Inclusivity and Collaboration at the Heart of FEAST! Kick-Off

Flores Empowerment for Agricultural Sustainability and Transformation, or FEAST!, is more than just another program acronym. FEAST! is born out of a shared commitment to support sustainable agriculture. Standing at the forefront, yet often overlooked, in the effort are farmers, especially women farmers. 

Launched by DBS Foundation and Humanis (Yayasan Humanis dan Inovasi Sosial), FEAST! is grounded in the belief that food sovereignty and resilience must be built from the ground up, starting with those who live and labor closest to the soil. Taking place across eight districts in Flores Island, located in the Indonesian province of East Nusa Tenggara, FEAST! centers the voices, needs, and leadership of local farming communities, with a special focus on the women farmers. 

On 25–26 July 2025, the program officially began with FEAST! Kick-Off event held in Jakarta. 

Image 1. FEAST! Consortium members attended the kick-off event for program alignment. 

Kick-Off Rooted in Collective Purpose 

To kickstart the program, the kick-off brought together everyone involved in the program to get on the same page, share stories, and build collective commitment. The kick-off was a key moment to co-create a collaborative space carrying this program forward. 

The program aims to reach a total of 28,040 direct beneficiaries in Flores, which includes small-scale women farmers, community members, and local actors in the food system. The program is made possible with the full support of DBS Foundation, focusing on expanding social impact for vulnerable communities, including farmers. Humanis ensures that inclusive systems and participatory processes remain at the heart of the program throughout its implementation. 

The program is implemented by Humanis in partnership with two key organizations: the People’s Coalition for Food Sovereignty (KRKP) and the Association of Women’s Small Business Support Groups (ASPPUK). KRKP plays a leading role in community-driven advocacy for food sovereignty, while ASPPUK focuses on strengthening public health awareness among vulnerable communities. 

As it moves forward, FEAST! will continue to engage a broader ecosystem of stakeholders — local governments, health workers, youth networks, and community-based organizations alike — toward a future where food systems nourish both the body and local communities. 

“We’re hopeful that the spirit of collaboration ignited during this kick-off will carry us through the next three years,” said Tunggal Pawestri, Executive Director of Humanis. “FEAST! is committed to working with farmers, community groups, and local governments to transform Flores’ food systems into something more inclusive, just, and sustainable.” 

Echoing this vision, Nazla Mariza, SVP Impact Beyond Banking at Bank DBS Indonesia, added: “Through this program, we hope to achieve the vision of DBS Foundation of uplifting the lives and livelihoods of vulnerable communities, including farmers. This vision is built on three pillars: providing essential needs, fostering inclusion, and empowering ageing societies with quality living spans.” 

Image 2.  A group picture of FEAST! Powered by DBS Foundation and Humanis consortium members to commemorate the event. 

Centering Women Farmers 

From planting, harvesting, and processing, women are the backbone of food production in Flores. On top of that, they take on the bulk of unpaid care work like cooking, childcare, and ensuring family nutrition. Despite their critical roles at home and in the field, they remain largely excluded from decisions about land, capital, and agricultural resources. 

“Our mission is to strengthen women’s access, control, and participation in micro- and small-scale enterprises,” said Emmy Astuti, Executive Director of ASPPUK. “We want to help build gender-just, inclusive networks that not only uplift women but also ensure that public policy and programs truly serve them.” 

Image 3. One of the representatives from KRKP presented their plan to strengthen the food system.  

Beyond recognition, access to information, leadership spaces, land, credit, and technology for women farmers is crucial in ensuring justice. As such, FEAST! places gender-responsive agricultural practices at the heart of its work: to strengthen food security, improve community nutrition, and empower women to lead in the face of the climate crisis. 

“Access to food production resources must protect farmers’ control, be subject to ongoing oversight, and ensure fair and just production processes. At the same time, it is crucial to promote the consumption of local food that is nutritionally balanced,” said Lily Batara, Program Coordinator at KRKP. 

Amid climate crisis and food inequality, FEAST! stands with those most forgotten: farmers. We recognize that the journey toward a just, inclusive food system cannot be walked alone. The FEAST! Kick-Off marks the start of a values-driven collaboration: one that puts farmers at the center of food policies and ensures that food system transformation begins with those who live and survive by the land.