A note of Gito Haryanto, a facilitator

During  facilitating work in Pacitan since 2006, there are lots of interesting things that could become lessons learned. One of them is when I started the profession as facilitator. At that time, I facilitated the palmsugar producers in a village that by coincidence included to the same SubDistrict that President SBY was born and having his elementary education. Desa Mantren, Kebon Agung was the exact place.   

The story began from the process of socialization and group establishment. Socialization was conducted by visiting several related parties, head of village, head of sub-village, community main person, and other stakeholders, including thetraders (bakul)

After socialization, the first group was established. The group was functioning as the place for palm sugar producers to discuss, negotiate, sharing roles and also as a legal institution for the producers. The institution will function as purchasing media, quality improvement and supplies of daily needs of the members. The socialization was done successfully. It was accepted by the community as it seemed a good opportunity for them to change to a better life. One of the partners, Khoirul, said, “If it is not us who change our fate, who else would?”

The first group was successfully established and starting to run the activities. Khoirul as the local cadre was challenged by facilitator to established other same groups, minimum of 20 groups, or 200 persons as partners. However, Khoirul had uneasy obstacles and in here, he showed his commitment and devotion to the improvement of palm sugar producers. “If we are going to make it, we have to deal with the obstacles. Just make them as colours of our  battle for success”, said Khoirul at that time.

Less then a week of group establishment, suddenly a trader  came and yelled,”Stop  the groups!” Then to avoid social conflict, they went to other village components and having discussion. . The angry trader also invited to the discussion and he protested, “If this is how it works, you all would “kill” me and stopping my income.”

“Here I prepare a machete. If this activity will still be continued….,” he said,, threatening others in the forum discussion. Then the head of village gave input, that the activities of groups shall be off for a while, however if they want to develop new groups, it should be allowable. Slow but sure, Khoirul and friends develop groups of palm sugar producers who are also taking roles as the vendors.

Less then one month, four new groups were established and the sell and buy activities of the groups were starting. The sugar were still sold to the traders, some were sold to local market. And after sometimes, the groups then could get through outer markets and also supplying a soya-bean sauce factory.

It was so fortunate to meet someone like Khoirul, and also other cadres. We built commitment to work together in partnership, intensive communication and socialization to build understanding to the community, including to the traders. Khoirul and friends were finally winning the battle. Not only establishing a cooperative, they were also successful in creating 21 independent groups or 218 partners.

Not less important that the traders themselves have admitted the groups, including the cooperative. They are cooperating in purchasing the sugar, sharing information about prices and palm sugar business. “Each drop of nira full of hope, already proven”
[*Gito Haryanto, Independent Facilitator for The Economic Empowerment Program for PalmSugar Producers Desa Mantren, Kebon Agung Sub District, Pacitan, East Java. At present, as Coordinator of Rural Food Security Program for Kuningan, Ciamis and East Lampung)