Plant 1.000.000 Trees in Indonesia Damaged Forest

In the second half of 2026, Yayasan INFEST plans to expand its agroforestry-based conservation approach to Bantul Regency, Yogyakarta. This initial initiative will begin with the establishment of a 5-hectare demonstration plot, designed as a learning hub, pilot site, and replication model for farmers living in forest-adjacent areas.

The agroforestry system integrates a diverse combination of plant species within a multi-layered structure, including:

• Timber species, such as Bombax ceiba L, to support landscape stability and ecological restoration
• Fruit crops, including durian and avocado, providing medium-term income opportunities
• Short-cycle crops, such as coffee and vegetables, to support immediate household needs and cash flow

This integrated system is designed to balance ecological functions with sustainable economic benefits for local communities.

Functions of the Demonstration Plot

The demonstration plot serves not only as a production area, but also as:

• A learning center for farmers to gain hands-on experience in agroforestry practices
• A pilot site for testing multi-layered cropping systems adapted to local conditions in Bantul
• A capacity-building platform, offering training in land management, crop diversification, and sustainable farming techniques
• A replication model that can be scaled across other farmer-managed lands

Through direct practice and observation, farmers can better understand the long-term advantages of agroforestry compared to monoculture systems.

Integrating Conservation and Production

The system emphasizes a balance between productive use and ecological restoration. Timber species help maintain land cover and stabilize soil, while fruit and horticultural crops provide economic value. This layered structure contributes to:

• Reduced soil erosion and improved soil fertility
• Increased water infiltration and retention
• More stable microclimate conditions
• Enhanced biodiversity

As a result, the land functions both as a productive asset and as part of a broader conservation landscape.

Expected Impact

The development of this demonstration plot is expected to:

• Increase farmers’ understanding and adoption of agroforestry
• Encourage a transition from monoculture to sustainable systems
• Strengthen and diversify household income
• Enhance community capacity in landscape management
• Reduce pressure on surrounding forest areas

A Starting Point for Landscape Transformation

This initiative in Bantul represents an important step toward building a locally adapted agroforestry model in Yogyakarta. By combining practical learning, system demonstration, and community capacity strengthening, INFEST aims to catalyze a broader transformation in how land is managed in forest-edge areas.

From a demonstration plot to landscape change.
From small-scale practice to wider impact.
Agroforestry becomes a gateway to community-based conservation in Bantul.

I. Introduction

Forest landscapes in Java face increasing pressure due to seasonal monoculture farming, land degradation, and the economic vulnerability of forest-edge communities. Conservation strategies that focus solely on ecological protection without addressing rural livelihoods often struggle to achieve long-term sustainability.

Agroforestry offers a balanced approach by integrating ecological restoration with productive land use. This report outlines the main forms of agroforestry and describes the model currently implemented in Blora (Central Java) and Ngawi (East Java).

II. Forms of Agroforestry

Agroforestry systems can generally be categorized into three main types:

1. Agrisilviculture

This system combines forestry trees (Multi-Purpose Tree Species / MPTS) with agricultural crops.

Examples:

• Coffee or cocoa grown under shade trees

• Spices and food crops cultivated between timber or fruit trees

Key functions:

• Maintaining tree cover

• Reducing soil erosion

• Diversifying farmer income

2. Silvopastoral Systems

This system integrates trees with livestock production.

Examples:

• Sheep or goats raised within tree-covered landscapes

• Use of understory vegetation as animal feed

Key functions:

• Generating additional household income

• Supporting organic fertilizer production

• Optimizing land use without expanding into new forest areas

3. Agrosilvopastoral Systems

This integrated model combines trees, agricultural crops, and livestock within a single landscape system.

Key functions:

• Creating a circular rural economy

• Enhancing ecological and economic resilience

• Supporting long-term land restoration

III. Model Implemented in Blora and Ngawi

Based on local ecological and socio-economic conditions, the approach adopted in Blora and Ngawi is an agrosilvopastoral model centered on Liberica coffee agroforestry.

1. Liberica Coffee Agrisilviculture

Liberica coffee was selected due to its adaptability to marginal lands and tolerance to shade. Coffee is planted under protective tree canopies and integrated with multi-purpose tree species, including fruit and timber trees.

Expected impacts:

• Increased tree cover

• Reduced soil erosion

• Short- and long-term income diversification

2. Sheep Integration (Silvopastoral Component)

Each community group received 80 sheep as an economic strengthening initiative.

The livestock component contributes by:

• Providing supplementary household income

• Producing manure for organic fertilizer

• Supporting soil fertility in agroforestry plots

• Reducing dependence on chemical inputs

This integration forms the foundation of a village-level circular economy.

3. Designated Conservation Areas

In addition to productive agroforestry zones, separate non-agroforestry conservation areas are established to focus on:

• Watershed protection

• Natural forest regeneration

• Biodiversity conservation

This landscape-based planning ensures a balance between productive land use and ecological protection.

IV. Rationale for the Selected Model

The agrosilvopastoral model was chosen due to several contextual factors in Blora and Ngawi:

• Hilly terrain prone to erosion

• High prevalence of seasonal monoculture practices

• Economic dependence on short-term agriculture

• Villages managing extensive forest areas

This integrated approach:

• Strengthens household economies

• Reduces incentives for land expansion

• Restores ecological functions

• Promotes community-based forest stewardship

V. Conclusion

Agroforestry encompasses multiple system types, but in Blora and Ngawi, an integrated agrosilvopastoral model combining Liberica coffee, sheep farming, and designated conservation zones has been implemented.

This model demonstrates that forest conservation in Java requires simultaneous economic and ecological integration.

With the right system in place:

• Production continues

• Household economies strengthen

• Forest ecosystems are protected

The approach provides a foundation for sustainable landscape transformation in Java’s forest regions.