Old Traditions, Modern Ag

INDONESIA

Harendong Tea Estate is situated in a region where indigenous traditions have been handed down for hundreds of years. There is a strong emphasis on eco-friendly farming techniques established by ancestors to preserve and protect natural resources and maintain a harmonious (balanced life circle).

One of the annual rituals is the Seren Taun ceremony, during which the locals express their gratitude for the success of the Kasepuhan rice harvest. 

Villagers there were once the poorest in the region so, when Harendong owners began cultivating the land, they provided electricity to the village and repaired the road to the village, giving much better access from the main road.

Harendong Estate also respectfully learned the traditions of the locals and built the plantation around them, blending modern agriculture with indigenous traditions. For example, according to the local knowledge and wisdom, there were areas that must never be disturbed, so Harendong continues to respect those beliefs.

The area often suffers very dry weather and years ago, during one of those dry seasons, some the villagers said to us that they were committed to sacrifice their own personal needs if the “tea bushes need to have enough water to drink and survive.”

That was not necessary but recently, during another dry season; the owners of Harendong discovered that underneath the area there was actually a natural spring that will now help both people and tea bushes during future dry seasons. 

Learn more: www.harendong.com