Social Innovation Platform approach to support the Knowledge Management Platform at Terasmitra, Indonesia
In its ongoing Operational Phase VII (OP7), the Global Environment Facility (GEF) Small Grants Programme (SGP) in Indonesia is dedicated to supporting community organizations and civil society groups across four landscapes: the Sabu Raijua District (part of the Savu Sea National Park in East Nusa Tenggara Province), the Nantu Boliyohuto Wildlife Reserve buffer zone (Gorontalo Province), the Balantieng Watershed (South Sulawesi Province), and the Bodri Watershed (Central Java Province). The main objective is to develop adaptive landscape management strategies that strengthen social, economic, and ecological resilience, while fostering global environmental and local sustainable development benefits. However, considerable barriers stand in the way. From limited knowledge and technical expertise to financial constraints and advocacy gaps, communities face multifaceted challenges that impede their transition to sustainable practices. Recognizing these obstacles, OP7 of the GEF SGP for Indonesia highlights the critical role of developing knowledge management and communication strategies, which becomes a system for obtaining and processing shared knowledge to overcome such barriers. Therefore the “KM7 Platform” is the creation of a Knowledge Management platform for grassroots knowledge and project managers in SGP Indonesia Phase 7. The knowledge management and communication strategy will also be important as a main reference guide considering the multi-stakeholder nature of GEF SGP Indonesia implementations – from communities, CBOs/CSOs/NGOs, government, as well as beneficiaries and public in general. In addition, the GEF SGP Indonesia programme also draws support from various stakeholders such as relevant ministries/government institutions, regional governments, and other development partners for its implementation.
First visualization of the SIP approach to support the KM7
Agirre Lehendakaria Center (ALC) is providing methodological support in the different elements that compose the social innovation approach (SIP) applicable to the KM7 platform. This support includes providing tools to enhance systems mapping, deep listening, collective interpretation, and portfolio co-creation capabilities. Additionally, ALC is assisting in the creation of a digital monitoring tool, which will serve as a space to bring together developmental evaluation capabilities and visualize the process and its evolution. This will enable all actors involved to share their initiatives and effectively collect tactical knowledge and will also function as a communication product.
Prior to the missions, ALC provided three training sessions on the various elements comprising the social innovation approach and offered methodological support to the involved teams to help them prepare for the mission.
In April, the Terasmitra team conducted their first field visit to the communities of the Balantieng watershed in South Sulawesi and the Bodri watershed in Central Java. They carried out activities as part of the listening process, using tools such as participatory observations and conversations to collect data related to the culture and local knowledge of the communities.
The main objective of this initial mission was to map the ecosystem and identify new initiatives and key stakeholders to collaborate in enhancing the knowledge management tool. Throughout their mission, the Terasmitra team collaborated with local partners, engaged with key stakeholders, and interacted with community members. Their aim was to learn about local practices, understand perspectives and barriers, and explore ways to engage with the entire ecosystem.
Balantieng Watershed Area
In the Balantieng Watershed Area, South Sulawesi (DAS Balantieng, Sulawesi Selatan), the first village they visited was the Manjalling Village, where they encountered various traditional activities that contribute to the community's livelihood and cultural heritage. One of them is the Ma’teke Pare, which involves transporting agricultural goods like rice using horses, providing an eco-friendly solution to inaccessible areas.
Another aspect of local knowledge identified by the team was the production of dried seaweed products, which are sourced locally, sun-dried, and sold, showcasing the village's coastal resources. The coconut leaf roofs, crafted by Mrs. Syamsiah, offer durable and natural roofing solutions, sustaining local traditions and utilizing readily available materials. Additionally, Wala Suji, a symbolic gate resembling traditional tribal houses, signifies important events like weddings, reflecting cultural identity and continuity. Appatinro Bine, a ritual ceremony, honors rice plants and marks the planting season, fostering community unity and reverence for nature. In Desa Bajiminasa village, Mr. Saparudin practices Mattanra Wettu, a traditional system guiding optimal times for activities based on Bugis beliefs, promoting planning and cultural preservation.
Mappatumbu, a pre-harvest tradition led by traditional leaders, symbolizes gratitude and harmony with nature, emphasizing community bonds and agricultural sustainability. In Anrang Village, rituals like Panaung Riere and Salo Tana express gratitude to nature and ancestors, maintaining social cohesion and environmental stewardship. Ambaung Bala, once a collective effort to build houses, reflects communal solidarity and mutual support, though it has waned in modern times. Mr. Abdul Haris Mubarak's craftsmanship in Gambus highlights the cultural significance of music in local traditions, preserving heritage amid evolving cultural landscapes.
System mapping In the Balantieng Watershed to reinforce the KM7
In the Balantieng Watershed extension, Terasmitra has identified the main stakeholders who are active in the region and are key players in the development of the Knowledge Management Tool. Among these actors is Komunitas Swabina Pedesaan Salassae (KSPS), known for its network of learning circles dedicated to agricultural advances, particularly in seed and soil breeding. Its commitment to agricultural innovation underlines its role in ensuring the agricultural sustainability of the river basin.
Similarly, BUMDES Tumarila collaborates with Terasmitra on the Kampung School program. Together, they harness indigenous wisdom to promote community empowerment, using local knowledge to create products and establish production bases. The Beranda Komunitas promotes vitality within the watershed through its community product market network, strengthening economic opportunities while advocating for local products and sustainability.
The Jember District Coffee and Cocoa Research Centre, PT Riset Perkebunan Nusantara - Koperasi Kahayya, a partner of Terasmitra, drives innovation in coffee and cocoa cultivation, promoting sustainable practices for the benefit of the watershed and its inhabitants.
Bodri Watershed region
After the Balantieng Watershed, the team moved on to the Bodri Watershed region. In this area, they visited Wonosari Village. There, they met Mbah Sipah, a traditional massage therapist who specializes in baby massage using a unique concoction called 'Wedak'. This concoction comprises traditional spices such as saffron-colored rice, lemongrass, tamarind, fennel, and salt, mixed with warm water. Mbah Sipah also crafts herbal medicines using ingredients like Temulawak, Widowati plant, and Shampoo Ginger, believed to treat various ailments.
In this village they encountered Mr. Ngarimin, a member of LMDH Wana Lestari.- One of the key stakeholders who shared about traditional food security practices in Wonosari Village. These include using Pranggokan and Grobog for temporary and permanent food storage, respectively.
In the Wonosari area, there are still many houses made of teak wood and pyramid-shaped, called Limasan, which is a traditional house from the Central Java region that has earthquake-resistant properties.
Moving forward, the team engaged with Mr. Nardi, who delved into the process of tobacco farming and harvesting traditions, such as the 'Wiwitan Mbako' ritual. Recognizing the adverse effects of tobacco cultivation on the environment, the MDH Rimba Lestari Institute has initiated coffee planting initiatives for reforestation. Tobacco plants are known to be inherently self-serving, exhibiting poor soil absorption and an aversion to coexistence with other plants. In response, the group has taken up the mission to rejuvenate the land through coffee cultivation. With its superior absorption capabilities and the suitability of the area for coffee cultivation, this endeavor serves as a model for residents to transition gradually to coffee farming, paving the way for environmental sustainability.
In Igirimranak village, the Terasmitra team collaborates with Samitra Lingkungan, an organization dedicated to empowering women's groups through training on agricultural product processing, such as making potato donuts. Additionally, they focus on environmental conservation through tourism development and tree planting initiatives. This effort stems from the prevalence of annual crops like potatoes in the area, which, despite their culinary appeal, contribute to significant environmental challenges due to their poor water absorption, leading to soil erosion and decreased fertility. Furthermore, the region heavily relies on chemical fertilizers. To tackle these issues, the Samitra group facilitated the establishment of a tourist attraction called Sky Blue Village and actively participates in tree planting activities, including lemon trees.
Moreover, during their stay in Merti Village, they witnessed rituals expressing gratitude for the harvest, using the Ubo Rampe equipment, and enjoyed traditional foods like Pethot. They also gained insights into local agricultural practices and the importance of preserving cultural heritage. Furthermore, they observed the tradition of using small and large Bucu (tumpeng) to symbolize agricultural abundance and participated in dances depicting environmental damage, aimed at raising awareness about environmental issues. The event commenced with a procession and proceeded to the Permaculture Area, where they engaged in various activities.
Continuing their visit, they went to Igirmranak Village, where Mr. Joko Tri Sadono shared insights into spring festivals and rituals glorifying nature. They explored traditions like Ruwatan Gimbal and the use of braziers as communal gathering spots.
At Kemuning Village, another key stakeholder, the JAWI Institution, plays an important role. This institution operates in one of the remaining lowland forests in Central Java, which is still well-maintained. Here, many protected animals, including the Owa, can be found. Nearly all the land in this area is dedicated to coffee cultivation, which forms the backbone of the local economy. Leveraging these factors, the JAWI Institution aims to conserve wildlife and the environment concurrently. They have devised a program where purchasing coffee includes a donation for the conservation of Owa and other animals in the Kemuning forest.
In Pidodo Kulon Village, there is a key stakeholder, P3MP, a group dedicated to environmental conservation, particularly along the coast. According to them, the area faces significant challenges such as coastal erosion, posing a threat to the local community. The region's reliance on shrimp and milkfish ponds makes it susceptible to abrasion. To address these issues, the group actively engages in environmental conservation activities, including mangrove planting to mitigate sand and wave impact. Furthermore, they play a crucial role in raising awareness about environmental issues among young people. (See image 6)
In Tempelsari Village, KOLING (Konservasi Lingkungan/Environmental Conservation), an institution dedicated to environmental conservation, has recently resumed its activities after a hiatus. They have partnered with local stakeholders like Pak Mustakim, a former two-term village secretary and native of Tempelsari Village. During the deep listening, he shared insights into the rich biodiversity of Tempelsari Village, which includes various flora and fauna. Despite being rarely encountered by residents, species such as wild boars, Luwak, Langur, Skunk, Jelarang, Javan Eagle, and Hedgehog still inhabit the region. With KOLING's assistance, Pak Mustakim identified and confirmed sightings of these animals, some of which are believed to have medicinal properties. For instance, fried squirrels are considered beneficial for diabetes, while Skunk is used to alleviate itching. Additionally, sparrow ants are believed to boost immunity.
Furthermore, the people of Tempelsari Village cultivate empon-empon (medicinal herbs) in their yards, with ginger being a commonly used remedy for flu and fever. These herbs also serve as seasoning in local cuisine. One plant of particular importance is Pari Gogo, harvested annually due to the area's cold climate. Presently, a small group of 3–4 individuals in Tempelsari Village cultivate Pari Gogo for personal consumption, highlighting the community's ongoing commitment to traditional practices.
In Simpar Village, the name derives from a traditional game played by children using broken tiles, known as "Simpar." Mbah Tri, a respected elder in the village, preserves the Jaranan art form alongside his farming duties. Before performances, he seeks blessings from Nyai Susilowati at a sacred spring in the village. Rituals accompany every celebration in Simpar Village, with water from the sacred spring mixed into dishes for smoothness and enjoyment. Despite the spring's age being unknown, its flow remains unchanged and is used for washing during pilgrimages to the sacred ancestral grave. Water conservation is a priority in Simpar Village, with residents adhering to practices that maintain the spring's integrity. The area above the spring serves as a rehearsal space for Jaranan performances.
The Kontak Tani Nelayan Andalan (KTNA) Tretep is a group highly engaged in agriculture and animal husbandry. Dominated by young individuals aged 18–40, KTNA aims to destigmatize farming among the youth and advocate for environmental issues. The group undertakes various activities, including processing agricultural waste into fertilizer from livestock manure. Recently, they administered vaccines to approximately 1500 sheep, showcasing their commitment to sustainable practices and community involvement. Lastly, in Simpar Village, Mbah Tri highlighted the origin of the village's name and discussed traditions like Jaranan performances and the Wiwitan ritual to bless agricultural endeavors. They also learned about water conservation practices and the importance of preserving cultural rituals.
First visualization of the system mapping In the Bodri Watershed to reinforce the KM7
In the Bodri watershed, various organizations and stakeholders are actively working in the area in the conservation efforts. The Bodri Watershed Forum collaborates closely with the local government, including the Wonosari Village Government, Tretep District Government, and Pemdes (Village Government) Bans and Tretep. LabDes, a newly partnered institution of SGP7, focuses on water and soil conservation, particularly in the Bodri watershed area, and promotes local wisdom and knowledge. KOLING, another partner, utilizes local knowledge to support programs like Village Schools and collaborates with TM in forming knowledge products and production bases. Additionally, the involvement of agricultural services such as Temanggung Regency Agriculture and Fisheries Service and BPP Tretep District, along with organizations like Perhutani KPH Kendal and CV. Tanindo, underscores the multidisciplinary approach to ecosystem mapping and conservation in the Bodri watershed. Moreover, the engagement of local communities, represented by organizations like PT BMS (Samitra Environmental partner), Tunas Harapan Farmer Cadets, and Ambarawa Agrotani Nursery, reflects a grassroots effort to preserve and sustain the local environment.
Learnings
Reflecting on their experiences, the team identified key lessons learned and challenges encountered in the first mission. They recognized that building relationships and seeking connections with local partners was crucial for fostering open dialogue and trust, facilitating deeper engagement and understanding. Post-mission evaluations and reflections helped enhance their learning, allowing them to adjust their approaches and strategies for subsequent missions. The team also acknowledged the importance of capturing and communicating the voices and stories of the communities they encountered through various listening channels such as videos, photos, conversations, and participatory observation.
Moving forward, the team is committed to improving deep listening, delving deeper into the challenges faced by communities, and seeking to identify new ideas that can be incorporated into the knowledge platform. They aim to deepen existing connections between key actors and foster relationships with new ones that may emerge. In late May and mid-June, they plan to visit the two remaining communities, Sabu Raijua in East Nusa Tenggara and SM Nantu and Tahura in Gorontalo. Additionally, plans for the contrast and co-creation sessions will be considered as a next step.