Sua Hamlet, Saibi Samukop Village – Since July 2023, KN-LWF has been actively and gradually providing real assistance to the people of Mentawai Islands, especially in Sua Hamlet, in the agricultural sector. This assistance is expected to have an impact and bring better changes in the lives of the people. This assistance is based on the missionary and diaconal values of the Church that should be felt by all levels of society. Thus, through this assistance, the community does not only receive charitable diakonia, but is also invited to process and grow together.

Sua Hamlet (One of the hamlets that is part of Saibi Samukop Village, on Siberut Island – Mentawai Islands), which consists of 58 households, is gradually starting organic farming in the midst of the existing environment. This started with the formation of farmer groups in the community. With farmer groups in place, existing support can be more effective and efficient. The members of the farmer groups gain knowledge about organic farming and learn together about organic farming in the midst of their environment.

In this case, the farmer groups are not only taught how to grow plants. But more complex and extensive, the farmer groups learn together starting from soil care, kitchen waste management, making natural fertilizers and pesticides, seedling and plant care; even how to harvest plants properly and appropriately. All training processes in this mentoring, strive to really use 100% natural ingredients that are around the community. It also aims to bring awareness that starting and implementing agriculture does not have to wait for big budgets. It can be started by realizing that everything around us is available to be used and processed responsibly.

In the five months that have passed, the agricultural assistance with the community of Sua hamlet will continue. Sustainable agricultural assistance is the main goal of this assistance. So that the community can become agents of change in an effort to improve the economy in the midst of increasingly rapid development. Organic farming, which is the main axis of this assistance, is also a strong value to bring the community into real change. Organic farming is not simply farming without chemical fertilizers. But organic farming is a way of life that cares for nature and the world. Through this organic farming support, we all hope that life will grow and develop. Mentawai people will no longer just receive change, but can become agents of change, either individually or collectively. Through this organic and sustainable farming assistance, we hope that people’s lives will be more developed, growing and independent.