BANDUNG, WEST JAVA —— For seven years, Oman (48) has been a direct beneficiary of the empowerment program in Tani Village, Dompet Dhuafa West Java Branch. Previously, Oman, or Mang Uje as he is affectionately known, worked odd jobs and as a farm laborer, working on other people’s land in his village.
“Sometimes I worked in a tofu factory, doing whatever I was told to do. I used to carry my neighbors’ harvests,” he said.
However, since 2019, he has started cultivating his own land. This is thanks to moral and material support from various sources, especially Dompet Dhuafa, which provides regular assistance.
Mang Uje said that after joining Desa Tani, he has become more independent and creative.
“In the past, I was the one who needed help, but now, thank God, I can help others, even if it’s only one or two people,” he told Dompet Dhuafa on Monday (12/08/2025) in Cipanjalu Village, Cilengkrang, Bandung, West Java.
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The Farmer Village Program not only provides support in the form of land leases and agricultural infrastructure. It also provides training in farming skills as well as long-term assistance and empowerment with the aim of creating independence.
“Mang Uje learned a lot and was helped by Mang Ade (Partner Manager of Dompet Dhuafa West Java),” he said.
In order to provide real and sustainable benefits, DD bridges many parties who want to sow the seeds of goodness. One of them that continues to provide support is the Islamic Spirituality Authority of the Financial Services Authority (ROIS OJK).
Mang Uje is one of the beneficiaries of the support provided by ROIS OJK. He was entrusted with cultivating 3,250 square meters of land by planting various types of commodities such as cabbage, chili, and Kenyan beans.
“Every two or three months, thank God, we are able to harvest,” said Mang Uje.
A small portion of the harvest is used to meet daily needs. Meanwhile, the rest is distributed to the wider community.
“The rest of the harvest is sold through Segari, Pasar Becek, and to meet the supply of Free Nutritious Meals throughout Bandung,” he said.
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Mang Uje also said that the success of the harvest has enabled him to empower four other people. Three women and one man. All of them are residents of the surrounding villages.
“My wife initially asked how I would pay their salaries. But, thank God, now I can manage it,” he said.
Even so, Mang Uje’s journey in managing agricultural land is not without challenges. When conditions are unstable, whether due to weather or pests, crop failure is inevitable.
“But, thank God, thanks to the assistance from ROIS OJK through the construction of greenhouses, crop failure can be prevented and avoided,” he said gratefully.
I feel very helped, continued Mang Uje, with this support.
For Mang Uje, being a farmer has brought him happiness and satisfaction. This is because everyone who is part of Desa Tani has a high level of solidarity.
“If I am confused about how to grow vegetables, someone will teach me. They also help me with how to use pesticides and other things,” said Mang Uje.
“Especially when I see the plants growing well,” continued Mang Uje, there is a sense of pride and relief.
The support from ROIS OJK through Dompet Dhuafa has given Mang Uje his own little happiness. He hopes that more people will be able to receive benefits and be empowered like him.
Mang Uje advises all farmers throughout Indonesia to always be proud of being farmers and to never give up.
“For farmers, the important thing is to be resilient. Whether we succeed or fail is a matter for later. The important thing is that we have fought,” he said.
Mang Uje is not the only beneficiary of the Desa Tani program. Bubun Hidayat (36), affectionately known as Mang Ubun, also received similar assistance and empowerment. Initially, Mang Bubun worked as a construction laborer. He was usually paid daily after work. However, this job was not always stable as it depended on the project.
“One month of work, one month of unemployment,” he said.
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However, in the last two years he has joined Desa Tani. With a background as a laborer, Mang Bubun had no experience in managing agricultural land. But thanks to the solidarity of the Desa Tani group members, Mang Bubun began to learn about farming step by step.
“At first I was still confused, but the Desa Tani members helped and guided me. They were very generous with their knowledge,” said Mang Bubun.
For Mang Bubun, there is a fundamental difference between before and after joining Desa Tani. One of the most striking differences, according to him, is that being a farmer is something that liberates him.
“Being a farmer is free. You are not controlled or bossed around by other people,” he said.
Mang Bubun’s statement is in line with the slogan of Desa Tani, which is “Empowered on our own land.” This slogan is both a reinforcement and a motivator for farmers to continue to be enthusiastic in producing quality crops.
The freedom felt by Mang Bubun or the small happiness experienced by Mang Uje is thanks to support from various sources, including ROIS OJK, which is channeled through Dompet Dhuafa. (Dompet Dhuafa)
Text: Aji Pangestu
Photo: Aji, Iis
Editor: Dhika