SAMBAS – The Sambas Regency Commodity Farmers Network (Jaringan Petani Komoditas Kabupaten Sambas, Japedas) held a Participatory Strategic Planning Workshop to strengthen the organization’s vision, mission, and strategic direction. The two-day workshop took place on July 15–16, 2026, at Hotel Pantura in Sambas.
The workshop brought together 28 participants representing several districts across Sambas Regency, including Sambas, Sejangkung, Teluk Keramat, Galing, Tebas, Semparuk, and Jawai.
The event aimed to build a shared understanding among members in developing the organization’s vision, mission, strategies, work programs, and future priorities while strengthening Japedas’ role in supporting local farmers.
In his opening remarks, Tajudin, Chairperson of Japedas Sambas Regency, emphasized the importance of the workshop as a collaborative space for developing a clearer and more measurable direction for the organization.
He highlighted that a strong vision and mission would provide the foundation for Japedas to respond effectively to the needs of farmers and communities throughout Sambas Regency.
Meanwhile, Siti Rahmawati, affectionately known as Wati, represented Gemawan at the event. She delivered welcoming remarks, officially opened the workshop, and expressed her appreciation for the initiative.
According to Wati, the workshop marked a particularly meaningful moment for Japedas Sambas Regency.
“This is a special occasion. Today, July 15, marks the 27th anniversary of the relocation of Sambas Regency’s administrative center. Tomorrow, July 16, will be Japedas’ first anniversary. As the organization grows older, we hope it will continue to progress, become more united, and establish a stronger presence in Sambas Regency,” she said.
The workshop was expected to produce a five-year strategic planning document outlining Japedas’ vision, mission, organizational objectives, priority programs, and policy directions.
Strengthening Farmers’ Organizations Through Collective Commitment
Efforts to strengthen commodity farmers’ organizations in Sambas Regency continue to gain momentum. Through this participatory strategic planning workshop, Japedas and Gemawan worked together to reinforce the organization’s institutional foundations and long-term development goals.
Throughout the workshop, participants collaboratively formulated the organization’s vision, mission, objectives, and strategic action plan for the next five years.
A key moment came when seven representatives from participating districts signed a joint commitment, symbolizing their shared determination to strengthen and expand the farmers’ network.
Signing of the Joint Commitment
The workshop concluded on an emotional and celebratory note, with participants gathering for a traditional tumpeng cutting ceremony to commemorate Japedas’ first anniversary.
Tajudin, Chairperson of Japedas Sambas Regency, presented the first portion of tumpeng to Siti Rahmawati, representing Gemawan, as a gesture of gratitude and appreciation.
“The cutting of the tumpeng symbolizes our gratitude. Japedas has been active for one year, and today, July 16, we are also marking the establishment of the Sambas Regency Commodity Farmers Network. We hope this network will become a platform that strengthens the bargaining power of farmers in Sambas,” Tajudin said.
Echoing this sentiment, Siti Rahmawati expressed Gemawan’s appreciation for the establishment and development of the network.
She hoped that Japedas would grow into a strategic partner for the government, private sector, and other relevant stakeholders in supporting the development of competitive commodity farmers in Sambas Regency.
With a stronger and more organized network, commodity farmers in Sambas are expected to develop a collective voice, gain broader access to information, and strengthen their capacities to navigate future agricultural challenges.
The initiative represents an important step toward building a more connected and empowered farming community, where farmers can work collectively to advance their interests and contribute to sustainable agricultural development in Sambas Regency.
Written by: Siti Rahmawati, Gemawan Activist