The Story of Bung Yadi: Transforming Limited Space into a Mini Food Estate
In the midst of the hustle and bustle, rapid development, and urban density of Tangerang City, a simple dream of food security has flourished—defying the conventional logic that farming requires vast land and massive capital. This is the inspiring story of Bungaran Eka Suryadi, affectionately known as Bung Yadi, a former Information Technology (IT) professional who chose early retirement to trade his keyboard for a hoe and cultivate blessings.
From Coding to the Hoe: Choosing the Path of Early Retirement
Beneath the stretch of high-voltage power lines (SUTET), Ayodha Farm was born. It is a food security complex he calls a Mini Food Estate, serving as living proof that "rezeki" (sustenance) is not just about numbers and assets, but also the quality of one's trust in God (tawakul) and right effort (ikhtiar).
As shared on the PecahTelur YouTube channel, Bung Yadi’s story isn't a cliché about failing in the city and retreating to the village. He was a man who had reached a stable career level in the fast-paced digital world of IT. However, at the height of his success, he began to reflect deeply on the future and his life’s purpose.
"My background is IT. I realized that in IT, there’s a limit. You can't manage servers or be a coder forever until retirement age," Bung Yadi explained.
For many, the peak of a career is a high-ranking title. For Bung Yadi, the ultimate level for an IT professional is the ability to be food-independent and socially beneficial. This unique philosophy drove his drastic decision to retire early, leaving a stable monthly salary for the uncertainty of the harvest.
The Mini Food Estate Concept in an Urban Setting
Located in Cipondoh, Tangerang, Ayodha Farm is not a typical farm growing a single commodity. On a relatively limited plot of 3,000 square meters, Bung Yadi implemented a concept that ensures economic sustainability through varied harvest cycles:
- Daily Income: Hydroponic lettuce (supplying 80–85 kg/day via contract farming), Omega chicken eggs, and duck eggs.
- Weekly/Monthly: Peking ducks (meat) and duck eggs.
- Bi-Monthly: Hydroponic Melons (specifically the high-demand Sweetnet variety).
- Quarterly (3 Months): Tilapia fish cultivated using RAS (Recirculating Aquaculture System) to ensure high quality without the "muddy" taste.
- Bi-Annually (6 Months): Freshwater Lobster, a premium commodity.
Smart Investment in the City
Bung Yadi knew that land in Tangerang is expensive. His solution? Research. He found that land under high-voltage lines (SUTET) is significantly cheaper to rent because permanent structures—especially housing—cannot be built there. Despite the narrow access roads, the low rent and proximity to the urban market made it the perfect strategic location.
Technical Efficiency and Zero Waste
To ensure profitability despite high urban production costs, Bung Yadi applies a strict Zero Waste and Cost of Goods Sold (COGS/HPP) control strategy.
Self-Produced Feed: One of the biggest challenges in farming is the cost of feed. Ayodha Farm produces its own feed with a protein content of over 22%, surpassing commercial standards while drastically reducing costs.
- In-House Nutrients: For his hydroponics, Bung Yadi mixes his own nutrients rather than buying expensive commercial brands.
- The "1005" Philosophy: He believes 1,000 square meters of land must generate at least IDR 5 million in profit per month.
"The most important thing isn't just raising fish; it's managing the water," Bung Yadi says, emphasizing that water filtration and bacteria management are the keys to a successful harvest.
The Spiritual Turning Point: The Power of Prayer and Trust
The success of Ayodha Farm is inseparable from Bung Yadi’s spiritual journey. He admits he didn't start from zero—he started from "minus." At one point, he was drowning in debt from online loans and credit cards, driven by an ambition to get rich quickly.
The lowest point came when his mother passed away. Consumed by grief and anger, he stopped praying for seven months. It was his wife who eventually woke him up, asking, "How long will you protest against God? Our children are growing, and we have nothing."
He decided to rebuild his life based on two core motivations:
"Fix your prayer, and God will fix your life."
Ali bin Abi Thalib's advice: "The best revenge is to be better."
He began with small steps—praying on time, performing Dhuha and Tahajjud prayers—while simultaneously working as a reseller for electronics and doing freelance IT work. Eventually, during the COVID-19 pandemic, his IT projects boomed, allowing him to pay off all his debts. Instead of luxury, he chose to take his family for Umrah. He found that the more he gave in the way of God, the more his wealth multiplied.
Trust (Tawakul) as the Non-Technical Aspect of Farming
Bung Yadi emphasizes that in farming, technical SOPs must go hand-in-hand with spiritual effort. He once lost a large sum in a chili farming venture because the human resources lacked spiritual discipline.
"The key to farming is trust (tawakul). We must have good thoughts about God. If our effort is right and our heart is right, God will provide the market for our harvest."
Today, Ayodha Farm is a hub for production and education. Bung Yadi uses digital marketing to manage his "Mini Food Estate" and acts as an "off-taker" for other farmers, helping them sell their crops. His goal is simple: to be beneficial to others.
Reflection
Bung Yadi’s story proves that even under the shadows of power lines and amidst concrete jungles, limited land can produce food security and abundance. It all started with a man who chose to fix his relationship with his Creator and plant seeds of trust in every inch of soil he stepped on.
What do you think? Have you ever experienced a spiritual turning point that changed your career? Do you agree that technical SOPs and spiritual trust must go hand-in-hand in business?
Source : Ch.ytb. PecahTelur : Perbaiki Sholatmu Maka Allah Perbaiki Hidupmu: Berhasil Bangkit Dari Kebangkrutan & Hutang!