Kaka Nius Tabuni, an Inspirational Farmer from Dukwia, Keerom
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Amid the warmth and strong sense of kinship among the people of West Arso, there is an inspiring story of a local Papuan farmer (OAP) who has brought significant change to his community. He is Kaka Nius Tabuni, a resilient farmer from Dukwia/TSM Village who is now known as one of the pioneers of agricultural transformation among local farmers in his area.
Fueled by a passion for learning and a desire to make better use of his land, Kaka Nius began participating in the mentoring program provided by Yayasan Bina Tani Sejahtera (YBTS). In his first planting season, he succeeded in cultivating Nauli F1 Pak Choi in his garden—something he had never tried before.
Kaka Nius Tabuni’s Nauli F1 Pak Choi crop
The result was outstanding. The plants thrived, and the harvest was well-received by consumers at the Youtefa Autonomous Market in Jayapura. This success became more than just a personal achievement—it sparked change in the surrounding community. The farmer group, which initially had only 14 members, began to see real transformation—50% of the members started growing vegetables such as chili, long beans, green beans, mustard greens, and water spinach. Previously, the local community mostly depended on staple food crops as their main source of income.
“Now the ‘rojongan’ (working group) of 14 people has members who are starting new gardens at their own homes—like Anak Ales, Agus, Rosa, Emince, Peres, Bapak Yopi, and Bapak Welius.”
Learning together about seedling techniques at Kaka Nius Tabuni’s demonstration plot
Today, Kaka Nius’s garden has turned into an informal learning center for the residents of Dukwia Village. Many farmers come to visit, ask questions, and try applying what Kaka Nius has done to their own land. The garden is no longer just a place for growing vegetables—it has become a field of hope.
The assistance from YBTS opened the door, but this success would not have been possible without the persistence and unwavering spirit of Kaka Nius himself. He has proven that local farmers can create meaningful change, become role models, and bring progress to their communities.
The story of Kaka Nius Tabuni is not just a story about farming—it is about courage, collaboration, and the belief that great change can begin with small steps taken in one’s own field.
Written and documented by: Rizki Ramdhani (Technical Field Officer)
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