October 13, 2025
By Iqbal Saleh Sitompul (School of Agriculture and Food Sustainability, The University of Queensland)

Participating in the MyIndah project has been a privilege, allowing me to engage more deeply with the agricultural landscape of Indonesia, especially in peri-urban Java. My visit to Indonesia was truly monumental. Beyond data collection, I had the opportunity to collaborate with research partners such as IPB University, which provided invaluable experiences and insights through Group Model Building (GMB) workshops with smallholder farmers. However, nothing compares to the hands-on experience of attending fieldwork. Initially, I felt a mix of curiosity and bit of worry. Having never visited a farm in Java before, my background in North Sumatra left me uncertain about what to expect. 

However, upon arrival, I was pleasantly surprised by the warm reception I received from the local farmers and the overall smooth progression of our research. Their acceptance and willingness to engage in our research were crucial in facilitating GMB workshops and establishing rapport. The most fulfilling part has been the opportunity to talk directly with farmers. Their stories and aspirations have not only informed my research but have also inspired me on a personal level. I could feel their sincerity and passion for what they love doing.

I found it particularly heartwarming to see how they express their hopes for a brighter future in the agricultural sector, despite the challenges they face. I still remember the expressions on their faces and the heartfelt tone in their voices; voices that linger to be heard. Their optimism has been a powerful reminder of the resilience inherent in these communities. During our interactions, I have identified three key aspirations shared among the farmers: economic prosperity, health, and sustainability. These priorities resonate not only with their individual goals but also with the broader objectives of the MyIndah project. The desire for economic prosperity reflects their need for financial stability and growth, which includes increasing their income. Emphasising health underlines the importance of producing nutritious food for their families and communities. Meanwhile, a focus on sustainability highlights their willingness to transition to more environmentally responsible farming practices. It aligns directly with my research in climate change mitigation through decarbonisation practices. They want their farms to be sustainable for future generations. They said, “We want the agricultural sector to become a sustainable and stable job that provides security for farmers, so my children and grandchildren are willing to uphold the family traditions.” Then a thought came to mind: "Is that too much to ask?”. 
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Reflecting on my experience, I am grateful for the opportunity to connect with farmers who are committed to their work. They gave me valuable insights into smallholder farming communities. As a result, I now have a deeper appreciation for smallholder farmers and a stronger commitment to positively contributing to the conversation about Indonesian smallholder farming communities. Their aspirations will continue to inspire my future research and collaborations.