Lurah Ngadi, Kepala Desa Penyambung Rasa - Cepu, Blora - Lentera Indonesia

Summary

This inspiring story follows Ngadi, a village head in Jipang, Central Java, who defies expectations to transform his community. After working in Jakarta, he returned to his village and became a humanitarian volunteer, later taking on the role of head of the village. Through innovative agricultural projects, including livestock farming and sustainable irrigation, he empowers local farmers and fosters economic growth. His leadership, built on hard work, faith, and community collaboration, has led to significant improvements in his village, offering hope for a better future.

Takeaways

• 😀 Ngadi, the village head of Jipang, Blora, returned to his rural roots after working in Jakarta, transitioning from a corporate career to community leadership.
• 😀 Despite initial skepticism about his decision to leave his job, Ngadi became a highly respected leader in his village, known for his hands-on approach and service to the community.
• 😀 Ngadi emphasizes that leadership is about serving the people, not seeking power or personal gain, earning him the nickname 'Lurahadi' (Head of Village).
• 😀 The village faced multiple challenges, including flooding, drought, and agricultural failures, but Ngadi and his community worked together to find innovative solutions.
• 😀 Ngadi's leadership led to the development of sustainable farming practices and the creation of a livestock farming program, particularly focused on goat husbandry.
• 😀 The community also developed a mini-irrigation system, allowing farmers to irrigate their fields year-round, mitigating the impact of dry seasons.
• 😀 Ngadi's wife played a crucial role in supporting the family and the village’s community-driven initiatives, such as helping with agricultural activities and managing local programs.
• 😀 Ngadi’s approach has led to the economic empowerment of local families, with initiatives like goat farming and gardening transforming the village’s economy.
• 😀 Ngadi believes that success comes from persistent effort, faith, and working together as a community, and he encourages others to serve selflessly.
• 😀 The community’s collective efforts, including contributions to irrigation systems and livestock farming, have improved the local economy and fostered a sense of unity and pride.
• 😀 Ngadi's story highlights the power of grassroots innovation and the impact of collaborative leadership, showing how even small villages can overcome adversity and thrive.

Q & A

What motivated the speaker to return to his village and become a leader?

The speaker was motivated by a desire to be of service to others and make a meaningful impact. After working in Jakarta and gaining experience, he realized that true satisfaction comes from helping others, especially in a leadership role within his community.

How did the speaker's background in Jakarta influence his role as a village leader?

The speaker’s experience in Jakarta helped shape his leadership approach. Despite having a stable job as a head technician in a property company, he left his career to return to his village. His time in Jakarta exposed him to various systems and gave him the initiative to help his community through innovative projects, like the livestock program.

What challenges did the community face that led to the development of the livestock program?

The community faced challenges such as unpredictable weather, including floods and droughts, which made farming difficult. To ensure sustainable livelihoods, the speaker and other villagers developed the livestock program, initially focusing on goat farming, which has since grown and created new economic opportunities.

How does the livestock program benefit the villagers?

The livestock program has become a significant source of income for the villagers. It involves breeding, raising, and fattening goats, which are then sold or used for religious purposes such as during Eid al-Adha. This program has allowed families to earn money, improve their living standards, and even support community initiatives like religious pilgrimages.

What role did the community play in supporting the livestock initiative?

The community played a crucial role by pooling resources together, including money and land. Many villagers participated by contributing to the costs of the project, even using their land titles as collateral. This collective effort helped fund the purchase of necessary equipment like irrigation systems and animal feed.

What was the significance of the mini irrigation technology for the village's farming community?

The mini irrigation system was a game changer for the farming community, providing a reliable water source year-round, irrespective of rainfall. This innovation enabled farmers to continue cultivating their crops, leading to higher yields and more stable incomes.

How has the speaker’s personal journey influenced the success of the village projects?

The speaker's personal journey has inspired others in the village. His decision to leave a secure job and return to his roots as a leader demonstrated a commitment to community well-being. His hands-on involvement, coupled with his experience in various sectors, played a key role in the development and success of projects like the livestock program.

What role does the speaker’s wife play in the village's development?

The speaker’s wife contributes significantly to the community's growth, not only by managing the household but also by supporting agricultural initiatives. She worked alongside local women to encourage gardening and sustainable practices, which improved food security and helped generate additional income for families.

How did the villagers respond to the introduction of goat farming?

Initially, the villagers were skeptical about goat farming. However, after the program showed promising results, including better yields and stable profits, many farmers joined the initiative. The success of the project helped build trust and encouraged further collaboration.

What does the speaker believe is essential for successful leadership in rural communities?

The speaker believes that successful leadership in rural communities requires being accessible, leading by example, and prioritizing the needs of the people. He emphasizes the importance of hands-on involvement and community collaboration to solve problems and improve living conditions.