PUSDIK STI: Catalyst for the Struggle for Agrarian Reform in Indramayu

The Indramayu Farmers Union (STI) is a farmer organization located in Indramayu Regency, West Java Province. Currently, STI has 22 union member bases spread across several sub-districts including; Gantar, Kroya, Cayut, Kroya, Lemahrempag, Rendong, Sukajaya, Tegal sapi, Plasa koneng, Sandrem, Karanganyar, Punduan, Sesepan, Sambilanceng, Pasir torok, Cipondoh, Kubang jaran, Bangong, Gambiran, Talun, and Lajem. 

Since 2009, STI has been fighting to obtain its agrarian rights from land control carried out by Perhutani. In 2011, members of the farmer union through the support of the Indramayu Farmer Union Movement have succeeded in reclaiming land. However, until now, farmers who have obtained land reclaimed are still under pressure from the company such as threats, intimidation, criminalization and slander. This condition does not dampen the spirit and consistency of the Farmer Union members. In fact, it encourages the farmer union's initiative to strengthen its community movement by implementing activities to strengthen the ideology and expansion of the Agrarian Reform Movement through the STI Education Center (PUSDIK). PUSDIK STI is one of the important strategies to develop the capacity of cadres and expand the agrarian reform movement at the STI Indramayu base.

Through the support of the Nusantara Fund Direct Funding, STI built an education center as a forum for STI cadres and administrators in carrying out educational activities. The goal is to increase knowledge and build awareness of union members and administrators in fighting for their agrarian rights. In addition, the education center can also be useful for supporting knowledge about improving the economy of union members and supporting the existence of the organization in a sustainable manner.

Now, STI members and local communities have a place to strengthen their capacity in the fields of agrarian reform, agricultural technology, and land rights advocacy. In addition, the existence of PUSDIK STI can improve members' understanding of the people's economy, as well as provide greater opportunities for young people and women to acquire skills relevant to their struggle. The existence of PUSDIK contributes to strengthening the organization, expanding networks, and increasing the enthusiasm of members in fighting for land redistribution and farmer welfare, which has a direct impact on the sustainability of the organization and the success of their land advocacy.