Aid in Action

Sending Out a Green Message

Neighborhood Gardens Combat Malnutrition

 | Thursday, June 18, 2009

One of Central Jakarta’s homes that is noticeably crowded with various plants in the area of Bendungan Hilir belongs to Rabijono, a 48-year old man and a native of the area. Judging by the beautiful plants – ranging from flowers to potted medicinal plants – it is obvious that he tends them with great care. This rather hefty gardening enthusiast – better known to his neighbors as Pak Haji – however, is not just taking great care of plants as a hobby. As head of a neighborhood unit in Bendungan Hilir, Central Jakarta, Pak Haji has been encouraging more than 3,000 residents in the neighborhood to participate in the greening project that started last year. He is fully aware of the responsibility to set an example for his community to keep the neighborhood “green”.

The greening project is a part of Mercy Corps’ “Kampoeng Hijau” program funded by USAID. The program aims to reduce malnutrition among children under five through increasing individual/community awareness of the root causes of malnutrition and help the community have better sanitation facilities.

Excitement to achieve Kampoeng Hijau is spreading as more than 500 out of 786 households have eagerly agreed to join the program. As the result of Rabijono’s encouragement, this once dull looking neighborhood is now transformed into a lush green garden. “The plants gives us a lot of advantages,” he says. “The neighborhood is now greener and cooler. Before, it was dry and hot.”

While maintaining the neighborhood’s achievement, he now additionally encourages people to practice composting. “I want people to understand the importance of waste management,” explains Rabijono who now not only teaches composting to his community but has also been invited as speaker at various sub-districts seminars. One question that has always come up during a seminar, he says is, “How can you turn a slum such as your neighborhood into a wonderful green area?” Having to answer this question has always managed to make Pak Haji beam with pride.

This window-frame business owner was recently nominated by the Mayor of Central Jakarta to lead community mobilization efforts with regards to the “Kampoeng Hijau” program. Rabijono now visits sub-districts and villages in Central Jakarta to learn about nutrition and sanitation issues with the aim to help communities identify problems and discover applicable solutions.

It’s easy to understand why people are willing to follow Rabijono’s instruction. The respected leader not only speaks about living healthy but practices them through tangible actions. In addition to giving away his plants to other households, Rabijono also donates cash to help build a community health center. He explains simply, “That’s just what a leader should do. I never think about what’s in it for me but it’s about what can I give to the community.”