Minister Arifah Applauds Sustainable Food Garden Management in Kediri Village

Women’s Empowerment and Child Protection (PPPA) Minister Arifah Fauzi has expressed her appreciation for the management of the Sustainable Food Garden (P2L) in Tertek Village, Kediri Regency, East Java, which includes a variety of organic plants. During her visit on Monday, Minister Arifah stated that the P2L area is very helpful, featuring diverse organic food crops in each home’s yard, along with fish and chicken farming. Notably, the community also produces its own animal feed by cultivating maggots.

‘Two days ago, I visited a village in Tasikmalaya called Cikalang, which is similar to this, but this one is more complete because the plants are also more varied,’ she said in a statement in Kediri. She commended the residents’ efforts in meeting their nutritional needs, noting that these steps support the government’s campaign to tackle stunting. Community participation was also praised, including the ‘Kemping Asik’ programme, which promotes exclusive breastfeeding.

According to Minister Arifah, the awareness and support from the community in running these programmes are crucial and have allowed the P2L area in Tertek Village to flourish. ‘If this were tried in other villages, it might not be as optimal without a shared effort and awareness,’ she remarked. She added that the potential and concept implemented by the community in Tertek Village, Pare District, should serve as an example for other villages, starting from planting in their yards to becoming self-sufficient and empowered. ‘This is actually what the President wants, so that every village is strong on its own,’ said Minister Arifah.

Ismiati, Chairwoman of the Sinar Gemilang Women Farmers Group (KWT) in Tertek Village, explained that the P2L area means members no longer need to buy vegetables and can even barter among themselves. She stated that the key to the programme’s longevity and growth is the spirit of togetherness among residents and KWT members. With an abundance of cultivated crops, the group also sells the produce. ‘The key is togetherness and solidarity. Besides consuming the vegetables ourselves, we also sell them,’ Ismiati said. In addition to selling fresh produce, KWT Sinar Gemilang has diversified its products, processing Brazilian spinach into rempeyek, pudding, and juice. The minister was accompanied during the visit by the Chairwoman of the Kediri Regency PKK Mobilisation Team, Eriani Annisa Hanindhito, and Kediri Deputy Regent Dewi Mariya Ulfa.