FOR Hilarius Mali Asa, challenges are never a reason to quit. Instead, he treats them as opportunities to learn.
And that turning point came when the COVID-19 pandemic struck, shaking every sector, including the art shop business he had been running in Bali. Activities halted, customers disappeared, and movement became restricted.
Yet, while many were overwhelmed with uncertainty, Hilarius chose to rise in a way he had never imagined before: by entering the world of organic farming.
When the art shop fell silent, he noticed an empty piece of land that had long been unused. That was where he started something new.
He learned how to produce organic fertilizers—both liquid and solid—studied proper planting patterns, and cultivated a level of discipline no less demanding than the business world he knew.
He planted bananas and California papayas, treating every process with the same careful attention he would give to crafting a piece of art.
When the first harvest arrived, and he saw the fruits growing healthy and of exceptional quality, Hilarius could not hold back his tears.
Bringing Knowledge Home to Timor
HIS success in Bali gave birth to a new mission: bringing organic farming practices back to his hometown in Timor. Hilarius hopes to inspire young people to learn sustainable agriculture—free from dependency on chemical fertilizers.
He wants to break an old tradition: clearing forests to open new farmland. For him, forests are a source of life that must not be repeatedly sacrificed.
“With proper farming methods, even barren land can become fertile again. We just need the willingness to learn,” he affirms.
By providing education, tools, and motivation, he hopes the younger generation of Timor will see agriculture as an opportunity, not a forced occupation. He wants them to understand that organic fertilizer can be made from simple materials found around them.
Hilarius’ learning spirit didn’t stop at the soil. He also ventured into poultry farming. He bought young chicks so he could learn their care from the very beginning—from feeding and hygiene to housing and animal health management.
The result? He succeeded once again. The chickens grew healthy and strong, giving him a new experience that enriched his knowledge and business acumen.
However, when the pandemic eased and his art shop became busy again, Hilarius entrusted the poultry business to others.
Unfortunately, without proper care, the chickens were infected by a virus and died. It became a costly lesson about the importance of diligence and discipline—especially in the world of animal farming. **
Writer: Karolina, Editor: Igo Kleden
