Stories: Communities

When Asrijon Tanjung, GAR’s Smallholder Innovation Officer, introduced the Sawit Terampil programme in Langkat, North Sumatra, he knew gaining their trust wouldn’t be easy. Many smallholders were sceptical due to past failed programmes. Rather than making promises, Asrijon listened – building trust through genuine conversations and practical solutions.

With a background in agronomy and a passion for community empowerment, Asrijon guides Koperasi Jasa Sawit Lepan Jaya (KJSLJ) towards adopting Best Management Practices (BMPs) and preparing for RSPO certification. For him, progress isn’t just about meeting standards, but also improving livelihoods and building a world where farmers thrive sustainably.

“I started with casual conversations with the farmers, paying attention to their challenges and encouraging them to find practical solutions. Once they realised I wasn’t there to impose, their curiosity about Sawit Terampil grew,” Asrijon explains.

From challenges to change

Resistance was inevitable. Some farmers clung to old practices, or expected unrealistic financial aid. Asrijon focused on those willing to engage. “We start small, building trust through real results. As farmers see improvements, they bring others along,” he shares.

One of Asrijon’s most used approaches is simplifying complex agricultural concepts like soil health using analogies: “I tell them ‘Your soil has unpaid workers like earthworms, fungi, and bacteria. They work day and night to make your plantation healthy. If you care for them and consistently apply other best management practices, your harvest will improve.’”

Field-based training sessions proved particularly impactful. Farmers were invited to analyse why the yields were dropping, and identify issues like water deficits caused by poor farming practices. By being involved in the process, the farmers became aware of their role in sustainable agriculture.

Internal conflicts among farmers also posed challenges. Asrijon encouraged forward-thinking discussion and reminded them of shared goals. “We focus on solutions, not past failures,” he says.

From the ground up: A path to certification

As trust and knowledge deepened, farmers began adopting BMPs: no longer spraying herbicides excessively and instead pruning oil palms in the recommended ‘U-shape’ pattern. These early changes sparked a new way of farming, improving their fields one step at a time.

A key milestone came when farmers voluntarily gathered to discuss challenges and share solutions. “That shift in mindset was a turning point,” he reflects.

Meeting sustainability standards through RSPO certification also brought impactful benefits:

Asrijon sums up the transformation: “Certification is just one part of the story. We’re helping them to see the bigger picture – how their efforts can create lasting benefits for themselves and their communities.”

Listening and leading: Lessons from the field

For Asrijon, the greatest lesson has been the power of empathy and patience.

“Change doesn’t happen overnight. It takes months, even years to see results. But patience means listening, understanding their realities, and walking alongside them,” he shares.

He believes that empowerment is a two-way street: farmers bring resilience and local wisdom, while programmes like Sawit Terampil offer the technical support and guidance to bridge the gap. This synergy creates lasting change in both farming practices and community mindsets.

Through RISE, we empower Indonesia’s smallholders with sustainable practices, replanting support, and access to global markets—strengthening livelihoods and cultivating a better future for all. Learn how we’re seeding change here.