Urban farming has become an interesting phenomenon in Indonesia in recent years. Although it initially grew as a community movement, this practice is now starting to be seen as a strategy that can be integrated into public policy. Urban farming not only answers the challenge of food security, but also opens up space for cross-sector collaboration in building more sustainable cities.
In Indonesia, urban farming began with local community initiatives that responded to land limitations and the increasing need for food in urban areas. Amidst the lack of green space and high urbanization, people began to utilize rooftops, small yards, and narrow spaces for farming. Initiatives like this can be seen in various big cities, such as Jakarta, Bandung, and Surabaya, where community groups utilize simple technologies such as hydroponics and vertical farming.
In several countries, this practice has developed into a strategic policy. Singapore, for example, has succeeded in making urban farming a pillar of its national food security efforts. With the support of vertical farming technology and incentives from the government, Singapore can produce most of its local food needs, despite having limited land. This shows that urban farming has great potential to be integrated into public policy governance, including in Indonesia.
When urban farming begins to be adopted by institutions, the opportunity to provide a wider impact opens up. Several local governments such as Jakarta and Surabaya have taken the initial step by introducing small-scale urban farming programs. These programs provide training, seeds, and simple facilities to encourage people to make use of empty land. However, this policy is still fragmented and has not been integrated nationally.
One of the reasons why urban farming needs to be promoted as a national policy is its multifunctional impact. In addition to increasing local food security, this practice also provides environmental and social benefits. Research from the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) shows that urban farming can reduce carbon emissions by cutting the food distribution chain.
In addition, urban farming also contributes to improving air quality, managing organic waste, and strengthening community solidarity through joint activities.
However, a strategic approach is needed to bring urban farming from a community movement to a national policy. One of the first steps is to integrate this practice into city planning. The government can encourage the use of idle land or public open spaces for farming, by providing incentives for communities or individuals involved.
In addition, urban farming can also be integrated into environmental education programs in schools, as has been done in a number of schools in Bandung.
Urban farming also requires technological support to develop. Technologies such as hydroponics, aquaponics, and vertical farming allow farming in limited spaces with optimal results. Collaboration with the private sector can be a catalyst for the development of this technology.
In addition, the government needs to encourage research and development in the field of urban agriculture to ensure that this practice can continue to innovate.
