In an effort to strengthen community participation in local commodity-based economic movements, farmers from 11 villages in Mempawah Regency have agreed to establish the Commodity Farmers Network (Jaring PEDAS).
The agreement was reached at the conclusion of a workshop organized by Gemawan Association on Wednesday, June 25, 2025, held at the K-Tamb Café Meeting Hall in Mempawah.
According to Workshop Chairperson Lani Ardiansyah, the initiative was designed to encourage farmers to collectively identify challenges, issues, and needs within their communities.
“This workshop aims to bring farmers together to map out the problems and opportunities they face, and to discuss them collectively,” explained Lani, who is also known by his nickname, Ucup.
Addressing Agricultural Challenges Together
In the opening discussion, Hermawansyah, a member of Gemawan’s Executive Board, presented key issues affecting agricultural production, governance, and product marketing.
Some of the main issues raised included:
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Limited access to fertilizer distribution and technical assistance,
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Risks of crop failure,
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Low production capacity,
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Need for product diversification and value-added training,
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Unstable market prices, and
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Export opportunities through the newly developed Kijing Port.
To respond to these challenges, Hermawansyah emphasized the importance of organization and collective action.
Farmers Unite Under a Shared Vision
“After we identify the problems and analyze the challenges and opportunities, the next step is to move forward — but not individually. We must act together. Because when we are united, our collective voice will be stronger and heard by the government and other stakeholders,” said Hermawansyah, the founder of Gemawan.
He also stressed the importance of farmers’ involvement in building a community-based economic movement, noting that forests and farmlands play a vital role in the livelihoods of Mempawah’s people.
The Jaring PEDAS network includes representatives from:
Sejegi, Galang, Antibar, Rasau, Jungkat, Bumbun, Suak Barangan, Sungai Bakau Besar Darat, Peniti Besar, Sekabuk, and Purun Besar Villages.
“With the formation of Jaring PEDAS, we hope to create a shared platform for farmers to mobilize local commodity-based economic potential and improve community welfare across Mempawah Regency,” concluded Hermawansyah.
Source: Suara Pemred Kalbar