The Soil Science Alumni Community of Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), organized under the Lemah Teles Community, carried out the planting of 1,200 cocoa seedlings of the MCC02 variety in Terong Village, Dlingo Subdistrict, Bantul Regency, on Saturday (Dec. 6). The activity formed part of broader efforts to strengthen the application of science and technology at the community level, particularly in the management of community forests.
The planting activity was the result of a strategic collaboration with the Jasema Community Forest Farmer Group (KTH Jasema) and was supported by funding from the Environmental Fund Management Agency (BPDLH) through the national Indonesia’s FOLU Net Sink 2030 agenda of the Ministry of Environment and Forestry of the Republic of Indonesia.
Through this program, UGM plays an active role in bridging knowledge transfer and the implementation of sustainable development practices at the village level.
Sidqi Mubarok, Program Manager of Lemah Teles, stated that the planting of thousands of MCC02 cocoa seedlings represents a tangible contribution by UGM alumni to environmental conservation through community empowerment. Cocoa trees were selected due to their economic value and relatively stable market trends.
“This effort not only improves land productivity but also provides long-term benefits for farmers’ livelihoods,” he explained.
Mubarok further noted that the program, which has been running since the second half of 2025, adopts an Asset-Based Community Development (ABCD) approach in developing an adaptive agroforestry model.
He considered this approach essential given farmers’ heavy dependence on timber commodities. Diversification toward non-timber forest products (NTFPs), particularly cocoa, is therefore aimed at strengthening farmers’ economic resilience while maintaining the sustainability of forest ecosystems.
The activity began with a brief technical guidance session on cocoa cultivation for members of KTH Jasema. During the planting session, local residents actively participated in planting the seedlings as an initial step toward developing cocoa cultivation in Terong Village.
“This collaboration is expected to open opportunities for the village to grow into a downstream cocoa product center in the future,” he added.
In closing, Mubarok expressed his gratitude to government institutions for their funding support and trust. As part of UGM’s commitment to the Tri Dharma of Higher Education, this activity demonstrates how alumni, academics, and communities can work together to promote sustainable agroforestry practices.
The initiative is expected to serve as a model for village-campus collaboration that supports economic growth, environmental resilience, and the independence of community forest farmers in Dlingo and surrounding areas.
“Alhamdulillah, the planting of 1,200 cocoa seedlings today went smoothly. We extend our thanks to FOLU Net Sink and BPDLH for entrusting fund management to KTH Jasema,” he concluded.
Terong Village Head Sugiyono expressed his appreciation for the assistance provided by UGM and its program partners. He conveyed special thanks to the Lemah Teles Community and the FOLU Net Sink program for their support.
He expressed hope that the cocoa plants would grow optimally and have a positive impact on the village’s economy and food security.
Author: Agung Nugroho
Post-editor: Rajendra Arya