Character/Actor: Tariyo, Head of Koperasi Produsen Wanatani Petungkriyono Lestari (KPWPL), Petungkriyono

“Our land used to be filled with cinnamon trees, providing us with a good livelihood. Now, with the support of Relung Indonesia, we hope to restore that legacy,” says Tariyo. 

 Before intensive vegetable farming dominated the highlands of Petungkriyono, cinnamon (Cinnamomum cassia) thrived in community-managed agroforestry systems. However, the absence of a structured market, inconsistent yields, and fluctuating quality led to its gradual decline, leaving only scattered, aging trees behind. 

Recognizing cinnamon’s economic and ecological value, Relung Indonesia partnered with the KPWPL to reintroduce its cultivation. The first step was acquiring 5,000 carefully selected seedlings from farmer networks in Kerinci, Jambi, an area renowned for producing high-quality cinnamon. 

These seedlings are being carefully nurtured until they reach the ideal planting size. Under Tariyo’s leadership, farmers prepare their land using agroforestry techniques that integrate cinnamon with other crops, ensuring ecosystem balance and optimizing land productivity. 

This initiative offers dual benefits: increasing farmers’ income through crop diversification and contributing to environmental conservation by preventing soil erosion and promoting biodiversity. 

With strong collaboration and support, the farmers of Petungkriyono hope cinnamon will once again become a pillar of sustainable prosperity—preserving their livelihoods and the natural landscape for future generations.