Susila Darma Wati, Vice President of Sustainability, stated that this recognition motivates Astra Agro to further strengthen its commitment to sustainability across the company’s operations. She emphasized that responsible business practices are a critical foundation for the long-term sustainability of the palm oil industry.

She added that sustainability practices in the palm oil industry are not just a trend, but have become part of the DNA, as reflected in Astra’s 2030 Sustainability Aspiration commitment. This aspiration aims to ensure that sustainability principles are integrated into the company’s business strategy, human resource management, and social and environmental contributions.

Astra Agro received the “Special Recognition on Carbon Sequestration” award for its Nature-Based Solution (NBS) program. As part of this initiative, Astra Agro planted trees at PT Pandjiwaringin to actively absorb atmospheric carbon emissions. The company introduced ten species of high-carbon-absorption forest trees, including Mahogany, meranti bunga, and Teak.

Astra Agro will measure and verify carbon emission absorption through the SPE-GRK (Greenhouse Gas Emission Reduction Certificate) scheme to support Net Zero Emissions targets. By 2030, the company projects that this program will absorb up to 34,000 tons of CO₂eq.

In addition to its achievements in carbon emission reduction, Astra Agro received the “Special Recognition on Biodiversity Progress” award for its biodiversity management efforts. This recognition demonstrates that oil palm plantation operations can align with environmental conservation objectives.

Astra International asserts that Astra Agro has maintained a balance between business activities and biodiversity protection. This is evidenced by the completion of High Conservation Value (HCV) studies by all Astra Agro subsidiaries, reflecting the company’s commitment to sustainable practices.

Astra Agro’s commitment and conservation practices serve as a reference for other entities within the Astra Group. In September, Astra Agro collaborated with the Center for Transdisciplinary and Sustainability Sciences (CTSS) of IPB University to conduct training aimed at enhancing technical competence and coordinating conservation implementation in plantation landscapes. The training was attended by 25 participants from various Astra Group entities.

This achievement further highlights PT Astra Agro Lestari Tbk.’s commitment to integrating sustainability principles across all aspects of its operations. By employing a nature-based approach to carbon emission reduction and systematic biodiversity management, Astra Agro continues to serve as a benchmark for sustainable practices within the Astra Group.

The INSTAR Awards independently assess and verify the Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) reports of companies in Indonesia, utilizing public data and evaluating actual business practices.

Danang Widoyoko, Secretary General of Transparency International Indonesia, congratulated the companies recognized by INSTAR 2025. He stated, “Companies verified by INSTAR 2025 have undergone several rigorous verification stages, including media monitoring, sustainability report verification, and corporate resilience analysis.”

Astra Agro achieved high scores across four dimensions: Business Integrity, Environment, Social Human Rights, and Corporate Resilience. The company demonstrated strong integrity through explicit anti-corruption statements, comprehensive implementation of its code of ethics, and transparent anti-gratification policies. In the environmental dimension, Astra Agro excelled in waste management, environmental quality monitoring, and compliance with environmental regulations and reporting requirements.

In the Social and Human Rights dimension, Astra Agro Lestari was recognized for upholding workers’ rights, implementing occupational health and safety (OHS) standards, providing regular training, and establishing effective grievance mechanisms. Financial resilience, demonstrated by consistent historical profits, a robust capital structure, and efficient asset management, also contributed significantly to the company’s strong performance in the corporate resilience dimension.

Tingning Sukowignjo, Director of Astra Agro Lestari, stated that the award represents recognition of the company’s consistent implementation of integrity, transparency, and sustainability initiatives across all operational areas. She emphasized that Astra Agro Lestari remains committed to enhancing governance quality, respecting human rights, and maintaining equilibrium between business activities and the surrounding ecosystem.

The INSTAR 2025 Award also serves as a reminder to continuously strengthen good governance and deliver a positive impact on society and the environment. “The principles of zero deforestation, peatland conservation, respect for human rights, and transparency toward the public and stakeholders have become an integral part of Astra Agro’s DNA,” the Director explained.

This award also reflects Astra Agro Lestari’s commitment to implementing good corporate governance principles, including proactive efforts in anti-corruption, respect for labor and local communities, and environmental initiatives that support the Net Zero Emission target and reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions through various strategic programs.

The 2025 INSTAR Awards will provide a significant platform for companies in Indonesia to demonstrate that sustainable and integrity-based business practices have been implemented in their daily corporate operations with tangible and measurable results. (*)

“Congratulations to the participants and business owners,” said Dr Sandiaga Uno, the former Minister of Tourism of the Republic of Indonesia, who attended virtually as the keynote speaker. According to him, social innovation and green commitment in the business world are indeed very important.

Muhamad Ihsan, CEO and Chief Editor of Warta Ekonomi, remarked that this recognition represents a concrete measure to support companies that maintain business operations while considering environmental impacts. The award is presented to organizations that have effectively integrated social innovation and green commitment into their core business strategies, including demonstrable efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and address climate change.

“SIGREEN 2025 serves as a platform for recognition and cross-sectoral dialogue to advance green commitment and social innovation in the business sector. The event aims to enhance collaboration among businesses, government, and communities to achieve a competitive and sustainable green economy,” stated Ihsan.

The assessment focused on three primary aspects: green transformation and operational sustainability; impact-driven innovation, ecosystem collaboration, and shared value creation; and transparency, impact measurement, and leadership. According to Ihsan, winners were selected based on their innovation, business resilience, and integration of green values into business practices, demonstrating that sustainability is central to their operations rather than a peripheral activity.

Veronica Lusi Herdiyanti, Chief Commercial Officer of Astra Agro, emphasized that the application of sustainability principles is fundamental to the company’s operations. Astra Agro has introduced the Astra Agro Sustainability Aspirations, which outlines specific targets for implementing sustainability initiatives.

“This award serves as one of the encouragements “This award affirms that the green innovations being implemented have a tangible impact on the company’s operations, the environment, the local community, and partner farmers,” she stated. Production and the implementation of environmentally friendly practices are Astra Agro’s responsibility to make a real contribution to the nation. Astra Agro consistently strengthens collaboration, technology, and innovation that support excellent and efficient operations.

This commitment is demonstrated through a range of concrete actions undertaken by Astra Agro to support the green economy and climate change mitigation. The company has strengthened its carbon emission reduction strategy through measures such as improving energy efficiency in palm oil mills, implementing a Water Management System (WMS) to enhance operational efficiency, optimizing methane capture systems to convert methane gas into alternative energy, and increasing the use of biomass and renewable energy across operational regions.

The company is also reducing reliance on chemical fertilizers by adopting alternatives such as artificial fertilizers and ASTEMIC (Astra Efficient Microbe) biofertilizers. Additionally, Astra Agro actively protects High Conservation Value (HCV) areas and monitors regions sensitive to biodiversity.

Astra Agro’s sustainability programs have resulted in a 15.14% reduction in the Group’s scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas emissions from the 2019 baseline, a 92.17% increase in the renewable energy mix, and 100% recycling and recovery of solid waste. Consequently, Astra Agro has achieved a reduction of 126.3 ktCO2eq in greenhouse gas emissions.

As one of Astra Agro’s female directors, Lusi highlighted that beyond emission reduction, the company is committed to promoting diversity, fostering an inclusive work environment, and ensuring that its operations deliver broad benefits to surrounding communities. “All of this is in line with the company’s mission, which is to prosper with the nation, grow and thrive together with the nation,” concluded Lusi.

This award was given to Astra Agro because it was recognized as a company that has demonstrated a strong commitment to integrating Business and Human Rights (BHR) principles into its policies, procedures, and operations. This step is considered a crucial foundation for establishing a long-term direction that aligns with the principles of responsible and sustainable business.

In his remarks, Dr. Ismail Hasani, Chairman of the SETARA Institute’s Board of Directors, stated, “We are giving this award to encourage the business world to strengthen the integration of human rights principles into their business governance.” He emphasized that companies that are beginning to adopt Business and Human Rights (BHR) principles play a crucial role in developing more ethical, transparent, and sustainable business practices. Furthermore, Ismail stated that initial initiatives like this are an important foundation in the journey toward the mature and widely impactful implementation of BHR for society.

This award marks a significant milestone for Astra Agro, as the RBC Benchmarking Research results position Astra Agro as one of the entities demonstrating notable improvements in governance, risk identification and mitigation, and the development of more inclusive policies. According to Susila Darmawati, Vice President of Sustainability at Astra Agro, this award serves as an impetus for Astra Agro to continue strengthening the company’s sustainability foundation. “This award is a form of recognition for our steps in building a business system that respects human rights and is sustainability-oriented. “We will continue to strengthen processes, policies, and implementation to make them more comprehensive and have a real impact on all stakeholders,” she said. She emphasized that respect for human rights has become an integral part of all the company’s operations.In addition to strengthening governance and the human rights framework, Astra Agro continues to strengthen the implementation of its Sustainability Policy, which includes a commitment to zero deforestation, peatland conservation, and respect for human rights as the main foundation of sustainable plantation management. At the same time, Astra Agro is deepening its efforts to strengthen social and human rights aspects by providing more easily accessible grievance mechanisms, improving the complaint resolution system, and expanding human rights training for all employees. Monitoring of work practices throughout the supply chain has also been tightened to ensure that suppliers comply with sustainability standards and are free from potential human rights violations. All these initiatives are part of strengthening the Human Rights Due Diligence (HRDD) process, which is carried out continuously to ensure the company’s business practices remain aligned with responsible business principles.

In line with its commitment to strengthening environmental and human rights aspects, Astra Agro consistently prioritizes Diversity & Inclusion (D&I) programs as part of its corporate culture. The company provides equal opportunities for women to fill strategic positions in various business units, including sustainability, communications, operations, and community development. The increased representation of women in leadership is a key indicator of a company’s success in supporting SDG 5 – Gender Equality.

In addition, Astra Agro implements various women’s empowerment programs in its operational areas, including entrepreneurship training, strengthening women’s cooperatives, financial literacy initiatives, and family health programs. These programs are designed to enhance women’s economic independence, expand employment opportunities, and strengthen women’s roles in families and communities. These initiatives demonstrate the company’s dedication to fostering a more inclusive and empowered society.

As part of the series of activities, awards were also presented to several other companies and institutions that were recognized for making progress in implementing business and human rights principles. This highlights the importance of collaboration among the business world, government, and civil society in fostering a fair, ethical, and sustainable business ecosystem. This momentum serves as a reminder that the transformation toward business practices that respect human rights is a long-term process requiring collective commitment.

With this award, Astra Agro Lestari further solidifies its commitment to continuing to improve its sustainability performance, strengthening human rights integration in corporate governance, and expanding its positive social and environmental impact. In line with the spirit of “Growing Together with the Nation,” the company is committed to adopting responsible, adaptable, and globally competitive agribusiness practices to foster a more inclusive and sustainable future.

This award carries significant prestige because PIPOC is a global biennial congress directly organized by the Malaysian Palm Oil Board (MPOB). Judging was carried out by as many as 31 judges, who are leading academic experts and industry practitioners. The credibility of these judges makes the poster competition at PIPOC one of the most competitive scientific events in the global palm oil industry.

The poster that led Astra Agro to win the award was titled “Metagenomic Insights into Microbial Community Dynamics in Converted Peatlands: A Case Study from Oil Palm Plantations in Riau, Indonesia.” The presented material highlights the use of Metagenomic Profiling technology to understand the dynamics of microbial communities in peatlands with varying levels of productivity.

Astra Agro Lestari Senior Vice President of Research and Development, Cahyo Wibowo, stated that this metagenomic research is an important element of the company’s innovation roadmap. Astra Agro had previously successfully developed Astemic, a biofertilizer for mineral soils, which has been used on approximately 50,000 hectares, resulting in chemical fertilizer use efficiency reaching 25 percent.

According to him, this success serves as a foundation for the company to expand its exploration to unique lands such as peat, brackish, and acid sulfate. “Peatlands have very different microbial characteristics and require a more precise scientific approach. Through this research, we mapped the dominant microbial communities and their functions, providing a basis for developing new, more adaptive bio-inputs. This is part of our strategy toward developing peat-specific biofertilizers,” said Cahyo.

These development efforts were then strengthened thru the use of Metagenomic Profiling, a method that analyzes total DNA from soil microbes without cultivation, providing a comprehensive overview of microbial diversity and function while opening opportunities for identifying superior microorganisms that play a role in increasing the availability of essential nutrients such as Phosphate P and Potassium K. These findings serve as an important basis for peat conservation strategies, emission mitigation, and fertilizer optimization in sensitive ecosystems.

Reinforcing these results, Tiar Aji Saputra, Microbiology Junior Expert at Astra Agro Lestari and team leader, stated that the achievement serves as a significant validation of the research direction currently being pursued by Astra Agro. “This award shows that the metagenomic approach is not only scientifically relevant but also strategic for the future management of peatlands. Our findings provide a strong foundation for designing more effective nutritional solutions for peatlands. This is an important initial step toward Astra Agro’s target of producing peat-specific biofertilizers,” said Tiar.

The ABS conference, where the work was presented, is one of four major conferences at PIPOC designed to bring together experts, researchers, academics, companies, and policymakers from around the world. This year, PIPOC is hosting over 1000 participants, 100 speakers, 200 poster presenters, and more than 400 exhibitors. This event is held biennially as a global forum to showcase the latest technologies, publish research advancements, and build innovation-based collaborations under the overarching theme “Transforming Today, Empowering Tomorrow Through Innovation.”

This achievement underscores Astra Agro’s commitment to strengthening biotechnology-based research as the foundation of sustainable agricultural practices. This success also demonstrates that scientific innovation can be combined with efforts to increase productivity while conserving the peatland ecosystem, a crucial component of the plantation landscape in Indonesia. (*)

The award recognizes companies that demonstrate success in implementing innovative and impactful social and environmental responsibility (SER) initiatives. Evaluation criteria include the intensity of corporate social responsibility (CSR) activities, quality of implementation, program sustainability, and measurable social and economic impact.

Bram S. Putro, Founder and CEO of The Iconomics Media, stated that the theme for this year’s awards is The Future of CSR: Challenges and Transformation. This theme highlights the significant challenges confronting the business sector and emphasizes the need for companies to adapt to global changes, technological disruptions, and growing societal expectations for responsible and sustainable business practices.

“Congratulations to the winners. All companies recognized in this year’s awards demonstrate their ability to address the challenges of transformation and sustainability in the future,” stated Bram during his speech (11/14).

Dungdang Hutapea, Vice President of Human Capital and General Affairs at Astra Agro, expressed appreciation for the recognition from media partners. He attributed the award to the collective commitment of Astra Agro employees to foster balance among the company, farmers, and suppliers, all of whom consistently uphold the principles of sustainability.

Dungdang emphasized that innovation and social responsibility are intrinsically linked at Astra Agro. Each innovation implemented within the company’s plantations is intended to benefit both society and the environment. “In this way, CSR is not just a supporting program, but becomes part of the heart of Astra Agro’s business,” said Dungdang.

For Astra Agro, social innovation extends beyond technological advancement and operational efficiency to include the cultivation of sustainable relationships with all stakeholders. A primary focus of this commitment is the empowerment of smallholder farmers as strategic partners within the company’s supply chain.

Dungdang emphasised that palm oil smallholders are Astra Agro’s principal partners in advancing industry sustainability and contributing to Indonesia’s food security objectives. Astra Agro has partnered with thousands of partner farmers in various regions to build a modern and sustainable agricultural ecosystem. This program includes capacity building in the form of field training on integrated pest management, precision fertilisation, and environmentally friendly soil management.

“By 2024, Astra Agro has established 583 partnership networks with approximately 44,500 supplying farmers in more than 300 villages throughout Indonesia,” he stated.

He further noted that Astra Agro facilitates market access and sustainable financing through transparent long-term contract schemes, direct purchase of harvests from farmers, and support for access to financial institutions.

Digitalization has become a critical component in enhancing this program. Through its internal digital platform, Astra Agro enables farmers to monitor prices, plan harvest deliveries, and access real-time agronomic consultations.

“Through this initiative, Astra Agro not only demonstrates corporate social responsibility but also advances its long-term strategy to strengthen the foundation of a resilient and inclusive national agricultural sector,” concluded Dungdang Hutapea.

The Coordinating Minister for Food of the Republic of Indonesia, Zulkifli Hasan, emphasized that sustainability values are deeply embedded in Indonesian national culture. He stated that environmental, social, and governance (ESG) principles should be integral to the culture, reflecting ancestral teachings on environmental stewardship, community, and honesty. Zulkifli noted that, despite rapid societal changes, ESG should remain a lived practice rather than a mere slogan.

He further stated that the government is implementing a range of programs aligned with ESG principles, including environmental management and community empowerment. Zulkifli emphasized the importance of environmentally responsible, sustainable, and transparent investment.

Zulkifli also acknowledged the contributions of multiple stakeholders, including the media and private sector, in promoting sustainability awareness. He highlighted the necessity of collaboration to embed ESG as a core cultural value.

The Editor-in-Chief of Republika, Andi Muhyiddin, asserted that the climate crisis is an immediate and tangible challenge. He emphasized the importance of cross-sectoral collaboration, noting that government, business, and media must work together to address climate issues.

He called for ESG to become a guiding principle and moral commitment for the nation, rather than mere terminology. He emphasized that the award serves as a reminder of the collective responsibility to protect the environment.

Astra Agro’s Chief Operating Officer (COO), Arief Catur Irawan, expressed appreciation for the award, attributing the achievement to effective collaboration and partnership between the company and local communities, which serve as strategic partners in advancing sustainable development.

Arief stated that sustainability is a collective journey, highlighting Astra Agro’s collaboration with indigenous communities such as the Bunggu Tribe in Central Sulawesi. He noted that education and empowerment are essential for fostering a better future.

Arief further noted that the award recognizes the dedication of Astra Agro employees to supporting communities in operational areas. He affirmed the company’s commitment to integrating sustainability values into all business activities, stating that ESG principles underpin every corporate decision to ensure economic growth aligns with social welfare and environmental sustainability.

Norvi Srikasi Tiora, known as Ibu (Miss) Ophy, leads the Bunggu Tribe Women’s Community in Saluraya Hamlet and is a prominent participant in Astra Agro’s empowerment program. Her leadership has motivated the women’s group within the indigenous community to pursue education, empowerment, and improved prospects for their children.

She explained that, with support from the Astra Agro team, women in Saluraya Hamlet have developed local products such as handicrafts and regional food items. These efforts have increased family income and fostered self-confidence and independence among the women. She added that this progress has provided new hope, enabling women to contribute to both the family economy and their children’s education.

Ophy noted that the program’s success is reflected not only in economic gains but also in shifting perceptions regarding the role of women. She expressed hope that their children will have opportunities for higher education and contribute to future generations. She thanked Astra Agro for its partnership, support, and encouragement.

This achievement reaffirms Astra Agro’s commitment to supporting global efforts toward a green economy and climate change mitigation. The company continues to enhance its carbon reduction measures through energy efficiency improvements in palm oil mills, optimization of methane capture systems to convert methane gas into energy, and increased use of biomass and renewable energy across its operations.

In 2024, Astra Agro reduced its Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions by 15.14% compared to the previous year. The company has set a target to reduce GHG emissions by 30% by 2030, using 2019 as the baseline. To achieve this goal, Astra Agro is implementing strategic initiatives such as constructing methane capture facilities, utilizing biodiesel for transportation, applying organic fertilizers, replacing coal with biomass including shells, and conserving diesel fuel in water management systems.

Director Tingning Sukowignjo expressed appreciation for the award, viewing it as encouragement for the company to further enhance its contribution to environmental sustainability. “This award motivates us to continue strengthening our emission reduction and energy efficiency initiatives across all business lines. We believe that responsible agribusiness practices are not only important for the company’s sustainability, but also for a greener future for the earth,” stated Tingning.

Beyond environmental initiatives, Astra Agro consistently reinforces the implementation of sustainability principles. These policies aim to balance business productivity with ecosystem sustainability. The company actively protects High Conservation Value (HCV) areas, monitors biodiversity-sensitive regions, and ensures that operational activities do not negatively impact the environment or surrounding communities.

Astra Agro recognizes the importance of empowering women and promoting gender equality within the workplace. The company offers equal opportunities for women to advance their careers and participate in strategic decision-making. This commitment is demonstrated by the active involvement of women in managerial and leadership roles across business units such as sustainability, communications, and community development.

Astra Agro implements a range of women’s capacity-building programs in its operational areas. Through entrepreneurship training, the development of women’s cooperatives, and family education and health initiatives, the company supports the economic independence and well-being of women in communities surrounding its plantations. These efforts form a key component of the company’s strategy to promote equal opportunities and social inclusion, in alignment with SDG 5 – Gender Equality.

Tingning Sukowignjo emphasized that women’s empowerment and diversity are fundamental to Astra Agro’s sustainability strategy. “We believe that diversity and gender equality bring new perspectives to innovation and decision-making. At Astra Agro, we want every individual, regardless of gender, to have equal opportunities to grow, lead, and make a positive impact on society,” she stated.

Astra Agro maintains that corporate success is measured not only by financial performance but also by positive impacts on society and the environment. Guided by this principle, the company continues to innovate through a comprehensive Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) approach, ensuring that all business decisions incorporate long-term sustainability considerations.

President Director Djap Tet Fa stated that Astra Agro Lestari is developing an inclusive, technology-driven, and environmentally responsible agricultural model designed to ensure future food security through innovation, partnerships, and sustainability, as presented at the Indonesia International Sustainability Forum (IISF) on October 10.

During the IISF 2025 event at the Jakarta Convention Centre, Djap Tet Fa shared insights and best practices from palm oil plantation companies aimed at strengthening food security in accordance with sustainability principles.

The IISF 2025 Forum, themed “Investing for a Resilient, Sustainable, and Prosperous World,” will feature over 250 speakers and attract more than 100 global business leaders and philanthropists. The forum underscores Indonesia’s commitment to advancing the green economic transition, food security, and renewable energy promotion.

The Coordinating Minister for Infrastructure and Regional Development, Agus Harimurti Yudhoyono, emphasized that developing countries, such as Indonesia, must establish their own approaches to sustainable development rather than replicating the models of developed nations. They cannot achieve progress by sacrificing the environment or financial stability. “Investment and sustainability must go hand in hand,” said Yudhoyono.

Consistent with the Coordinating Minister’s perspective on adopting realistic and future-oriented strategies to foster independence, Astra Agro Lestari has developed a sustainable agriculture model based on collaboration between the public and private sectors.

During a discussion session on “Sustainable Agriculture,” Djap Tet Fa emphasized the crucial role of public-private partnerships in attaining long-term food security.

He explained that ‘sustainable intensification,’ defined as increasing production from existing land without expanding the cultivated area, is central to Astra Agro Lestari’s strategy.

Key initiatives by Astra Agro include rejuvenating aging plantations with high-yield varieties to enhance productivity while minimizing land use expansion. Ongoing research and innovation focus on developing organic biofertilizers to enhance soil health, reduce reliance on chemical fertilizers, and mitigate carbon emissions.

Astra Agro Lestari also ensures the inclusivity of smallholder Astra Agro Lestari prioritizes the inclusion of smallholder farmers. Djap Tet Fa emphasized, “No one left behind,” highlighting the company’s commitment to providing equal access to planting materials, fertilizers, financing, and training for partner farmers. (AI), and data analysis are also priorities for Astra Agro Lestari, enabling the monitoring of garden health and the optimisation of harvest efficiency. In addition, the implementation of the Indonesian Sustainable Palm Oil (ISPO) standard, as well as the implementation of the no deforestation, peatland conservation, and respect for human rights (NDPE) policy, is Astra Agro Lestari’s commitment to implementing sustainable practices that are responsible, transparent, and deforestation-free.

Empowering Smallholder Farmers Through Technology

Djap Tet Fa emphasized that smallholder palm oil farmers are the primary partners of Astra Agro in advancing food security and industry sustainability.

He stated, “Our mission is simple: small farmers must grow with us, not be left behind.”

Through the Smallholder Inclusion Program, Astra Agro Lestari has collaborated with thousands of partner farmers to establish a more resilient and modern agricultural ecosystem.

The program encompasses capacity building for farmers, including field training in pest management, precision fertilization, and sustainable land management.

Astra Agro also facilitates market access and financing by purchasing harvests directly from partner farmers through transparent long-term contracts and supporting access to financial institutions. Digitalization is integral to all company programs, with digital platforms being optimized for real-time harvest planning, price monitoring, and agronomic consultations. The President Director of Astra Agro, who is also an alumnus of Gadjah Mada University, emphasised that empowering smallholder farmers is not merely a social responsibility, but a strategic investment for the resilience of the national agricultural system.

He concluded, “When farmers have access to tools, skills, and markets, they become true partners in strengthening national food security and ensuring the sustainability benefits are felt by all parties.”

These initiatives demonstrate that productivity and sustainability are complementary objectives, forming the foundation of a resilient, inclusive, and environmentally responsible agricultural future.

Concrete actions, such as those implemented by Astra Agro Lestari mark important progress toward a sustainable future for Indonesia.

Astra Agro is recognized for its commitment and consistency in applying good corporate governance (GCG) principles across all business operations.

“To my colleagues and friends from the corporations recognized by IICD-CG, I extend my congratulations,” stated Prof. Dr. Boediono, Vice President of Indonesia from 2009 to 2014 and Chairman of the IICD Advisory Board, during his closing remarks at the event in Jakarta on Monday (September 15).

He noted that the mission of IICD is highly commendable. In promoting national progress, he emphasized the significant role of corporate contributions. Boediono further highlighted the need to improve governance quality to achieve better outcomes for both shareholders and stakeholders. “Hopefully, this award will serve as a guide for all parties in improving future achievements,” Boediono continued.

The IICD CG Conference & Award, held annually for 16 years, recognizes companies dedicated to implementing good corporate governance (GCG), business ethics, and social responsibility. The theme of the 16th event is “Building Resilience thru Good Governance: Thriving in Turbulent Times.”

According to James Simanjuntak, Ph.D., CG Expert at IICD and member of the IICD Board of Trustees, this event not only recognizes public companies that consistently implement GCG, but also serves as an important opportunity to strengthen a healthy, adaptive, and sustainable business ecosystem.

Awards were presented to companies demonstrating exemplary GCG practices, across ten categories: Leadership in Corporate Governance, Best Overall, Best Financial Sector, Best Non-Financial Sector, and Best State-Owned Enterprises/BUMN.

Additional categories include Best Responsibility of the Boards, Best Disclosure & Transparency, Best Sustainability and Resilience, Best Rights and Equitable Treatment of Shareholders, and The Most Improved.

The assessment covered 200 companies, comprising the 100 largest market capitalization (big cap) and 100 medium-sized (mid cap) companies listed on the Indonesia Stock Exchange (IDX). The evaluation utilized the ASEAN CG Scorecard 2023 method and was conducted by five qualified assessors.

Mochamad Husni, Media and Public Relations Manager of PT Astra Agro Lestari Tbk, stated that the implementation of good GCG remains a primary focus and priority for Astra Agro.

“This commitment is reflected in the strategy to strengthen sustainable governance through the Astra Agro Sustainability Aspiration 2030 initiative, with GCG serving as a key enabler in implementing the Triple-P Roadmap Strategy: Portfolio, People, and Public Contributions,” Husni stated while representing Astra Agro in receiving the award and expressing gratitude for the recognition from IICD.

He further emphasized that GCG implementation applies to all employees, from entry-level to management. Dissemination is conducted through various methods, including comprehensive communication of the company’s values and policies to all Astra Agro employees.

“In achieving this, the Company prioritizes the implementation and development of GCG to ensure alignment with changing dynamics while maintaining relevance to business operations,” he added.

The application of these GCG principles serves as a critical foundation for protecting stakeholders, in accordance with the articles of association, governance principles, and applicable laws and regulations. (*)

Katadata CEO and Co-Founder Metta Dharmasaputra stated that the Katadata ESG Awards recognize companies and leaders who consistently apply Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles in their business operations. This award is part of the Sustainability Action for the Future Economy (SAFE) event series, themed “Green for Resilience.”

“The Katadata ESG Awards are based on the Katadata ESG Index, which has been compiled since 2022,” said Metta at the SAFE 2025 Awarding Night on Wednesday (9/10). He also stated that this year’s Katadata ESG Award is also strengthened by a new pillar, namely the gender pillar, which is assessed through an independent methodology in collaboration with the Katadata Insights Center, IBCWi, and Investing in Women.

“This category encompasses eight industrial sectors: banking, mining, plantations, food and beverage, transportation and logistics, chemicals, energy, and hospitality,” said Metta.

In his speech, the Secretary of the Coordinating Ministry for Economic Affairs, Susiwijono Morgiarso, also noted that the government would encourage three main sectors that are catalysts for economic growth, one of which is the plantation sector. Therefore, with the recognition of the plantation sector, Susiwijono felt more relieved and confident that the flagship sector, namely plantations, had implemented sustainable practices and considered ESG aspects.

Congratulating the award-winning companies, he stated, “We hope this recognition will further encourage the strengthening of environmental stewardship, the green economy, social responsibility, and good governance practices.”Susila Darma Wati expressed her appreciation for the recognition of the Company’s commitment to contributing to national welfare. She added that Astra Agro has established 12 initiatives under its Sustainability Aspirations, with several targets set to be achieved by 2030.

To achieve these targets, Astra Agro implements the Triple-P Roadmap strategy, which integrates portfolio, people, and public contribution. Good Corporate Governance (GCG) plays a crucial role in enabling the company to fulfill its sustainability commitments.

Throughout 2024, Astra Agro continues to strengthen its contribution to society through the four pillars of sustainability. In the economic pillar, the company partnered with 583 partners and 44,500 supplier farmers, producing 2.9 million tons of fresh fruit bunches (FFB). Meanwhile, in the environmental pillar, Astra Agro initiated the “The Plastic Reduction Movement” (Semangkup) campaign, providing access to clean water to encourage community participation in environmental sustainability.

In the social sphere, Astra Agro also prioritizes education and health. Through its Prevention and Response to Violence Against Women and Children (P2KPA) program, the company has reached 194 schools, 2,539 teachers, and 49,251 students, while supporting schools in their progress toward Child-Friendly School (SRA) status. Similarly, in the health pillar, Astra Agro distributed supplementary feeding and vitamins to 3,342 pregnant women and 18,570 infants and toddlers, and mentored 2,080 posyandu cadres to improve the competence of health services in the fostered villages.

Susila added that Astra Agro continues to strengthen its sustainability aspects while maintaining a balanced business approach. According to her, the Sustainability Aspirations program represents the company’s commitment to making a meaningful contribution in the operational areas of the business, with a positive impact on society and the environment through sustainable business governance.

Furthermore, Susila explained that ESG serves as a practical parameter guiding companies in making strategic decisions, rather than being merely a conceptual framework.

“This award serves as both recognition and motivation to continue advancing a sustainable palm oil industry. Implementing ESG principles is not only an obligation but also the foundation for every business decision Astra Agro makes.

In 2020, Astra Agro succeeded in creating three flagship varieties to support the competitiveness and productivity of oil palm plantations: AAL Lestari, AAL Sejahtera, and AAL Nirmala. Five years later, Astra Agro again released superior seeds with various updates and advantages: DxP AAL Nirmala MRG, DxP AAL Lestari MRG, and DxP AAL Sejahtera MRG.

The three new varieties were released after passing the Plantation Plantation Variety Release Session by the Directorate General of Plantations in Bogor on Thursday, May 16, 2025. The main advantage of these three new varieties is that they are moderately resistant to stem base rot caused by the Ganoderma fungus. This disease is an enemy for palm oil industry players, including farmers, because it is difficult to handle once infected.

Ganoderma causes corrosion on the inside of the tree, causing the plant to die slowly. This can be an obstacle to the productivity of oil palm plantations nationwide. Director of Plantation Seeds at the Ministry of Agriculture Ebi Rulianti said the three new seeds were a breakthrough and a very good innovation.

“Oil palm varieties DxP AAL Nirmala MRG, DxP AAL Lestari MRG, and DxP AAL Sejahtera MRG deserve to be released or passed because we consider them to be a solution in handling stem base rot disease caused by Ganoderma boninense,” said Ebi Rulianti, Director of Plantation Seeds.

According to her, Astra Agro has a qualified development and research team because it managed to release new seeds in a shorter time. Usually, the release of new varieties of oil palm with moderate Ganoderma resistance takes about 15 to 20 years.

Astra Agro, which is included in the Indonesian Palm Oil Genome Consortium (KGSI), has contributed to the fight against plant disease. Ebi added that besides being resistant to Ganoderma, the three released varieties have the advantage of high production and do not produce flat fruit.

“In Indonesia, it is certain that no land or soil is free from Ganoderma, so with the new varieties released by Astra Agro, we hope that companies and farmers will be able to obtain optimal production; congratulations and success for Astra Agro,” Ebi explained.

Meanwhile, Astra Agro Lestari, Senior Vice President of Research and Development Cahyo Wibowo, said that stem-base rot disease has developed quite rapidly in Indonesia, such as in West Sulawesi and Sumatra.

“One of our efforts in dealing with this disease is by researching and developing Ganoderma-resistant moderate superior seeds and good technical culture that can produce high production,” he said.

As a doctoral degree holder, Cahyo revealed that this disease can kill oil palm plants relatively quickly so that the total plant population per hectare (SPH) will drop dramatically and result in a significant decline in FFB production. This is what underlies Astra Agro’s Research and Development (R&D) team considering the need to update the previous superior varieties by adding the advantage of being resistant to Ganoderma.

Another advantage that is no less important is preventing parthenocarpy problems or often referred to as stuck fruit. Cahyo said that the three latest varieties will not produce flat fruit, thus positively affecting the productivity produced.

Similarly, the sex ratio or the ratio of female flowers to the total flowers available. The sex ratio in this latest variety is quite balanced, which is around 75% – 88%, which is able to support natural pollination in the field without manual assistance.

Despite having new advantages, these three varieties still have the advantages of previous varieties, such as the production of fresh fruit bunches (FFB) and more oil content.

Cahyo revealed that with the release of these three new varieties, Astra Agro hopes to immediately apply these seeds in Astra Agro’s operational plantations, especially in stem base rot endemic areas so that potential production losses due to this disease attack can be minimized.

“The highest commendation is warranted for the 95 companies that have demonstrated their commitment to implementing and reporting emission reductions,” stated Prof. Roy Sembel, the Distinguished Chair for Finance and Investment at IPMI International Business School and Chairman of the Jury, during the award ceremony held on April 29 at the Sultan Hotel, Jakarta.

Prof. Sidharta Utama, a member of the Jury Board and Professor at the Faculty of Economics and Business, University of Indonesia (FEB-UI), further articulated that this award aims to acknowledge corporations that have made significant contributions to both national and global decarbonization efforts while exhibiting a commitment to transparency in carbon emission management.

Dian Ary Kurniawan, Climate and Conservation Management Manager at Astra Agro, elaborated on the various initiatives undertaken by the company to foster environmentally sustainable business practices. In 2024, Astra Agro succeeded in reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 126.33 kilotons of CO2.

“Astra Agro has established two methane capture facilities in Riau Province,” explained Dian Ary, representing the management during the award acceptance. She detailed that this technology effectively captures methane gas produced from Palm Oil Mill Effluent (POME), preventing its release into the atmosphere. Additionally, these facilities generate New Renewable Energy (EBT) that can be utilized in the company’s operational processes.

Further initiatives undertaken by Astra Agro include the development of a new POME Application Land area spanning 517 hectares, enabling the replacement of chemical fertilizers with organic alternatives, and conserving 200,000 liters of diesel through enhancements to the Water Management System (WMS) via improved pump capacity.

Moreover, Astra Agro has achieved a reduction of coal usage by 18,770 tons through the substitution of coal with palm kernel shells and has enhanced mangrove areas by planting 24,900 trees across 4.05 hectares. Throughout 2024, the company has also implemented a 25% reduction in NPK fertilizer on a mineral area of 50,000 hectares.

Through these multifaceted efforts, Astra Agro has successfully achieved a 19.56% reduction in emission intensity compared to 2023. “This represents the implementation of the company’s commitment articulated in Astra Agro Sustainability Aspirations 2030,” emphasized Dian Ary.

“We commend the dedication, innovation, and commitment exhibited by all participants in fostering a business culture that prioritizes transparency and environmental responsibility.” Hanafi Sofyan Guciano, Director of the Center for Sustainability at the International Islamic University of Indonesia and Founder of the Carbon Initiative Indonesia, who also served as a judge for the event, expressed that this award should inspire the business community to enhance its active role in advancing sustainability initiatives.

Through this recognition, Investortrust aims to encourage more companies to adopt transparent and proactive practices in emission reporting and to contribute meaningfully to Indonesia’s decarbonization objectives.

This was revealed in the annual Public Expose (Pubex) held after the Annual General Meeting of Shareholders (AGMS) at Menara Astra on Monday (28/4/2024). For the Company’s solid performance, at the AGMS, the shareholders approved the use of the company’s net profit ending December 31, 2024 of Rp1.1 trillion. In addition, a dividend distribution of Rp515.8 billion or equivalent to Rp268 per share was also approved. On October 24, 2024, the Company paid an interim dividend of Rp161.7 billion, equivalent to Rp84 per share. The remaining Rp354.1 billion, or equivalent to Rp184 per share, will be paid to shareholders on May 28, 2025.

“The price increase has pushed our revenue up 5% yoy to Rp21.82 trillion, with the Company’s net profit increasing 9% from Rp1.06 trillion to Rp1.15 trillion by 2024. In addition, the strategy of implementing cost efficiency, improving operational excellence, and innovation in the production process that is carried out consistently as part of continuous improvement has enabled the Company to reap maximum results,” said the Company’s Director, Tingning Sukowignjo.

For information, the average CPO price in the Rotterdam market increased by 12% from US$964/ton in 2023 to US$1,084/ton in 2024. The increase in global prices positively impacted the Company’s average CPO price, which also increased by 15.6% in 2024 to IDR 12,883/kg from IDR 11,142/kg in 2023. On the other hand, the average price of soy oil decreased last year due to higher production compared to other vegetable oils, making the global vegetable oil market more competitive.

Throughout 2024, 69% of Astra Agro’s sales was coming from the domestic market. This aligns with the commitment to succeed in government programs, especially in meeting domestic palm oil supply through the Domestic Market Obligations (DMO) policy. Meanwhile, 31% of Astra Agro’s sales are to meet global needs through the export market to various countries, including China, India, South Korea and Pakistan.

Commitment to Innovation and Sustainability in Corporate Governance

Amidst the operational challenges facing the Indonesian palm oil industry, including Astra Agro, the AALI-coded Company continues to focus on Research and Development (R&D) to create discoveries that can drive sustainable operational performance in the future. These efforts are also in line with the sustainability initiatives contained in the Company’s strategy, Astra Agro Sustainability Aspirations 2030, which focuses on efforts to reduce the effects of greenhouse gases (GHG), diversity and environmental inclusion, as well as ensuring that the Company’s operations have a good impact on the communities around the Company’s operational areas and the Indonesian nation in general.

In 2024, the Company made another big leap by building a methane capture facility. Currently, the Company has two methane capture units in Riau Province that aim to reduce Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions while providing energy efficiency in the form of New Renewable Energy (EBT). The Company’s initiative aligns with the Astra Agro Sustainability Aspirations 2030 portfolio roadmap strategy.

“Methane capture can reduce methane gas emissions from Palm Oil Mill Effluent (POME) to zero. The Company also maximizes Warehouse Management System (WMS) activities. Meanwhile, the Company has reduced greenhouse gases (GHG) by 126.33 kilotons of CO2.” Said Astra Agro President Director Djap Tet Fa.

Djap Tet Fa added that the Company has implemented a replanting program covering 5,052 hectares, or an increase of 7% yoy in 2024. The replanting process uses superior seeds developed by the Company’s R&D team. This program, he continued, is important as an effort to intensify land without ignoring the balance of the ecosystem.

Innovation and technology are always applied in business processes to improve company performance. Astra Agro’s operational areas have utilized Drone Monitoring System (DMS) technology to monitor operational performance. This technology is supported by a room or control room that collects all monitoring data, making it easier for management to access field monitoring in real-time.

Changes in the Board of Directors and Commissioners of Astra Agro

In the third meeting agenda of the 2025 AGMS, the Shareholders approved the agenda of changes in the composition of the Company’s Board of Directors. Namely, Mr. Santosa replaced Mr. Chiew Sin Cheok as President Commissioner of the Company.

In the renewal of the composition of the Company’s Board of Directors, Mr Djap Tet Fa replaced Mr Santosa as President Director, while Ms Veronica Lusi Herdiyanti was appointed to replace Mr Djap Tet Fa as Director. Then, Mr Bandung Sahari replaced Mr M. Hadi Sugeng Wahyudiono, who retired, as the Company’s Board of Directors.

At this year’s AGMS, Astra Agro announced changes to the composition of the Board of Commissioners and Board of Directors as follows:

President Commissioner : Santosa
Commissioner : Johannes Loman
Commissioner : Aridono Sukmanto
Commissioner : Ratna Wardhani
President Director : Djap Tet Fa
Director : Tingning Sukowignjo
Director : Widayanto
Director : Eko Prasetyo
Director : Arief Catur Irawan
Director : Veronica Lusi Herdiyanti
Director : Bandung Sahari

The new composition of the Astra Agro 2025 board of directors, including the addition of female director Mrs Veronica Lusi Herdiyanti, further strengthens Astra Agro’s commitment to diversity and inclusiveness. Focusing on gender, the Company has driven performance toward resilience amid the volatility of the palm oil industry.

The Company supports the role of women, including opening opportunities for them to become leaders, as it is known that Astra Agro adheres to the principles of human rights and gender equality, with a primary focus on protecting women and children.

Astra Agro President Director Djap Tet Fa said that he will strive to maintain the Company’s performance, which has been built for a long time. In addition, Astra Agro’s consistency in carrying out sustainability commitments will always be maintained because it has become part of the Company’s Strategy.

“We believe that implementing Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) can always go hand in hand with the principles of sustainability. We believe that Astra Agro’s commitment to prioritizing both aspects can improve the Company’s performance in the coming years, supported by research and innovation that continues to be developed,” said the President Director of the Company, Djap Tet Fa.

Astra Agro Lestari received the Sustainable Business Integrity Index award in the Sapphire category on Tuesday, October 12, at the Salihara Art Centre. This recognition from both organizations highlights the company’s genuine efforts to implement business practices characterized by integrity and sustainability.

The award underscores the company’s achievement in integrating anti-corruption principles, respect for human rights, and environmental sustainability into its corporate governance. The assessment by TII and TEMPO Data Science serves as evidence that the company has taken strategic steps to support these principles.

Astra Agro Lestari’s President Director, Santosa, emphasized that the sustainability program is central to the company’s vision of “Prospering Together with the Nation,” while also addressing global responsibilities related to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

‘We are committed to implementing a sustainability action plan that aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Our sustainability policy emphasizes principles such as no deforestation, conservation of peatlands, and respect for human rights, as explained by Santosa.

Astra Agro Lestari Director, Widayanto, added that this award serves as tangible evidence of the company’s commitment to positively impacting all levels of society and the environment.

“We believe that sustainability is the foundation for long-term growth. This recognition motivates us to continually enhance the quality of our governance and create a greater impact for all stakeholders,” stated Widayanto.

Arif Zulkifli, CEO of Tempo Media Group, stated that companies that prioritize integrity can greatly promote environmental sustainability and create positive societal change.

Integrity is a crucial value that should not be underestimated. It represents honesty, authority, and a commitment to uphold principles and ethics in business. In today’s world, business practices that are founded on integrity and sustainability are essential.

Astra Agro’s success can be attributed to its excellence in three key areas. Firstly, in the realm of anti-corruption, the company enforces a strict code of ethics, provides integrity training for employees, and ensures transparency by disclosing information to both stakeholders and the public.

Secondly, regarding human rights, Astra Agro implements community empowerment programs, safeguards workers’ rights, and fosters a safe and comfortable work environment for all employees. Lastly, in relation to the environment, the company consistently adopts eco-friendly agribusiness practices, maintains effective waste management, and actively works to preserve biodiversity in all its operational areas.

Danang Widoyoko, the Secretary General of Transparency International Indonesia, stated that the purpose of this award is to promote integrity within both the public and private sectors. He noted that sustainability issues have become a priority across all levels of society, including government, business leaders, and the community.

In response to this need, Transparency International Indonesia, an anti-corruption NGO, collaborated with Tempo to conduct ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) measurement.Astra Agro’s success can be attributed to its excellence in three key areas. Firstly, in the realm of anti-corruption, the company enforces a strict code of ethics, provides integrity training for employees, and ensures transparency by disclosing information to both stakeholders and the public.

Secondly, regarding human rights, Astra Agro implements community empowerment programs, safeguards workers’ rights, and fosters a safe and comfortable work environment for all employees. Lastly, in relation to the environment, the company consistently adopts eco-friendly agribusiness practices, maintains effective waste management, and actively works to preserve biodiversity in all its operational areas.

Danang Widoyoko, the Secretary General of Transparency International Indonesia, stated that the purpose of this award is to promote integrity within both the public and private sectors. He noted that sustainability issues have become a priority across all levels of society, including government, business leaders, and the community.

In response to this need, Transparency International Indonesia, an anti-corruption NGO, collaborated with Tempo to conduct ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) measurement.

“We assess each company independently and objectively. Please understand that we visit all their websites and review the company documents one by one. This process begins with the annual report, the Sustainability Report, the Code of Conduct, and all relevant materials available on the site,” he explained.

With this award, PT Astra Agro Lestari further solidifies its position as a company that focuses not only on profits but also prioritizes its responsibility to society and environmental sustainability.

The company actively manages pests by minimizing pesticide application. Insect pests in plantations can lead to significant issues, including reduced productivity and crop damage. As of 2024, Astra Agro Lestari oversees a plantation area of 285,387 hectares.

Astra Agro Lestari has researched to combat pest infestations and enhance pollination success, boosting fresh fruit bunch (FFB) production. This initiative also supports both plasma and independent farmers by protecting them from pests that threaten their livelihoods.

CEO Santosa explained that the company is committed to using innovative pest management methods. By researching and digitising their pest control system, Astra Agro aims to prevent pest outbreaks, which can enhance crop productivity. He noted that using parasitoids for pest control can significantly lower pesticide costs.

According to the AALI 2023 Sustainability Report, the company has embraced a natural food chain approach to pest management by utilising biological control methods. This involves employing natural predators to keep pest populations in check, such as predatory insects for caterpillar pests and owls for rat control.

Astra Agro Lestari has also been developing crop areas and conservation sites to provide habitats for pest predators. The company increased its beneficial crop areas from 1.97 million m² in 2021 to 2.81 million m² by 2023. Likewise, conservation plots grew from 5,600 in 2021 to 10,600 by 2023.

Tempo and IDNFinancials recognised these sustainability efforts by awarding CEO Santosa as one of the best CEOs of 2024. He was awarded the Best CEO with Special Mention: The Most Consistent Listed Company in Efforts to Reduce Pesticide Use at the Top CEO Indonesia Awards 2024, held by Tempo-IDNFinancials in Bandung on November 15. Due to AALI’s impressive performance, Santosa was honoured as the Best CEO in Agriculture at the Top CEO Indonesia 2023 event in Bali.

Since joining Astra Agro Lestari, Santosa has emphasised the connection between oil palm cultivation and pest management. He recognises that chemical pesticides should no longer be the primary solution, mainly due to their negative environmental impact. In Astra Agro, chemical pesticides are now reserved as a last resort and are used only during the nursery stage or in critical pest outbreaks.

Despite facing challenges from fluctuating commodity prices, AALI has maintained consistent performance. As of September 2024, the company’s revenue grew by 3.8% year-over-year (yoy), while EBITDA increased by 11.1% annually, indicating a positive recovery after the previous year’s decline in palm oil prices.

Minister of Manpower Yassierli attended the award ceremony and expressed appreciation for all contributors to the nation’s progress. He congratulated those involved, stating, “Congratulations on organising this extraordinary event. Congratulations to the selected Indonesian CEOs.”

A Bandung Institute of Technology professor hoped that company leaders would collaborate to contribute to national development. Notably, President Prabowo Subianto is advocating for an eight percent economic growth target to achieve the vision of a Golden Indonesia by 2045. (*)

Despite the increase in digital news sites, mainstream media plays a significant role. Januar P Ruswita, Chairman of the Press Company Union (SPS), emphasized mainstream media’s continued relevance and trustworthiness in providing accurate information amidst the prevalence of misinformation during his opening speech at the Media Relations Awards (MRA) 2024 in Bandung on September 20th.

He explained that traditional mass media plays a crucial role in reaching audiences and building business reputation. This type of media stands out due to its unique characteristics, including in-depth data, high-quality language, and sharp analysis.

At the MRA Awards, PT Astra Agro Lestari Tbk (Astra Agro) won a prestigious award from the Press Company Union for its outstanding Best Press Gathering Programme.

The MRA is a competition that recognizes the performance of corporations and institutions in the field of media relations. As the oldest press organization in Indonesia, SPS considers the MRA competition important as a forum for creating a good and healthy relationship between the media and corporations. This relationship ultimately plays a role in building a positive image and reputation.

All recipients are evaluated by competent and credible judges, particularly in the field of media and public relations. The panel works closely with a trusted media monitoring and data provider.

According to Mochamad Husni, Media and Public Relations Manager of Astra Agro, as a company that upholds the motto of prosperity with the nation, synergy with the media is of utmost importance. For Astra Agro, as stated by this PR professional who has previous experience as a journalist, the media is not merely a stakeholder in the company’s business. The media has evolved into a collaborative partner in fostering positive relationships that are expected to benefit the community and the nation.

“Media relations is a key part of Astra Agro’s commitment to transparency and Good Corporate Governance (GCG). One of these initiatives is ‘Talk to the CEO’, a media gathering program,” he explained after accepting the award.

‘Talk to the CEO’ is an annual program that kicks off each year by bringing together media stakeholders from local, national, and international outlets for casual and informal conversations with Astra Agro’s Chief Executive Officer.

This event is held annually to show appreciation for the media and to strengthen the relationship between Astra Agro and press workers. During the event, the CEO of Astra Agro engaged in a dialogue, emphasizing the importance of the CEO’s presence and interaction with the media. This routine opportunity is used to share information. Husni, a representative of SPS, expressed gratitude for the appreciation and stated that it will encourage Astra Agro to continue building positive synergies with media colleagues. This is vital for achieving Astra Agro’s mission of becoming a role model and contributing to the development and welfare of the nation.

Under the theme “Optimizing ESG to Drive Business Sustainability and Value Creation,” IDX Channel appreciates companies that implement ESG initiatives and impact business, society, and a sustainable environment in Indonesia. 

“Astra Agro continues to strengthen sustainability aspects to maintain business balance. We set targets that must be achieved by 2030 by implementing 12 initiatives summarized in Sustainability Aspirations 2030,” said Bandung Sahari, Executive Vice President of Sustainability Astra Agro.

Through the Triple-P Roadmap strategy, Astra Agro integrates portfolio, people, public contribution, and Good Corporate Governance (GCG) as critical enablers in implementing the Company’s commitment to achieving sustainability targets. 

IDX Channel CEO Syafril Nasution revealed that building a sustainable economy is not only a business process requirement but also a survival need. To achieve this goal, it is essential to construct and invest in clean, accessible, and sustainable energy sources. 

The award is based on four ESG standards in the assessment: environmental, social, governance, and innovation in sustainable finance, based on 12 sectors on the Indonesia Stock Exchange (IDX). 

Bandung Sahari added that ESG is a parameter that shapes company policy and encourages corporate accountability so that it has an economic impact and a positive impact on society and the environment through consideration of sustainable business governance.

Mangrove reforestation is one of the strategic and effective environmental defence efforts against abrasion and coastal erosion. With sturdy roots, mangrove plants can withstand seawater currents and strengthen the coastline. This mission to save the environment is one of Astra Agro’s commitments as a company that plays an active role in the development and welfare of the nation.

“Mangroves can retain soil and sediment, which effectively reduces coastal erosion. Mangroves are also an important habitat for marine biodiversity. Because of its dense leaves, it functions the same as plants, which helps absorb and store carbon stocks,” said Astra Agro’s Vice President of Investor Relations and Public Affairs, Fenny Sofyan.

Astra Agro is committed to reforesting 45,000 mangroves, which will be carried out in stages. Throughout 2023, Astra Agro has planted 5,774 mangrove ecosystem trees in West Sulawesi. In addition, Astra Agro is committed to planting 11,677 trees in the riparian area, with an accumulation of 14,133 trees, equivalent to an area of ±91.45 hectares.

Fenny Sofyan continued that reforestation or replanting is synergized with government programs involving local communities. With good spatial management, mangrove forests support the potential of eco-tourism in West Sulawesi, especially in Pasangkayu Regency. Not only that, education about mangrove forest sustainability is also one of the educational programs provided to students.

Ecosystem balance is Astra Agro’s primary commitment to sustainable business processes. Astra Agro continues to emphasize its commitment to maintaining harmonization with the community through a Public Contribution Roadmap with various Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programs based on four main pillars: economic, Health, Education, and Environmental. The Roadmap is also in line with Astra Agro’s mission to be a company that contributes to the development and welfare of the nation.

“Astra Agro continuously encourages young researchers to play an active role in creating innovations because we strongly believe that they are valuable assets in achieving our mission of Prospering Together with the Nation,” said Astra Agro’s Commercial Director, Djap Tet Fa when receiving the award during the Open Session of the 104th Anniversary of Indonesian Technical Higher Education (PTTI) at the West Hall, ITB Ganesha Campus, Wednesday (3/7/2024).

Djap Tet Fa further revealed that this award is a motivation for companies that have consistently developed research and sustainable governance to make a positive contribution to the progress of the nation. Astra Agro has established a track record with the School of Life Sciences and Technology (SITH) ITB for more than 30 years, through cooperation in research and community service in ecology, genetics, plant physiology/development, and integrated pest control.

Together with academic fellows such as Dr. Adi Pancoro, Prof. Agus Dana Permana, Dr. Ramadhani Eka Putra, and Prof. Pingkan Aditiawati, Astra Agro encourages scientific publications and innovations that not only increase palm oil production but also contribute to the development of related science. Through Astra Agro’s infrastructure, SITH can develop sustainable bioindustry from upstream to downstream. In addition, the two institutions have also pioneered new cooperation in the field of bioengineering development and supporting research from laboratory scale to semi-industrial scale.

Research and development is one of Astra Agro’s consistent efforts in realising its mission to contribute to the development and welfare of the nation by integrating sustainability aspects in the company’s strategy through Astra Agro Sustainability Aspirations, which consists of the Triple-P Roadmap Strategy namely Portfolio, People, and Public Contribution which includes four pillars namely health, environment, education and economy.

In addition to the 104th Anniversary of PTTI, there are five award categories namely Ganesa Prajamanggala Bakti Adiutama, Ganesa Widya Jasa Adiutama, Ganesa Widya Jasa Utama, Ganesa Wirya Jasa Utama and Ganesa Widya Jasa. In the remarks of the Rector of ITB, Professor Reini Wirahadikusuma revealed that 12 awards were given to academics and stakeholders involved in research and development of science that provides benefits in responding to global, national and local problems in fields such as energy transition, climate change adaptation, digital transformation, green economy, food security, water security, health, and economic recovery after COVID-19.

“I firmly believe that technical higher education institutions will play an increasingly important role, both in realizing the vision of a Golden Indonesia, as well as in responding to increasingly dynamic global problems. For this, the togetherness and contribution of various parties, ranging from government institutions, actors in the economic sector, and society in general,” said Reini.