Sister Village Programme: Cultivating Community Motivation for Urban Farming in Kampung Dolly

*Kampung Ondomohen is known for being among the best urban farming villages in Surabaya, developed as a living lab for urban farming activities and green tourism village since 2020. The community in Kampung Dolly of Putat Jaya Gang 2A has also longed to develop urban farming activities in their neighbourhood, aware of its many social benefits ever since the red light district was closed down in 2014. Residents are drawn to the potential for urban farming to create a green environment that helps the community improve their standard of living through better health and a stronger economy.

On August 20, 2021, Kampung Dolly representatives, led by Mr. Nirwono, went to Kampung Ondomohen to meet Mr. Mus and Mrs. Endang, the environmental champions of the village. Dolly residents learned a great deal about the black soldier fly, maggot breeding, fish farming and vegetable growing, whether in hydroponics or small spaces.

These activities ultimately encouraged Kampung Ondomohen and Kampung Dolly to initiate their sister village programme to bring wider benefits for both villages. Community members can share their knowledge and experience in urban farming, while still embracing and developing the uniqueness of their location. Dolly residents, for example, can share their knowledge and experience in making salted eggs, an intricate skill their Ondomohen friends are yet to master.

All the signs suggest that the implementation of this sister village programme will cultivate Dolly residents’ motivation to enhance their local surroundings. Hopefully, it will also accelerate the urban transformation in Kampung Dolly, specifically those goals related to urban farming.

Kampung Dolly representatives, led by Mr. Nirwono, went to Kampung Ondemohen to meet Mr. Mus and Mrs. Endang, the environmental champions of the village.

*Kampung refers to village in Indonesia