This process does not stop when seedlings change hands. The long journey truly begins when the seedlings are planted in the ground. Our team continues this effort with periodic plant verification monitoring and intensive farmer mentoring. The goal is clear: to ensure every seedling is properly planted and that the knowledge shared during the Farmer Field School (FFS) can be applied optimally.

Working in harmony with nature is a necessity in the restoration process. Planting times become more flexible, following the rhythm of rain breaks and soil moisture. The terrain we traverse often demands more than just physical strength. Some areas are only accessible via waterways, while land routes become slippery and waterlogged. This is where resilience and patience are tested, a challenge we must overcome every year to ensure seedlings reach the right hands.

However, we believe that collaboration is key to easing all obstacles. Together with farmers, we navigate this process by sharing knowledge and local wisdom. Farmers are our best partners in reading nature’s language: their intuition and experience in understanding land conditions and weather serve as a compass, ensuring these seedlings can grow and thrive optimally.

“The planting season always teaches us the art of waiting and the courage to make decisions. Nature is not always easy to predict, but when we see that small seedlings finally stand tall in the soil, we know this is not just a job. This is our effort to leave a legacy of clean air and fertile soil for our children and grandchildren. As long as there is will and cooperation, no matter how dark the sky, we will keep on planting.” — Yunizar, Nursery & Planting Manager, GFI. 

In closing, the 2025/2026 planting season is not only a period of program implementation but also a valuable learning moment for Good Forest Indonesia. Each planting season reaffirms our belief in the power of collaboration and perseverance. Planting a tree is not merely placing a seedling into the ground: it is the art of nurturing a long process involving nature, people, and time. 

We close this year’s planting season with deep gratitude and pride. We continue this journey through a thorough evaluation process with the entire team. Every access challenge, timing adjustment, and field achievement serves as valuable groundwork for developing more refined future strategies, from more precise distribution planning to strengthening ongoing mentoring.