Rowo Ombo: From Neglected Swamp to a Symbol of Hope and Conservation in Jambi, Indonesia

by: Kurniawan Iskandar

Balancing ecology and economy, Tanah Abang Village in Jambi, Indonesia, transforms a rundown swamp into Rowo Ombo — a grassroots conservation and agro-tourism hub that supports sustainable palm oil, empowers smallholders, and restores the local ecosystem.

Merangin, Jambi, Indonesia – Amidst the vast oil palm plantations in Tanah Abang Village, Jambi, a community-led initiative has emerged as an oasis of change: Rowo Ombo. Once a neglected swamp, it has now been transformed into a centre for conservation and a new source of hope for the village’s environment and economy. 

As part of a monitoring visit for the independent smallholder certification project supported by RSPO through the RSPO Smallholder Support Fund (RSSF), RSPO representatives joined the local community in officiating the conservation area.

Rowo Ombo is a grassroots initiative by the residents of Tanah Abang Village aimed at restoring the swamp’s function as a water catchment area, promoting environmental conservation, and creating an educational agro-tourism space. The inauguration featured tree planting and fish release activities led by representatives from RSPO and Perkumpulan Alam Hijau (AHI). The Village Head of Tanah Abang and dozens of local residents also attended, warmly welcoming this sustainability commitment.

“We want Rowo Ombo to be a symbol of a new way of thinking about nature. We’ve long relied on oil palm, but now we realise that protecting the environment is also part of the legacy we leave for our children and grandchildren,” said Suhar, Chairperson of the Rowo Ombo Community.

This initiative is part of a broader project titled “Realising a Sustainable Palm Oil Business for Independent Smallholders through the RSPO Certification Scheme”, a collaboration between RSPO and A-HI as facilitator, with total support amounting to IDR 1,087,500,000 (USD 66,722). The project takes place in two villages, Tri Mulya Jaya and Tanah Abang, providing assistance to independent smallholders in achieving RSPO Certification, while also preserving the surrounding ecosystem.

During the visit, RSPO and AHI conducted direct monitoring of the independent smallholders’ plantations, discussed the certification process, and listened to the aspirations of the BUMDES Harapan Makmur Tanah Abang farmer group. The discussion served as a valuable learning and sharing platform, particularly on improving plantation productivity and exploring income-boosting opportunities through certification. Currently, BUMDES Harapan Makmur Tanah Abang consists of 166 smallholder members, managing a total of 427 hectares in the process of obtaining RSPO Certification.

Umi Syamsiatun, Director of AHI Jambi, expressed her pride in the synergy that has been established. “We see the direct impact of an approach that prioritises balance between economy and ecology. The identification of High Conservation Value (HCV) areas in Rowo Ombo is proof that nature conservation can go hand in hand with improving livelihoods,” she said.

We see the direct impact of an approach that prioritises balance between economy and ecology. The identification of High Conservation Value (HCV) areas in Rowo Ombo is proof that nature conservation can go hand in hand with improving livelihoods

Another key achievement has been the empowerment of independent smallholders to produce their own organic liquid fertiliser, reducing dependency on chemical inputs and improving soil health.

Rowo Ombo has now become part of a new chapter for Tanah Abang Village—a village that not only cultivates but also protects. With tangible support from RSPO, AHI, and the local community, this area not only stores water, but also holds hope.

Kurniawan Iskandar is the RSPO Communications Manager of APAC. To connect, email: [email protected].