Webinar Recap: “From Earth to Earth: Food Security and Circular Economy for Future Generations”

16th October 2025 – Tay Juhana Foundation (TJF), in collaboration with Zentide and Greeneration Foundation (GF), hosted a webinar highlighting the importance of sustainable food security and circular economy, titled “From Earth to Earth: Food Security and Circular Economy for Future Generations.” The event was successfully attended by 176 participants from various backgrounds, from students, practitioners, to governmental personnels.

This webinar was held in accordance with the celebration of World Food Day 2025 under the theme “Hand in Hand for Better Foods and Better Future” where collaboration is recognized as a key factor towards a better and sustainable food future. This factor was also highlighted by the representatives of the three organizations in their opening remarks, soliciting the audience for a further collaboration on making an impactful change towards a sustainable food future through this opportunity. 

Further effort on this issue is urgently needed as we have to “increase the global food production by 60% in 2050 to fulfill the rising population’s needs” as Septi Mulyani Siregar, Zentide’s CEO Representative, quoted the FAO. Multilayered problems are also underlying the realization of food security by the year 2050 such as “82% of Indonesia’s land are reckoned to be suboptimal while optimal land for food is constantly decreasing with the rising land conversion. Other challenges also come from the aging farmers and the uncertainty of climate change” as Dinda Sonaloka, TJF’s Assistant Manager, stated. Moreover, the Operational Director of GF, Mika Agustina, also added that “it is the youths and environmentalists that foster the greatest role in ensuring change towards a sustainable future through ideas, innovations, and energy.”

With the diverse focus of the three organizations, this webinar successfully covered three main topics, namely biosolution for a sustainable agriculture brought by Zentide, circular economy brought by GF, and, finally, sustainable food security by TJF.

Opening the presentation session, Rijalul Umam, Agronomist and Sales Manager of Zentide, shared insights on biosolutions as a pathway toward sustainable agriculture. Highlighting the urgency of shifting away from chemical dependency, he explained how the excessive use of synthetic fertilizers, though initially meant to boost yields, has led to soil degradation, economic inefficiency for farmers, and worsening climate impacts. As a solution, Zentide is continuously developing and researching biosolutions to restore soil health. This is done through the development of natural biostimulants derived from tropical seaweed in Lombok, which can reduce chemical fertilizer use by up to 50%. By revitalizing soil ecosystems and improving nutrient absorption, these innovations not only enhance productivity but can also contribute to long-term food security. Through collaborations with local farmers, research institutions, and universities, Zentide envisions a farming ecosystem that sustains both people and the planet.

Continuing the discussion, Greeneration Foundation, represented by their Communication and Partnership Manager, Fikli Perdana Kusuma, explored how the circular economy can serve as a transformative model for a sustainable future. Rather than adhering to the traditional linear “take-make-dispose” system, a circular economy emphasizes minimizing waste, maintaining the value of materials, and regenerating natural systems. Fikli outlined how this framework, now supported by Indonesia’s national roadmap for 2025–2035, can be applied across various sectors—from industry and business to communities and households. By promoting practices such as recycling, refill systems, and waste sorting, the circular economy not only reduces environmental burdens but also strengthens the foundations of food and resource security. GF’s community initiatives like EcoRanger and Driving Refill Solution exemplify how local action and behavioral change can collectively build a more resilient and sustainable ecosystem.

The session was concluded with Tay Juhana Foundation’s research team, Rivaldo Herman (as the Research and Learning Coordinator) and Safira Eka Aprianti (as the Agroforestry Researcher), who discussed sustainable food security through regenerative agriculture on suboptimal lands. Drawing from TJF’s research in Indragiri Hilir, Riau, where peat and tidal lands dominate, the team shared how locally adapted water management and agroforestry systems can strengthen resilience amid climate challenges. They introduced regenerative agriculture as an approach that prioritizes soil health, biodiversity, and ecological balance, while maintaining productivity and farmers’ welfare. By promoting diverse planting systems and integrating crops with livestock, practices like coconut-based agroforestry have proven to improve both ecosystem stability and livelihoods. As TJF emphasized, “healthy soil equals healthy food,” it is a reminder that building food security starts with restoring the land and empowering farmers to become stewards of sustainability.

As we reflect on these multi-angled discussions, it becomes clear that advancing future food security requires a circular approach to both the economy and food systems. An approach that emphasizes natural, local, and sustainable solutions to environment-induced problems. By optimizing local resources while maintaining ecological balance, we can build a resilient food system that benefits every individual. These efforts can only thrive through close collaboration among diverse actors who continue to learn, innovate, and adapt together.

Through this webinar, we hope to continue building momentum and strengthen collective efforts toward a more secure food future. Stay connected with us on Instagram and LinkedIn for upcoming discussions and initiatives that drive real impact!