Farmers' Defense Point in West Tanjung Jabung, Jambi

The Independent Economic Institution for Success Together (LEMSB) is a community organization that focuses on agrarian rights advocacy in Tanjung Jabung Barat Regency, Jambi. This community was formed due to agrarian conflicts with large companies and economic challenges faced by farmers, such as falling commodity prices and difficult access to fertilizer.

With the support of the Nusantara Fund Direct Funding, LEMSB designed a program to provide a sense of security for farmers in managing their land and mitigate potential conflicts. The program aims to strengthen communities in disputed areas and provide infrastructure to defend land rights.

One of the main steps in this program is the construction of two semi-permanent posts on 186 hectares of land managed by LEMSB members. These posts serve as land security centers, while the renovation of the LEMSB secretariat is carried out to become a space for gathering, discussing, and formulating advocacy strategies.

The program began in February 2024 with a member meeting to develop a work plan. After that, building materials were purchased in the middle of the month to ensure timely availability of materials. Two 8x10 meter posts were successfully built in the plantation area, and the organization's secretariat was renovated to an area of ​​4,5x7 meters. This post allows farmers to carry out rotating monitoring to prevent land grabbing.

The renovated secretariat is now more than just an administrative office. This space serves as a strategic center for farmers to share information, understand legal issues, and strengthen collective commitment to defending their land. The program initiated by LEMSB contributes to governance and land ownership as well as legal recognition of farmers' rights. The post and secretariat are not just infrastructure, but symbols of community sovereignty in facing agrarian conflicts. The post becomes a point of defense for farmers in vulnerable plantation areas.

Moreover, the program increases farmers’ productivity because they can work with a sense of security. Directly, 58 male and 46 female farmers benefit from this facility, while communities from four surrounding villages also feel the positive impacts, including increased security and long-term economic stability.