Malanginspirasi.com – To commemorate Heroes Day and the 65th Anniversary of the Faculty of Agriculture at Brawijaya University (UB), a tree-planting initiative involving 1,000 durian trees was held in Wonokoyo Village, Kedungkandang, Malang City, on Monday (10 November 2025).
The initiative was a collaborative effort between Malang Peduli Demokrasi (MPD), UB’s Faculty of Agriculture, and the Malang City Government.
Malang Mayor Wahyu Hidayat praised the activity as a modern form of struggle that delivers significant benefits for future generations.
“In the past, heroes fought for independence; today, our struggle is planting trees for the future of our children and grandchildren,” he stated.
He emphasized that planting 1,000 durian trees not only benefits the environment but also enhances green open spaces in Malang City.
“We want this city to remain fresh, cool, and green. Activities like this align with our vision for sustainable development,” he added.
Tourism Potential
The selection of Wonokoyo Village as the location was deliberate. The area boasts expansive land suitable for durian cultivation and holds strong potential as a tourism destination.
Additionally, Wonokoyo carries historical significance as the site where national hero Hamid Rusdi fell in battle.
“Wonokoyo has rich history and immense tourism potential. Hamid Rusdi perished here, so this durian planting can become a new tourist attraction,” he explained.
Some of the planted durian trees will be directly managed by local residents, including those in residential yards.
MPD President Imam Muslich noted that Wonokoyo was chosen due to its ample vacant land.
“It’s impossible to plant in the city center, so Wonokoyo is the ideal choice with its empty and expansive plots,” he said.
Food Security Through Urban Farming
The durian planting in Wonokoyo represents UB Faculty of Agriculture’s ongoing efforts to strengthen food security and promote sustainable agriculture.
This event goes beyond mere tree planting—it sows hope and knowledge for the local community.
Dean of UB Faculty of Agriculture, Mangku Purnomo, explained that the activity is part of developing the urban farming concept, which offers high economic value.
“Urban farming is often seen as unprofitable. But if we focus on high-value crops like herbal ingredients, cosmetics raw materials, or premium fruits such as durian, the results can be far more productive,” he said.
He detailed that the saplings include diverse varieties, from Musang King, Duri Hitam, and Bawor to superior breeds developed by UB.
The faculty selected early-bearing (genjah) varieties to ensure fruit production within two to three years.
With durian trees planted in open fields, residents’ yards, and along riverbanks, the area is expected to become greener and more appealing as a new agrotourism destination.
To ensure program success, UB has assigned durian expert Prof. Didik to guide Wonokoyo residents until the trees thrive and bear fruit.
UB will also provide supporting equipment, including fertilizers and training, to help residents maintain the plants effectively.
“We will bring in Prof. Didik, our durian specialist. We are preparing the human resources, fertilizers, and full accompaniment. If the community succeeds in caring for them well, we are ready to add another 1,000 trees,” Mangku stated.
Through campus-community collaboration, UB demonstrates that agricultural innovation can create substantial impacts on the environment and the welfare of Wonokoyo residents.
Wonokoyo is poised to emerge as a new durian hub in Malang City, serving as a real-world example of successful university-based community empowerment.
