Amidst the roar of construction and the clamor of modernization, we often overlook the true foundation of a nation: agriculture and food security. Yet, the story of one Indonesian son, Dr. Reza Abdul-Jabbar, proves that the agricultural sector, specifically livestock farming, can be the path to immense success, even in a foreign land. From Pontianak, Indonesia, to New Zealand, Dr. Reza built a dairy farming empire that now produces thousands of liters of milk daily, cementing his name as a proud Indonesian diaspora figure.
Dr. Reza Abdul-Jabbar discussing the technicalities of modern dairy farming.
Our conversation with Dr. Reza began with a technical discussion on folic acid and sulfuric acid. "Folic acid is a supplement, usually used by mothers planning pregnancy," Dr. Reza explained casually, clarifying the difference between the essential nutrient and sulfuric acid, which is hazardous and only used for cleaning milk tanks. This brief exchange immediately highlighted the depth of his knowledge in animal husbandry.
Author’s Observations: The Intersection of Faith and Industry
In our analysis as writers, Dr. Reza Abdul-Jabbar’s trajectory represents a rare synthesis of Spirituality and Systematic Management. We observed that his success is not merely a product of New Zealand’s favorable climate, but a result of "Intellectual Resilience." Most diaspora success stories focus on the 'what,' but Dr. Reza emphasizes the 'why'—rooted in parental blessing and a rejection of the subsidy-dependent mindset.
Furthermore, we observe that his "Farmer-Entrepreneur" model challenges the traditional Indonesian perception of farming as a low-tier profession. By owning the supply chain through cooperatives like Fonterra, Dr. Reza demonstrates that Food Sovereignty is achieved when practitioners become shareholders. His story serves as a critical mirror for Indonesia’s agricultural policies, suggesting that true independence lies in soil preservation and market-driven competitiveness rather than temporary financial aid.
Setting the Record Straight and Building a Dream
Meeting Dr. Reza was an honor. He is a humble yet insightful man who is now unexpectedly known as a giant farmer in New Zealand. Media reports often highlight his achievements, but Dr. Reza felt the need to correct some data. "If we talk about the cattle numbers, Subhanallah, they vary. The data that says 20,000 is not correct. Alhamdulillah, today we are in the range of 4,500 to 5,000 dairy cows," he revealed. A vast area of approximately 1,000 hectares stands as a silent witness to this extraordinary journey.
The number is dynamic and constantly fluctuates due to yearly birthing processes. "We don't want any more than that—not because we don't want more sustenance—but if the number increases significantly, the land must also increase. Buying is one thing, but we also have to be able to take care of it," he emphasized, underscoring the importance of management alongside his other commitments, including family, religious advocacy (dakwah), and community affairs.
A Father’s Vision and a Child’s Ambition
Dr. Reza's story began with a childhood dream. "I came to New Zealand at the age of 16," he recalled. "I truly had a desire to become a farmer since I was 8 years old." This ambition was nurtured by an exceptional father, a visionary who believed in his son. His father instilled the values of tawhid (Oneness of God) and tijarah (commerce) simultaneously.
The result of decades of dedication: A sustainable dairy empire.
When Dr. Reza was eight, his father asked, "Son, what do you want to be?" Dr. Reza replied, "I want to be a trader." His father responded, "If you trade, every day is Monday, Son." This philosophy taught him to be prepared for hard work. His father also encouraged him to be different: "Salmon never swim against the current. Who swims with the current? Trash." This taught Dr. Reza to be a pioneer in a field he loved.
The Power of Parental Blessing and Knowledge
For Dr. Reza, parental blessing is the ultimate "math." He recounted wanting to buy 80 hectares, but the owner would only sell it if he also took an additional 70 hectares. His father advised him to buy both. Surprisingly, that extra land was rich in Manuka honey, producing 20 tons of top-grade honey. "Sometimes, mathematics cannot be applied 100%," Dr. Reza concluded.
He also adheres to "al-ilmu qoblal qouli wal amal" (knowledge before action). He started by working as an employee, learning from the ground up. New Zealand’s dairy model is unique because it is built on cooperatives. Fonterra, the largest company, is owned by 9,000 farmers. "We are not just investors; we are owner-operators. This model cannot be corrupted because we don't sell our shares to non-farmers."
New Zealand exports 96% of its dairy production to feed the world.
Rejecting Subsidies and Achieving Sovereignty
Dr. Reza has a firm stance against subsidies. "Subsidized countries make farmers weak," he stated. When things are free, they are often not valued. He points out the irony that some fertilizer in New Zealand comes from Indonesia, yet Indonesian farmers struggle to find it. He emphasizes that "soil depletion" is the real enemy—harvesting without replacing nutrients.
His story is a call for reflection on food sovereignty. A nation is not independent if it cannot feed itself. By honoring the farmer and ensuring they receive a fair price—unlike the middlemen-dominated systems—a nation can build a sustainable future. Dr. Reza Abdul-Jabbar shows that the dream of an eight-year-old child can become a global inspiration.
