In Banyuwangi, specifically in the Papring neighborhood of Kalipuro District, a new generation of nature guardians is quietly being born. Through the Field School (Sekolah Lapang) program, the community of Kampoeng Batara, in collaboration with the Environmental Bamboo Foundation (Yayasan Bambu Lingkungan Lestari -YBLL), has initiated concrete steps toward ecosystem preservation through intensive bamboo nursery management.
"Look at the root eye, pay attention to the shoot," Mawianto said softly yet firmly. He is one of the driving forces behind the Bamboo Nursery Field School, an initiative supported by the Environmental Bamboo Foundation.
The activities, which ran periodically from October 7, 2025, to their peak on March 1, 2026, integrated technical education with field action. Under the guidance of Mawianto, an experienced instructor, the students of Kampoeng Batara were invited to dive deep into both the philosophy and techniques of bamboo cultivation.
The learning process was designed to be comprehensive. Beyond focusing on new seeding, participants were also educated on replanting to replace seedlings that failed to grow. This step is crucial to ensure that the cultivated bamboo varieties grow optimally until they reach the planting stage. These varieties include: Yellow Bamboo (Bambu Kuning), Bambu Kuning Vulgaris, Nagin Bamboo/Bottle Bamboo (Bambu Nagin), Bambu Benel, Stone Bamboo (Bambu Batu).
In another corner, the bustle shifted to piles of soil and husks. There, the Women’s and Youth Groups of the Papring neighborhood served as the main driving force. With deft hands, they mixed the planting media to fill thousands of polybags. In their midst was Mrs. Nia, one of the leading "Bamboo Mothers" (Ibu Bambu), ensuring that the soil quality in the polybags met the required growth standards.
She emphasized that this active involvement of women is not just technical assistance, but a long-term investment for the environment.
"For me, this is not just a nursery routine. It is about how we strive to prepare bamboo growth for the future generations of our children," she said.
Through the guidance of YBLL alongside the residents of Kampoeng Batara, this Field School program is expected to not only produce high-quality bamboo seedlings but also strengthen community independence in maintaining environmental sustainability in the Banyuwangi region.