Turning Fallen Leaves into Compost

The Abang Lestari Forest Farmer Group (KTH) in Baturiti Village, Tabanan, is developing a business programme based on social forestry. This programme aims to preserve the forest while improving community welfare. The group runs two business units under the social forestry scheme: agroforestry and agro-tourism. In the agroforestry sector, the group not only plants various productive crops but also develops a compost processing business to support local agricultural needs. “This compost production has only been running for a year, utilising fallen leaves in the forest area as raw material,” explained I Wayan Sunarya, head of KTH Abang Lestari. Through an environmentally friendly processing method, organic waste that was previously unused is now transformed into economically valuable fertiliser that also benefits soil fertility. Although still relatively new, the compost business continues to grow alongside increasing demand for organic fertiliser among farmers in the Baturiti area. Besides offering a solution for organic waste management, the venture also opens up new economic opportunities for group members. “Currently, most of the compost produced is used for the group’s internal needs, especially to support seeding and plant nurseries,” Sunarya added. KTH Abang Lestari is capable of producing up to 500 sacks of compost per month. This figure demonstrates the significant potential of organic fertiliser processing to support the agricultural sector while strengthening the economy of communities living around forest areas. “Its use is prioritised for the group, particularly for seedling needs. However, distribution has now also reached outside Abang Village, such as Baturiti, Candikuning, and even Bangli,” said Sunarya. Through the development of a compost business based on local organic materials, KTH Abang Lestari proves that social forestry not only focuses on environmental conservation but is also capable of creating sustainable economic benefits for the community.