Amid the growing challenges of climate change and declining soil fertility, farmers in Boyolali, Central Java, Indonesia, are choosing a different path. Instead of relying on conventional farming methods, they are turning to organic agriculture—restoring the health of their land while nurturing hope for future generations. At the heart of this movement is APPOLI Boyolali.
Led by Siswadi Endro S., APPOLI (Aliansi Petani Padi dan Palawija Organik Boyolali) is a farmers’ organization operating in Boyolali and Semarang Regencies. It is an open, independent, and democratic association of farmers that has obtained full legal status in accordance with government regulations. APPOLI also collaborates closely with the Aliansi Petani Indonesia (API) to strengthen farmer empowerment and advocacy.
APPOLI’s vision is simple yet transformative: to meet farmers’ needs through organic farming, preserve soil fertility, and involve the younger generation in building a more sustainable agricultural future in Indonesia.
With support from APFP-FO4A, this vision is becoming a reality. In 2024, the Tresno Tani APPOLI Cooperative received USD 18,750 in funding support from APFP-FO4A to strengthen its organic rice marketing business. This support has significantly expanded the cooperative’s ability to assist farmers.
The Asia-Pacific Farmers’ Program (APFP) – Farmers’ Organizations for Asia (FO4A) is implemented by the Asian Farmers’ Association for Sustainable Rural Development (AFA) and La Via Campesina (LVC), with funding from the European Union (EU) and the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD). The program aims to strengthen the capacities of farmers’ organizations to provide economic services, advocate for enabling policies, and promote sustainable livelihoods for small-scale family farmers across Asia.
Through the program, farmers receive training in organic cultivation techniques and improved farming practices. The cooperative also purchases farmers’ harvests at a price 500 rupiah higher than conventional rice, helping ensure fairer incomes for organic producers.
Beyond economic benefits, the initiative has helped the Tresno Tani APPOLI Cooperative become more independent and professional in managing its operations. It has also opened opportunities to actively involve women and young people in developing sustainable agriculture in Boyolali.
Through APFP-FO4A support, APPOLI has strengthened farmers’ bargaining power while creating a vibrant learning space that connects different generations of farmers.
For many members, APPOLI represents more than just an organization—it is a source of knowledge, opportunity, and security.
Fatima, who has been a member since 2015, describes the many benefits she has gained through the network. Through APPOLI, she learned about the System of Rice Intensification (SRI) method, soil fertility management, organic product marketing, and even processing by-products from organic rice. Just as important, APPOLI has helped ensure more reliable market access by connecting farmers with specific marketing channels for their products. For Fatima and many others, being part of APPOLI means gaining knowledge while increasing the value of their harvest.
Young people are also finding their place in agriculture through APPOLI.
Ipul, a millennial farmer and staff member of the Tresno Tani APPOLI Cooperative, says joining the organization has allowed him to turn theory into practice. Through his work with the cooperative, he has had opportunities to learn from agricultural communities across Indonesia—and even abroad. These experiences have broadened his understanding of organic farming and strengthened his commitment to sustainable agriculture.
By encouraging the participation of young farmers, APPOLI is helping ensure the regeneration of agricultural knowledge and leadership for the future.
The organization has also become a learning hub for students. Students from Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) who conducted internships with APPOLI describe a welcoming environment where knowledge and collaboration thrive. According to them, APPOLI plays an important role in increasing the economic value of organic agriculture in Boyolali while fostering strong collaboration among farmers. For these students, APPOLI offers a powerful example of how community-driven initiatives can support both environmental sustainability and rural livelihoods.
Today, APPOLI is more than just a farmers’ organization. It is a living movement that strengthens village economies, protects the environment, and prepares the next generation to care for the land.
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