Strengthening Youth-Led Community-Supported Agriculture for a Sustainable Food System in Bandung, Indonesia

The shifting dynamics of the food systems in Bandung, Indonesia, present formidable challenges to its people and their traditions. Once renowned for agricultural plenty and traditional cuisine, the region now struggles with food security, cultural heritage, and environmental sustainability. As urbanization gains momentum, many fear traditional food knowledge may be lost to the next generation, with which their cultural identity could erode. Furthermore, high dependence on the importation of commodities such as wheat and the widely criticized growing of palm oil raise red flags against sustainability and self-sufficiency.

Despite the region’s rich soil and the fact that 97% of Bandung City’s food supply comes from its surrounding peri-urban areas, food availability and access are threatened by nature’s unpredictable weather, unsustainable practices, and shifting consumer preferences. These issues, apart from putting the region’s agricultural heritage in danger, also put its food security at risk. In an effort to respond to these challenges, sustainable and local solutions must be sought out that would empower the youth and reconnect communities with their food systems—a pathway toward preserving tradition and building resilience.

Preliminary findings from this initiative highlight a unique opportunity to empower youth and promote sustainable practices through community-supported agriculture. By involving young people in farming, the project aims to address food insecurity and environmental issues. Engaging the youth in growing fresh produce not only helps alleviate local food shortages but also demonstrates sustainable agricultural methods and fosters leadership for a more resilient future.

This project brought together a unique coalition of EPIC members, including Universitas Indonesia through KAIL (Perkumpulan Kuncup Padang Ilalang), together with Seni Tani, a youth-led Community Supported Agriculture (CSA), other community organizations, and government entities. Each partner contributed key assets: Universitas Indonesia provided research capacity and mentoring opportunities through its collaboration with KAIL, while community organizations enabled outreach and training. Local leaders designed workshops in organic farming, permaculture, and sustainable business practices. These efforts ensured that the project opened up opportunities for the youth of Bandung to take active leadership in renewing agriculture, protecting the environment, and developing a fair and sustainable food system for their communities.

Achievements and Capacity Building

The collaboration yielded several tangible results. One key output was the development of an information kit for CSA Tani Sauyunan members at Seni Tani, including details on membership, available packages, and harvest date schedules. WhatsApp proved instrumental as a channel for maintaining engagement with members, providing updates, and encouraging new sign-ups via positive word-of-mouth. To strengthen community involvement, Seni Tani amplified its social media presence by introducing “Stories from the Field,” a monthly series of updates that garnered increased attention and participation.

Workshops on capacity building were another cornerstone of the initiative. Facilitated by Universitas Indonesia through KAIL, these workshops focused on gender equality, social inclusion, and organizational development. Seni Tani benefited from these interventions by refining its strategies for inclusiveness, enabling the design of programs tailored to vulnerable groups in Bandung. The capacity-building sessions were enhanced by integrating feedback loops to adapt content dynamically, ensuring relevance to the community’s evolving needs.

Integration into Academia through the EPIC Model

A defining feature of this initiative was its integration into teaching through the EPIC Model. The Seni Tani initiative was incorporated into Universitas Indonesia’s curriculum, serving as a case study in undergraduate courses such as Economic Anthropology and Activism and Social Movement. This provided students with valuable insights into the practical applications of their studies, offering a platform to connect theoretical knowledge with real-world challenges.

By engaging directly with the Seni Tani initiative, students were able to observe and participate in addressing food security and sustainability issues in their communities. The EPIC Model facilitated an interdisciplinary approach, allowing students to apply skills from diverse fields such as economics, sociology, and environmental science. Through their involvement, they gained first-hand experience in sustainable practices, community engagement, and organizational development—skills critical for future leaders in agriculture and sustainability.

Furthermore, the integration into coursework strengthened the collaborative relationship between academia and the community. Students were empowered to co-create solutions alongside community members, deepening their understanding of local contexts while contributing to tangible outcomes such as improved agricultural practices and enhanced community resilience. Notably, PhD student Catherine Any Sulistyowati played a pivotal role in bridging academic research with community impact, demonstrating how theory and practice can intersect to drive sustainable development.

Future Directions

The collaboration between Universitas Indonesia, KAIL, and local stakeholders aims to expand the CSA initiative while strengthening its long-term impacts in Bandung. Plans include fostering more profound connections with local networks to secure access to land and resources essential for sustaining the program. Capacity-building efforts will continue to develop Seni Tani and other organizations, equipping them with the skills and strategies necessary for long-term sustainability. Additionally, the partnership seeks to enhance community involvement through education and outreach, addressing critical areas such as food security, environmental stewardship, and regional resilience.

By empowering youth and fostering collaborative efforts among diverse stakeholders, this initiative not only addresses immediate challenges but also exemplifies how the EPIC Model can transform education into a tool for social impact, laying the groundwork for a sustainable and inclusive food system in Bandung, Indonesia.

Partnership Contact Information

KAIL (Perkumpulan Kuncup Padang Ilalang)
Dr Catherine Any Sulistyowati

Coordinator for Youth Program and Sustainable Community Initiative
anyapd@gmail.com

Written by: Jonathan Kroeze
Edited by: Kay Phanthuwongpakdee