ESAS

Photo: ESAS Archive.

Just Economy

Grounding Innovation

ESAS’s commitment to grounding innovation in local contexts underscores its dedication to holistic development and sustainable progress. Through collaborative efforts with Papring Village and Kampoeng Batara in East Java, ESAS strives to foster positive change by promoting environmental sustainability, economic growth, and self-reliance within communities for a brighter future.

The collaboration between ESAS and the Papring Community in East Java represents a multifaceted approach to addressing crucial issues within the community. One of our primary focuses has been on ecological restoration, where we have actively worked to improve soil quality and enhance water resources. By doing so, we aim to create a sustainable environment that not only benefits the local ecosystem but also provides a foundation for the community’s livelihood activities.

In addition to ecological initiatives, our collaboration extends to the realm of technology. Recognizing the importance of digital tools in today’s world, we have been working with the Papring Community to enhance their readiness and relevance in the digital age. This involves providing access to digital resources, offering training and support, and facilitating technology integration into various aspects of community life.

Looking ahead, our vision is to expand and scale this collaborative effort to benefit more communities. We believe the approach we’ve developed with the Papring Community can serve as a model for addressing similar challenges in other regions. By combining ecological restoration, support for local livelihoods, and digital readiness, we aim to empower communities to thrive in a rapidly changing world while preserving their cultural and environmental heritage.

Photo: ESAS Archive.

Just Economy

Bumi Langit: Permaculture

Permaculture’s fundamental principles prioritize the restoration of soil and water while fostering the environment’s regeneration through its natural cycles. At BUMI LANGIT, these principles are not mere theories but are actively put into practice. The laboratory is an inspiring example of the harmony that can be achieved between human activities and the natural world.

ESAS’s unwavering commitment to sustainability and regenerative practices led us to embark on a transformative journey to the BUMI LANGIT permaculture laboratory in Imogiri, Central Java. This visit allowed us to witness the remarkable benefits of permaculture, an approach to land use and agriculture deeply rooted in emulating the natural intelligence of ecosystems.

Permaculture’s fundamental principles prioritize the restoration of soil and water while fostering the environment’s regeneration through its natural cycles. At BUMI LANGIT, these principles are not mere theories but are actively put into practice. The results are striking, with improved soil fertility, increased biodiversity, and the development of resilient ecosystems being just a few of the observable outcomes.

BUMI LANGIT’s activities span a spectrum of regenerative practices, from agroforestry and sustainable agriculture to responsible waste management. The laboratory is an inspiring example of the harmony that can be achieved between human activities and the natural world. ESAS’s engagement at BUMI LANGIT includes active participation in workshops, sharing of knowledge, and fostering connections within local communities. Through these initiatives, we aim to promote a sustainable and regenerative model that can be replicated in diverse settings, paving the way for a healthier planet and a more harmonious coexistence with nature.

Photograph ESAS Archive

Just Economy

ILI-ILI Festival

The “Ili Ili” festival, translating to “water” in Javanese, unfolded at a critical juncture in Temenggung, Central Java. Amidst global and local water crises, ESAS initiated dialogues with experts, indigenous locals, artists, and sustainability practitioners. This impactful event transpired from the 17th to the 19th of November, 2022.

The Ili-Ili festival, a celebration centered around the theme of “Ili Ili” (Javanese for water), unfolded in Temenggung, Central Java, at a crucial juncture. With water scarcity issues looming significant on both the global and local fronts, ESAS initiated conversations that transcended boundaries. We engaged with a diverse array of experts, individuals possessing invaluable indigenous knowledge, artists, and practitioners deeply rooted in sustainability—this collective exchange of ideas aimed to address pressing water-related challenges and shed light on innovative solutions.

Set against the backdrop of the festival, this endeavor became a nexus for multifaceted discussions on water, its significance in Javanese culture, and its broader implications for a sustainable future. The Ili-Ili festival, held from the 17th to the 19th of November 2022, provided an ideal platform for fostering dialogue, sharing insights, and exploring the intrinsic connection between water and life. As we delved into these conversations, the festival became a catalyst for reevaluating our relationship with this precious resource, emphasizing its role not just as a vital element for survival but as a cornerstone of culture and heritage.