On September 12, 2020, Yayasan Inspirasi Indonesia Membangun (YIIM), in collaboration with PT Meroke Tetap Jaya—a national private corporation engaged in fertilizer distribution and trading across Indonesia since 1953—carried out a social initiative presenting hydroponic installations alongside practical guidelines for successful urban farming amidst the COVID-19 pandemic.

To date, PT Meroke Tetap Jaya markets over 30 varieties of straight fertilizers, compound fertilizers, and water-soluble fertilizers applied in food crops, horticulture, and plantations through broadcasting, foliar spraying, fertigation, and hydroponic systems. In running its agricultural business, the company adheres strictly to its motto, “Quality is Our Top Priority,” guiding its consistent operations and innovations to this day.

The handover of two complete hydroponic installation kits along with water spinach (kangkung) and lettuce seeds took place at Jalan Cempaka Warna, RT 10/RW 04, Cempaka Putih Timur Urban Village, Cempaka Putih Sub-district, Central Jakarta, DKI Jakarta.

In addition to donating the two hydroponic units, PT Meroke Tetap Jaya conducted a one-hour hands-on extension workshop covering planting techniques and hydroponic care for participating residents and neighborhood association (RT) board members.

The company representative demonstrated proper seed germination, water level measurement, nutrient concentration balancing, and sunlight exposure management required by the crops. The instructor also simulated how to prepare optimal plant nutrition and invited community members to practice the methods directly.

At the close of the event, PT Meroke Tetap Jaya expressed its aspiration that this knowledge would empower residents to initiate home gardening via hydroponics. Furthermore, the company hoped the donation of the two systems and seeds of kangkung and mustard greens could be developed further by the community, encouraging them to repurpose household items such as discarded buckets and mineral water containers into sustainable planting media.

The Head of RT 10, Ismoko, remarked in his address, “On behalf of the residents, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to YIIM and PT Meroke Tetap Jaya. May this support prove highly beneficial, and we are committed to maintaining and expanding it to support our residents’ fresh food needs.”

In strict observance of COVID-19 prevention protocols, on-site attendance was limited to just 7 participants, enforcing physical distancing, mask-wearing, and the avoidance of handshakes to prevent viral transmission.

One of the residents in attendance, Ibu Rina, shared her optimism, “The community is extremely enthusiastic about this initiative. Although attendance was restricted, we hope this marks the beginning of establishing a green neighborhood and thriving urban agriculture in our community.”

Salam Inspirasi!