‘Crazy’ eco-warrior turns arid hills green

Healing the environment: Sadiman standing near a hill which he replanted with trees in Wonogiri, Central Java province. — Reuters

ONCE considered crazy by fellow villagers, Indonesian eco-warrior Sadiman has turned barren hills green after 24 years of effort, making water resources available in the drought-prone mountainous region where he lives.

Affectionately addressed as “mbah” or “grandpa”, the 69-year-old has worked relentlessly to plant trees in the hills of central Java after fires to clear the land for cultivation nearly dried up its rivers and lakes.