From Inspiration to Sustainability

In the rural heart of Central Lombok, a small community from Dasan Agung Kebun Indah Hamlet, part of Tanak Beak Village, has shown that lasting environmental change can begin from the ground up. Through the ProKlim Rindang Asri Group—part of Indonesia’s national ‘Climate Village Program’ (Program Kampung Iklim (ProKlim))—local residents have turned awareness into action, proving that even modest, community-led steps can make a powerful difference.  Since forming in 2019, the group has revitalized their village landscape and economy through inter-generational cooperation, sustainable resource management and strong participation from women and the youth.  Their commitment and innovation earned the community the Lestari (Sustainable) level award from the Ministry of Environment and Forestry (KLHK-RI), recognizing it as one of Indonesia’s most outstanding ProKlim sites.  This success was made possible through ongoing mentoring by Berugak Dese Lombok, with support from World Neighbors in partnership with KLHK-RI.

Launched nationally in 2011, Indonesia’s Program Kampung Iklim (ProKlim – Climate Village Program) encourages local communities to take tangible actions in climate change adaptation and mitigation. More than a policy, it is an open invitation for citizens to become front-line stewards of the environment, reducing climate risks through everyday behavior.

In Central Lombok, this approach took root in 2019 when the local NGO Berugak Dese Lombok, supported by World Neighbors and KLHK-RI, introduced ProKlim in six pioneering villages representing diverse ecological zones—five in the south and one in the north, Tanak Beak.  From this small start, awareness began to grow that climate resilience can indeed be built from the ground up.

The success of ProKlim Rindang Asri did not come instantly.  Long before the program existed, the 110 households of Dasan Agung Kebun Indah Hamlet were already accustomed to good climate-resilient practices such as planting trees on less-productive land and soil-and-water conservation.  The main driving force came from the alarming natural conditions—people often suffered water shortages and had to seek collective solutions.  One of the key figures behind the movement was Mr. Bapak Murnah, a community member and environmental activist who has played a central role in developing climate adaptation and mitigation activities in his hamlet.  He mobilized residents across generations—from parents to youth—to understand the importance of protecting the environment and to feel a sense of ownership in the collective movement.  No one was left out; everyone was involved in making the most of their land.

Today, ProKlim Rindang Asri stands as a model of that principle.  In August 2024, the group received the national ProKlim Sustainable award from the Ministry of Environment and Forestry in Jakarta, which is the highest national recognition, awarded to communities maintaining continuous, multi-year implementation and mentoring others.  Minister Siti Nurbaya Bakar personally presented the award, recognizing the group’s sustained, exemplary commitment to local climate action.

The road to Jakarta was not easy, but this ongoing movement over the years has brought major change. The 25-hectare hamlet area, once dry, degraded and short of drinking water, has now become green, fertile and lush.  Trees grow thick, springs are preserved and the air feels cooler.  Spring-source conservation is carried out on a 0.75-hectare site through the planting of 300 trees.  Meanwhile, about 18.75 hectares of land owned by 82 households are managed as productive gardens with the main fruit commodities such as mangosteen, jackfruit, avocado, durian, crystal guava, coconut and mango.

In farming practices, residents apply adaptive cropping patterns across horticulture and productive gardens, following environmentally friendly principles—using organic fertilizer, not burning straw but utilizing it as mulch for horticulture and cattle feed.  Thus, a sustainable farming system has been formed, which not only nurtures the environment but also strengthens food security and community welfare.

The benefits of ProKlim are seen not only in the increasingly sustainable environment but also directly in everyday life.  Water availability is now more reliable, so residents no longer struggle to obtain clean water.  Farmland has become more productive, increasing yields and strengthening household food security.  The hamlet’s environment is healthier thanks to integrated waste management that keeps the area clean and free from disease risks.  Youth awareness has grown through active involvement of youth groups in climate-awareness campaigns.  Social bonds have also strengthened as the spirit of gotong royong (mutual cooperation) and a sense of belonging continue to grow within the community.

Waste Management by the Rindang Asri ProKlim Group

This progress has been built on collective perseverance, continuous learning, and cooperation across multiple stakeholders.  The village government, the Central Lombok Environment Agency, Berugak Dese Lombok, World Neighbors and the Climate Change Control Center all contributed through training, program support and consistent monitoring.  This collaboration helped translate community enthusiasm into tangible, lasting outcomes.

Beyond Rindang Asri, Berugak Dese Lombok, together with World Neighbors and KLHK-RI, also mentored several other ProKlim groups in Central Lombok.  By 2024, out of the 12 sites supported, one reached the highest ‘Sustainable’ category (Rindang Asri), one achieved ‘Advanced’, and 10 were rated ‘Intermediate.’  Further progress followed in 2025 as six new sites advanced to ‘Advanced’ while four remained at Madya (Intermediate) level.

The story of ProKlim Rindang Asri carries an important message: climate action does not always require advanced technology or large budgets.  Real change can start in backyard gardens, with collective awareness and a commitment to protect the environment.  From a small hamlet at the foot of Mount Rinjani, this community has shown that hope is real—and that a sustainable future begins when people decide to move forward together.

“ProKlim Rindang Asri has given us confidence that caring for the Earth can go hand in hand with improving our livelihoods.  My hope is that this spirit will continue to live on and be passed forward to future generations.” – Mr. Murnah