Kampung Indah Lestari RPTRA Gets Urban Farming Upgrade

A previously idle plot behind the Kampung Indah Lestari Integrated Child-Friendly Public Space (RPTRA) on Jalan Ancol Selatan II, Sunter Agung, North Jakarta has been revitalized into a thriving urban farming hub named Kebun Lestari.

It was completely neglected and unkempt

Sunter Agung Urban Village Economy and Development Section Head Citra Glori Lebang explained that the makeover transforms idle public land into a localized food safety net.

"It was completely neglected and unkempt. Now, it’s a productive green hub that feeds the neighborhood," she expressed, Friday (10/2).

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Three months into its makeover since July 2026, Kebun Lestari is already bursting with life. The once-idle plot is now carpeted with mustard greens, pakchoy, terung (eggplants), and chilies.

Beyond leafy greens, the farm features household medicinal herbs (TOGA), seasonal secondary crops, and fruit-bearing trees like bananas, sapodillas, and mangoes.

"We’ve also added a freshwater 'nutrition pond' stocked with fish and crafted decorative accents from reclaimed timber," Citra explained.

Turning this wasteland into a thriving farm took serious teamwork: seeds from the agriculture team, heavy pruning from the forestry crew, and massive cleanups by sanitation.

Today, Jakarta's beloved PPSU workers tend to the garden daily—turning empty land into fresh, nonstop harvests for the community.

According to her, bringing Kebun Lestari to life hinged on cross-sector collaboration. The North Jakarta Food Security, Maritime, and Agriculture Sub-agency provided the bulk of the seeds and starter plants.

Meanwhile, the Parks and Urban Forestry Sub-agency handled canopy management and large-tree pruning, and the Environment Sub-agency hauled away post-cleanup green waste.

"Every single day, our PPSU personnel nurture the plot to ensure the garden remains well-maintained and consistently productive," she explained.

Citra noted that Kebun Lestari has repeatedly yielded produce utilized by local residents, Family Welfare Empowerment (TP PKK) cadres, and PPSU personnel. In September 2026, the garden also produced bananas and corn.

"Several crops were planted simultaneously. They are currently in their growth phase and are projected to be ready for harvest next month," she explained.

As for 38-year-old local and TP PKK activist Eka, the turnaround is nothing short of incredible. What was once a dark, overgrown jungle is now a vibrant green hub breathing new life into the community.

"The transformation is remarkable. What used to be an unmaintained plot of land is now productive, and we can all reap the benefits together," she admitted.

She is hoping for steady, year-round care to keep Kebun Lestari thriving against the elements.

"My idea is for anyone who harvests the crops to leave a voluntary donation. We can roll those funds straight back into buying new seeds or fertilizer, keeping this green cycle going strong," she urged.