In 1996, Indonesia’s “crazy” tree planter who was ridiculed for his mission planted 11,000 trees and turned a barren mountain into a green paradise | World News
As today’s visitors travel through the hills of Wonogiri, Central Java, they are likely to admire the lush greenery in their stride. Spring water nourishes nearby villages, farms have enough water for multiple harvests, and tree-covered hillsides hide previously visible bare ground. However, few would have thought that much of the change had occurred thanks to the commitment of one man who, despite the lack of encouragement from those around him, had been working to plant trees for many years.Now renowned as an environmentally conscious man, Sadiman began his mission with a simple realization. As someone who noticed the depletion of local forests due to constant farming and the disappearance of streams that provided water to many villages, he devised his own way to combat this trend. His solution is not a government initiative or some kind of mega-project; For decades, he planted tree after tree, only to be laughed at by neighbors who didn’t understand the point of growing useless plants.
How deforestation triggered drought and water crisis in Wonogiri
The Wonogiri region has been known for years of drought. Rainfall is seasonal in nature, and the hilly nature of the area means that the vegetation in these areas does not retain much moisture after it has been destroyed. As forest destruction, clearing and burning became common practice, the delicate balance that maintained the region’s water supply began to disappear.People are aware of the negative consequences. Rivers dry up and water sources become unstable, making it more difficult for people to carry out agricultural activities. In some cases, people can only farm for one season due to lack of water.
How to grow 11,000 plants banyan tree and banyan tree The hills that transformed Wonogiri
He focused his attention on banyan and banyan trees, which are known for their extensive root systems. Rather than planting just near villages or roads, he concentrated on higher ground where restoring vegetation could have a wider impact on the surrounding catchment.Over more than two decades, he planted at least 11,000 trees on about 250 hectares (617 acres), Reuters reported in 2021. The work progressed gradually. There is no sudden change in the landscape, just years of repeated planting and waiting for saplings to grow.As roots spread throughout the soil, they help increase the ground’s ability to absorb and retain rainfall. Thicker vegetation also reduces erosion on exposed hillsides, allowing water to filter into the ground instead of flowing quickly downhill after storms.
Why many villagers oppose Sadiman’s tree-planting mission
Many local residents question why anyone would put so much effort into planting banyan trees. Traditional beliefs surrounding the species mean some villagers associate them with gods and shun them altogether. Others see no reason to trade productive farmland or livestock for slow-growing trees, whose benefits are far from immediate.Sadiman financed much of his work himself. The saplings became part of an unusual economy in which he traded or sold plants, including lilacs and jackfruit, to support the continued expansion of his nursery. Sometimes he even traded livestock for more small trees to plant.Some neighbors saw the decisions as evidence of a loss of judgement. Even as more hillsides slowly turned green, criticism persisted for years.
How thousands of trees are helping restore Wonogiri’s water supply
New springs are formed in areas where there were no water sources before, thus ensuring water for nearby communities. Villages use pipes to bring water directly to homes, while farmers gain access to a more reliable source of water for agricultural purposes.For families struggling with water shortages, water can now be obtained in a more convenient way. Additionally, as water sources become more reliable, plowing occurs two to three times a year.Trees continue to grow, thus perpetuating this process, as they help maintain soil moisture.
Why villagers now celebrate the man they once called crazy
Public opinion will change only after visible results become impossible to ignore. People who once questioned Sadiman’s choices began to point to healthier hillsides and restored water sources as evidence of what continued reforestation can accomplish. Local residents who remember the criticism now acknowledge that the project benefited several villages by supporting a reliable supply of clean water.This transformation is not achieved through rapid engineering or large financial investment. It emerged through patient ecological restoration, with each planting season adding another layer to a landscape that had deteriorated over the years.
