From Jakarta to North Bali: Finding Purpose in Sustainability

The views of the mountain from Tabanan Orange Farms

From the hustle and bustle of South Bali, I found myself transported to a completely different experience up north. Coming from Jakarta—a city of grey skies and concrete jungles—my earlier visits to Bali were spent in beachside hotels and popular tourist spots. Yet it wasn’t until I chose to live more like a local that I realized the paradise I once saw here had a different side. The traffic jams in Canggu and flooding in Denpasar felt oddly similar to my hometown, reminding me that Bali isn’t always the ideal place many people think of. Still, whoever said working here would be the same as going on a vacation?

 During my time at su-re.co, I gained a fresh perspective on the island when I volunteered to help our engineering officer, Bianca install several biogas digesters alongside two other interns, Anna and Amaury. Our journey began at the Tabanan Orange farms in central Bali, then continued through Pak Made’s coffee farm in Wanagiri further north, and finally led us to Plaga, on the East. Traversing through small towns and winding forest roads gave me a completely different view of Bali from what I’d known before. I could even see the imposing silhouette of Gunung Agung in the distance—a constant reminder of nature’s majestic presence.

This was the furthest I've ever been in Bali!

 When we arrived at each farm, we were greeted by farmers full of passion and hopes for a more sustainable future. The citrus farmers in Tabanan proudly showcased their sweet, delectable oranges, while Pak Made spoke about revitalizing local forests both as a source of income and as a means of protecting the area’s hidden treasures. In Plaga, I met farmers who worked tirelessly on even small-looking plots of land—people whose dedication to their craft earned my deepest respect.

 When the day was done, I packed up while feeling a profound shift within me. Northern Bali’s serenity stands in stark contrast to the frenetic energy of the island’s tourist hubs. I realized that beyond the hotels and popular beaches lies a vibrant tapestry of farmers and innovators devoted to preserving Bali’s natural splendour. Their commitment to sustainability proved to me that real progress doesn’t always come in the form of large upscale projects, sometimes it comes from the little things that still matter.

The su-re.co team and farmers in Plaga!

 Now, as I prepare to return to Jakarta, my heart feels a mix of heaviness and renewed purpose. North Bali's beauty, with its lush landscapes and the warmth of its communities, leaves me with an undeniable urge to continue doing good for the planet. Even if Jakarta’s bustling streets and concrete life await me, the inspiration I found among Bali’s farmers drives me forward. Whether it’s reducing my plastic consumption, advocating for renewable energy, and continuing to work on green initiatives, the memories of Gunung Agung’s silhouette and the farmers’ unwavering dedication remind me that progress often begins in the small, meaningful actions we take.

 If you find ever find yourself in Bali, I encourage you to veer off the beaten path. Go up North, visit a farm, strike up a conversation with a local, and see for yourself what truly makes the island special. By connecting with the people and their stories, you’ll discover that paradise here isn’t just about beaches—it’s about a community’s shared dedication to safeguarding the land that sustains us all.

-Nyiayu Ayeesha