25 March 2025
Written by Meiardhy Mujianto, Community-based agroforestry enterprises for sustainable and collective land use, meiardhy@relung.or.id

Character/Actor: Cahyono, Farmer from Tlogohendro Village, Petungkriyono
“Our ancestors believed that every field had a guardian spirit called Danyang who protected the fertility of the soil. However, unsustainable farming practices drove these spirits away over time. Now, it’s time to invite our Danyang back to our land,” says Cahyono, a farmer from Petungkriyono.
The concept of Mboyong Danyang has become a symbol for farmers, guiding their efforts to restore soil fertility, which has been severely impacted by excessive chemical pesticide use. Relung Indonesia introduced this initiative, integrating regenerative agricultural methods using Indigenous Microorganisms (IMO) with deeply respected local cultural values.
Technically, IMO is collected from naturally preserved areas such as forest floors and bamboo groves. These microorganisms are then cultivated and applied to agricultural fields as natural organic fertilizers, revitalizing the health and productivity of the soil. Through this approach, local farmers understand that regenerative techniques complement rather than conflict with traditional wisdom.
Today, farmers like Cahyono are happy. His land is gradually regaining fertility, yields are increasing, and the community’s belief in maintaining harmony with nature is growing stronger. “Mboyong Danyang is not just about restoring the fertility of our land; it is about reviving our souls and preserving our cultural heritage,” Cahyono concludes.