JaF Majalengka Initiates Tanaraya Collective Forest, Already Supported by 50 Countries

Majalengka, Pustakawarta.com - Jatiwangi Art Factory (JaF) once again showcases its social and educational innovation through the Tanaraya Collective Forest program, carried out under the Tanaraya Forest Company (Perhutana).

This program allows individuals to own a 4×4-meter forest plot, which is then combined into a collective “oxygen factory” that can be passed down to future generations.

Perhutana Director, Ginggi Syarif Hasyim, explained that the program has been running for three years and currently covers two hectares of land from a total target of eight hectares.

“Actually, this came from our discussion forum, which we hold every month. At one point, the discussion focused on forests. All this time, our generation has only benefited from existing inheritances,” he told Pustakawarta (6/11).

The 4×4-Meter Forest Plot Concept

Ginggi explained that each 4×4-meter plot is sufficient to form a small forest, as a forest must at least contain four types of plants: canopy trees, upright trees, shrubs, and others.

“Therefore, it makes perfect sense if everyone can inherit a forest. By purchasing a 4×4-meter plot together and combining them, it becomes a forest that can be passed on to the next generation,” he added.

Currently, 145 forest plots have been owned by individuals and institutions from 50 countries, making the Tanaraya Forest a global initiative supporting environmental sustainability.

It is known that each plot is purchased for IDR 4 million and will later be donated to the state.

“The process involves land acquisition and tree planting. The plan is for eight hectares, but so far, two hectares have been realized,” Ginggi explained.

Ownership of the plots is carried out through waqf (endowment), discussed with traditional councils and various communities ranging from education to art and landscape architecture.

“Once completed, we intend to donate it to the state. Beyond becoming a beneficial forest, the process also serves as a means of awareness and education,” he added.

The Fundamental Reason Behind the Creation of Tanaraya Forest

The Tanaraya Collective Forest is not merely a green space or a tree-planting project—it is an educational awareness movement about the importance of having living spaces that also produce oxygen.

According to Ginggi, humans should have equal awareness of their oxygen needs as they do for other basic spaces.

“Just as we need a bedroom, feel uneasy without a bathroom, dining room, or kitchen—we should also feel uneasy if we don’t have a space that can produce oxygen for us,” he stated.

Behind this initiative, JaF aims to restore the ecological function of North Majalengka, particularly Jatiwangi, which once had vast forests that disappeared due to land conversion since the colonial era.

“This is what we want to restore. I think the main challenge is awareness, because for this forest, each person, institution, organization, or company can only own one plot. So we are all equal, which makes the process slower,” he told Pustakawarta.

Ginggi emphasized that this effort is not merely about planting trees but about building collective awareness so that everyone feels responsible for the sustainability of the Earth.

“The challenge lies in collective awareness. Each person, institution, or company can only have one plot so we are equal,” he added.

Thus, the Tanaraya Forest not only creates green space but also cultivates a new perspective—that owning a forest means helping to produce life.

“Our generation is not that ignorant or poor. But sometimes, we ask ourselves: what can we leave for the next generation? Maybe we’re only good at using what we’ve inherited,” he said.

This program serves as both a reforestation effort and an educational movement encouraging people to preserve and pass down a sustainable environment.

With its individually owned plot concept, the Tanaraya Forest offers a unique experience for people to own an “oxygen factory” that contributes to ecological balance while becoming an environmental inheritance for future generations.(Jilly Ortega)