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PO Box A524
Sydney South NSW 1235, Level 11, 227 Elizabeth Street Sydney NSW 2000

Telephone: 1800 812 164

© 2024 Opportunity International AustraliaABN 83 003 805 043

Country Spotlight: Indonesia

By Filiz Casey

It’s been just over a decade since the devastating Indian Ocean tsunami sent ferocious tidal waves across Indonesia. The high death toll coupled with widespread environmental damage (as salt water ruined crops and farmland) shattered communities and families’ livelihoods.

Agriculture in Indonesia plays a significant role in the national economy. About 45% of Indonesians work in the field of agriculture. With its vast and abundant soils, Indonesia is a major global producer of a variety of tropical products which provide an income for a majority of Indonesian households.

However, poverty also hits those who live in rural areas hardest. Currently 16.6% of rural people live in poverty compared to 9.9% who live in urban cities. Farmers like Maksi find it incredibly challenging accessing financial services and markets to support their families.

Since Maksi was 11 years old, he has been a farmer. As hard as his older brother tried, Maksi was unable to complete schooling because of a lack of income after his father’s death. Grateful for the partial education he did receive, Maksi turned to planting corn and rice in the rainy season, which was his staple meal.

But Maksi’s life changed when he discovered the Village Partnership Program run by Opportunity’s local partner in Indonesia. Along with a small loan, the program empowers farmers like Maksi to receive training on fertilisation techniques and pest eradication. Maksi and other farmers could also create a group savings account to ensure they have a secure future in case natural disasters like tsunamis occur again.

The Village Partners Program also improves pricing on farm produce throughout the community so that Maksi receives a stable income as opposed to having to sell his produce at fluctuating prices due to market instability.

Maksi says:

Even though I have my own farm, I am very excited with this activity to generate more income for my family. In addition, I was very keen to work as we helped each other. The savings can be used in certain events or urgent needs.

Being a part of the Village Partnership Program has allowed Maksi to generate more income for his family and it has transformed his village into a thriving agricultural community.

Your gift of $70 is enough to help farmers like Maksi earn a stable income so they can leave poverty behind. Provide an opportunity like this to more farmers living in poverty today.

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