Greetings, Arcomedia Entrepreneur Friends! It is a privilege to share another journey of inspiration with you today. Have you ever felt like you were running a race with no finish line? Trading your peace for a high-rise office and endless targets until you forgot the simple joy of breathing freely?
Today, we explore the extraordinary transition of Mas Surya, the visionary behind Garum Farm in Blitar. His story is far more than a career pivot from an elite banker in Singapore to a sheep breeder; it is a profound soul transformation centered on finding contentment, tranquility, and the courage to become a student of life once again.
Mas Surya finding peace in the daily rhythm of farm life.
Conquering the Fear: Faith is Not a Path to Hardship
Many of us, including Surya, often carry a subconscious fear when considering a major life change. There is a common misconception that a deeper commitment to one's faith or values automatically invites devastating "trials by fire."
Surya admits he hesitated to leave the banking industry, fearing that his life would be "stripped down" as a test of character. However, his experience in the village offered a healing new perspective. He realized that spiritual growth should bring serenity, not paralyzing anxiety. Challenges exist to build maturity, not to cause destruction.
Redefining 'Slow Living' Through Contentment
After decades in global hubs like Jakarta, Singapore, and the Netherlands, Surya found a beautiful anomaly in Blitar. He observed a level of qanaah (contentment) among his neighbors that was truly humbling.
"I once offered a full salary to a team member so he could stay home after his wife gave birth. He actually refused, stating he didn't want to burden Garum Farm while we were still growing. His heart was far more spacious than mine, despite my economic advantages," Surya reflects.
This was his introduction to true Slow Living. For Surya, this isn't about laziness or lack of ambition. It is a strategic movement to counter the habit of constant urgency. In business, it means refusing to overextend for uncertain gains and focusing on current capabilities instead of future anxieties.
The Legacy of Garum Farm: A Father's Vision
Established in 2019, Garum Farm was the brainchild of Surya’s late father. Having spent his youth herding other people's sheep due to poverty, the father wished to return to his roots during retirement.
Surya, an admirer of Steve Irwin’s passion for wildlife, felt a natural calling to this path. The transition, however, was not instantaneous. He navigated various ventures—from selling snacks and honey to financial consulting—before fully committing to the farm when the global pandemic shifted the world's focus.
International Wisdom: The 5 Pillars of Livestock
A fundamental turning point occurred with the arrival of Mr. Will Vanen Ecker, an international livestock expert from the Netherlands. Through a global volunteer organization, Mr. Will mentored Garum Farm for two weeks, free of charge.
His teachings were deceptively simple yet transformative, focusing on the 5 Fundamental Pillars:
- 1. Nutrition (The Core Focus)
- 2. Nutrition (Consistency)
- 3. Nutrition (Formulation)
- 4. Housing & Infrastructure
- 5. Breeding Stock & Genetics
Mr. Will proved that while most farmers obsess over genetics, the real secret lies in nutrition. By refining their feed formulas, Garum Farm saw mortality rates plummet and twin-birth rates soar.
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Practical Tech: From Clothespins to High-End Laptops
The farm’s efficiency doesn't rely on expensive automation but on practical logic. Mr. Will introduced colorful clothespins to mark feeding portions—a simple, error-proof system.
However, for management, Surya leverages his banking background. He maintains rigorous recording and cash-flow projections using an ASUS ExpertBook P5. This military-grade laptop is essential for his "random" workspaces—be it a dusty barn or a rainy field—ensuring that professional standards are maintained even in the heart of nature.
The 'Rojokoyo' Philosophy: Sustainability Over Exploitation
Livestock markets are volatile. To combat this, Surya adopted the ancient Javanese principle of Rojokoyo—viewing livestock as a "living asset" rather than a primary operational burden. Garum Farm achieved this through integration:
- Agro-Integration: Planting corn, chilies, and papayas on surplus land.
- Organic Production: Converting manure into high-quality fertilizer for sale.
- Financial Resilience: Daily costs are covered by crops, allowing the sheep to remain a secure "savings account" regardless of market fluctuations.
Source: PecahTelur YouTube Channel
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