Dreams, Soil, and a New Hope for Indonesia’s Agriculture

Under the magical sky of Bali, a transformation took root within me—a profound shift sparked by a woman whose passion for organic farming seemed to reach the heavens. Meeting Maya Stolastika Boleng was like encountering a beacon of light guiding me toward a world where harmony with nature was more than just a dream; it was a reality she had begun to cultivate. Inspired by her story, I often imagine walking a similar path, carving out my place in a movement that seeks to heal our earth.

Maya’s Vision for a Greener Bali

Bali, with its breathtaking landscapes and rich culture, now also stands as a hopeful glimpse into the future of sustainable agriculture. Since the implementation of Regional Regulation No. 8 of 2020, spearheaded by Bali's Governor Wayan Koster, the island has committed to turning its fields into organic havens by 2024. This goal envisions a new reality where only organic produce graces the island's markets, pushing conventional products aside. It was in this fertile soil that Maya found her purpose—a purpose that now pulls me toward dreams of cultivating and nurturing the earth.

In 2008, Maya’s story began as a student from Surabaya State University, with a courage few could match. She leased a half-hectare plot in the rural village of Telaket, Pacet, and along with four other determined friends, embarked on an experiment in organic farming. They pooled their funds from tutoring and selling prepaid phone credits, armed with little more than hope and resolve. It wasn’t easy. The first harvest, while bountiful, brought unexpected challenges. Distribution networks were limited, and profits barely covered their costs. I can almost picture the disappointment Maya must have felt, yet I am in awe of how she pressed on, refusing to let a rocky start deter her dream.

Founding Twelve’s Organic

Despite the setbacks, Maya’s passion only deepened. After a brief stint in Bali’s tourism sector, Maya’s heart called her back to farming. In 2012, she leased 3,000 square meters of land and founded Twelve’s Organic, dedicating herself to creating an organic oasis in the heart of Bali. Within a year, the farm blossomed, supplying fresh organic produce to Bali’s top hotels. It was an achievement that would solidify her reputation as a pioneer in organic farming.

But what struck me most was Maya’s drive to empower other farmers. Using social media, she connected consumers directly with her farm, shortening the distribution chain and ensuring that farmers received a fair share. Her farm became not just a supplier of produce, but a sanctuary where people could witness the journey of organic food from soil to plate. Every step of her story inspires me, as I imagine myself, one day, standing in fields just like hers, connecting with the earth and the people who depend on it.

Maya’s Vision for Independent Farmers

For Maya, Twelve’s Organic is not only a farm but a wellspring of knowledge. She offers exclusive training for farmers, allowing them to choose and cultivate crops they are passionate about. This approach cultivates more than just produce; it fosters freedom and independence from the exploitative middlemen who often trap farmers in cycles of debt. Her method offers a beacon of hope in a world where young Indonesians often turn away from farming.

The COVID-19 pandemic brought a heightened awareness of health, propelling Maya’s business forward as demand for organic products soared. She expanded her reach, supporting farmers in Pacet and Jombang, growing a network that now includes dozens of young women—many of whom are discovering their own strength in this movement. Maya’s determination to elevate women in a traditionally male-dominated industry is something I find deeply empowering, reminding me that true change requires breaking old norms and building new ones together.

Recognizing Maya’s Achievements

Maya’s journey as a millennial farmer is a powerful example of how one person’s dedication can transform not only their life but also the lives of others and the future of our planet. In 2019, her hard work and vision were recognized when she received the prestigious Anugerah Pewarta Astra Award, an honor given to those who have made significant contributions to their fields.

Through her commitment to organic farming with Twelve’s Organic, Maya has shown that sustainable agriculture can be both a means to support the earth’s health and a path to empower communities. She tirelessly advocates for an organic farming system that not only preserves the environment but also benefits the farmers who work the land and the communities that rely on it.

Witnessing Maya’s impact fills me with a deep sense of pride and admiration. Her success and dedication to organic farming inspire me to believe in the power of purposeful work that benefits both society and the earth. Her story feels like a guiding star, showing a path that I hope to follow as part of a new generation of farmers who value the earth and aim to build a sustainable future. Maya’s journey is a reminder that, with perseverance and a sense of responsibility toward nature and humanity, we can create meaningful change and contribute to a better, more resilient world.

A Sustainable Farming Vision

Maya’s life is a testament to the power of dedication. Against the allure of city jobs and government roles, she chose a different path, devoting herself to organic farming with a steadfast vision. Through Twelve’s Organic, she calls on others to join her in creating a greener, healthier future for Indonesia. Since expanding her farm in Dusun Claket, Mojokerto, Maya now trains a group of 25 farmers, supplying organic vegetables and fruits to 80 households, two supermarkets, and two restaurants. It’s a thriving community of growers united by a shared commitment to the land.

The impact Maya has had extends beyond the crops she cultivates; she’s transformed lives and altered the way her community sees farming. With her roots in Waiwerang, East Flores, and a degree in English literature, Maya has shown that passion and resilience can forge a legacy that transcends traditional boundaries. She’s a living example that a millennial farmer can achieve extraordinary feats, proving that young women, too, have a place in farming. Each lesson she imparts is a step toward a brighter, more sustainable future.

Maya Stolastika Boleng is more than an inspiring figure; she’s a pioneer, a mentor, and a steward of the earth. Her story reminds me that we can all choose to leave a positive mark on the world, building sustainable systems that honor our connection to the land. As I follow her journey, I find myself envisioning a similar future—one where I, too, can nurture the earth and the people who call it home. Perhaps, one day, I’ll walk the same path, planting seeds of change just as Maya has.

Let’s join hands, for the earth, for the future, and for the generations yet to come. Together, we can create a sustainable legacy.

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