Families give up on city, turn to trees

The Jakarta Post ,  Jakarta   |  Tue, 10/07/2008 9:59 AM  |  City

Welcome to the Ninety-nine Tree kampung -- but before you enter, you should learn a few important things: It is forbidden to litter or to break a twig here, and you will need to try to integrate with nature.

This unique kampung is situated in Maruyung village, Depok, around 20 kilometers south of Jakarta, where some 70 people live together with a "back-to-nature" principle on a 5-hectare block of land near a small river.

"We bought the land from locals in 2002, and planted trees there. The land was in a critical condition due to frequent landslides, but we were optimistic that it would improve one day," Santi, one of the residents, told The Jakarta Post.

Santi is a guide for visitors who want to learn about the Ninety-nine Tree community.

The community comprises several families, most of whom are part of the same family tree, whose 99 children planted jati putih seedlings (Gmelina arborea) together, hence the name.

Jati putih were chosen because the trees would reduce the high temperature in the area, Santi said.

The community also planted mango trees, durian trees, bamboo and various other plants.

After the trees were established, the first family moved into the kampung in 2004, and now the land is home to 10 families.

All residents of the kampung have the same idea about nature and live with the "tree" philosophy; anchored with strong roots underground; having a strong trunk; providing shelter; and of course yielding fruit each season.

"People in this community have to dedicate 80 percent of their life to nature. They have to put their ego aside," said Santi.

Here, the community has sufficed their own needs. They rear cows, sheep and goats and have fish ponds, as well as growing vegetables in the garden -- and they don't use chemical pesticides or fertilizers unlike other local farmers.

"We use compost to fertilize our plants. We produce organic fruit and vegetables which are free from chemicals," another community member said proudly.

The Ninety-nine Tree community uses firewood for cooking. It is easy for the families to find firewood because the area is surrounded by hundreds of trees and bushes.

"We have enough wood here to last for the next couple of years. The rise in oil price did not affect us here, because we rarely use kerosene or gas," Santi added.

People in the community keep the area clean and healthy. Children are taught to respect nature. They collect leaves from the grass with their own hands to make compost.

This unique kampung attracts people from various places throughout Jakarta, and often hosts outdoor activities.

It is also a favorite place for kindergartens to bring children to learn about nature.

"The children learn how to plant rice in a real paddy, how to milk cows, bathe buffaloes, shear sheep and ride horses," Santi said.

Adults and children alike gain new experiences and have fun at the kampung which provides numerous outdoor activities including a flying fox.

Children pay Rp 20,000 (US$2) for each activity, while adults are charged Rp 150,000 to enjoy all facilities.

"We use the money to plant more trees and to take care of the environment," Santi said.

The community accepts outsiders who want to live close to nature. They provide wooden houses for visitors who want to spend the night, and they serve healthy food too.

And if you want stay longer, or even for good, the community will welcome you under two conditions: You must love nature and obey the community's rules. Are you up to it?

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