development
Real Steps Toward Urban Food Independence
Amid the limitations of urban land availability, urban farming has become one of the solutions to encourage community food independence. Through the Green Sulur Farming Group Assistance Program, various activities such as greenhouse construction, training, and mentoring were carried out to improve the capacity of farming groups to become more productive and well-directed. This program supports the community not only in technical agricultural aspects but also in developing businesses with economic value.
This program demonstrates that proper empowerment can create opportunities for communities to grow independently and sustainably. Therefore, support and collaboration from various stakeholders are needed so that the benefits of programs like this can continue to expand and be experienced more broadly by the community. Together with Filantra, let us continue to create impactful and sustainable empowerment initiatives.