Marten Luther Norotouw, a 36-year-old man from Jayapura Regency, is known for his strong spirit and determination. After completing his education at a maritime school, Marten traveled to various regions, but his heart always remained tied to his hometown. After a period of self-discovery, he decided to return and build a better life in his birthplace.

Before collaborating with Yayasan Bina Tani Sejahtera (YBTS), Marten had tried his hand at farming, but his limited knowledge often led to failure. His crops did not yield as expected, and each failure deepened his despair. He felt trapped in a cycle of unproductive efforts.

One day, while browsing social media, Marten came across the Bina Tani – Papua account. Intrigued, he began reading the shared information and tips. He sensed a glimmer of new hope and decided to contact YBTS via Facebook. That simple conversation brought a significant change in his life.

Since early 2023, Marten has received guidance from the YBTS team. He felt happy and excited to finally have the right guidance. In this mentoring program, Marten learned many things, from good farming techniques to effective land management. He started by planting shallots from seeds. Although his plot was only about 500 m², the harvest was highly satisfying, with earnings reaching 30 million rupiahs per harvest.

This success marked a turning point for Marten. His confidence grew rapidly, and he began expanding his farm. From this experience, Marten not only became a successful farmer but also a source of knowledge for farmers around him. He shared the knowledge he gained from YBTS with his neighbors and fellow farmers. Marten regularly held meetings at his farm to teach proper farming techniques, effective fertilization, and pest control.

In a short time, his farm became a learning center for many farmers in Jayapura Regency. They came to learn directly from Marten, who is now known as “Marten the Inspirational Farmer.” He is proud to help others and see positive changes in his community. This knowledge-sharing activity not only improved agricultural yields but also strengthened relationships among farmers.

Marten is also active on social media, sharing his experiences and farming tips through a dedicated account. Through this platform, he reaches more people, including farmers from other regions who want to learn from his experiences. Many are inspired by his story and reach out to him for advice and guidance.

Now, Marten is known not only as a successful farmer but also as a mentor and leader in his community. He hopes to continue expanding his knowledge and helping more people around him. “I want to see more farmers in Jayapura Regency achieve success like I have. Together, we can build a better future for our village,” Marten said with enthusiasm.

Marten Luther Norotouw’s journey is a testament that with determination, proper guidance, and a spirit of sharing, one can change their destiny and inspire others. Now, he is ready to continue his journey, not just as a farmer but also as an agent of change in Jayapura Regency.