Brighten the Path of Independent Farmers with Durian Collective Gardens

As part of the efforts to resolve agrarian conflicts in Bantar Village, farmers formed the Mandiri Jaya Local Farmers Organization (OTL) as a forum for the community's struggle to reclaim land rights. One of their struggle strategies is the Advanced Village Agrarian Reform (DaMaRa) movement, which places the people as the determinants in the power system, utilization system, production system, distribution system, and consumption to realize the sovereignty and welfare of farmers.

With the support of the Nusantara Fund Direct Funding, OTL Mandiri Jaya developed a collective production system for durian gardens in the Cikuya Block, Cilacap. This 79,43-hectare block is in the process of being reclaimed as Land Objects for Agrarian Reform (TORA) through the Agrarian Reform Location (LPRA).

Previously, the Local Farmers Organization (OTL) Mandiri Jaya only focused on rice and secondary crops in production. Because, most of the LPRA land is still in the form of dry fields and bushes and there are still rubber plants owned by PTPN IX in the Cikuya Block which are closely monitored by plantation security. Given the limited access to their management, OTL Mandiri Jaya seeks to maximize the productivity of 20 hectares of LPRA land to be used as settlements and collective durian gardens. Durian was chosen because it is relatively easy to care for, has high economic value, and can help improve soil conditions.

To ensure the success of the durian garden, OTL Mandiri Jaya formed a working group tasked with organizing the members' work schedules. For almost six months, the farmers worked together to prepare the land, dig holes, transport and process compost, plant seedlings, and irrigate the plants. Although planting was carried out in the dry season, the durian trees still grew well. In addition to planting, the members also received durian cultivation training, starting from selecting superior seedlings, maintenance techniques, to the use of organic fertilizers.

The organization also built supporting infrastructure, including paving roads, allocating land for settlements, and making wells for residents' needs and garden irrigation. Currently, four farmer houses have been built, and 200 superior durian seedlings—Bawor, Musang King, Duri Hitam, Super Tembaga, and Masmuar—have grown healthily. It is estimated that in the next four years, the durian harvest will be a source of sustainable income for 70 families in Cikuya. With the existence of this durian garden, the community can continue to use the land productively while still fighting for their land rights.