Vida noted that the company’s presence not only contributes to the economy and creates jobs, but also significantly enhances educational quality and social awareness in the community.

The Head of Haruai Sub-district, Mulyadi, shared this view, describing the programme as a genuine demonstration of the company’s commitment to education in Haruai, Tanjung, and Bintang Ara. ‘This scholarship is expected to motivate the recipients to continue to improve their achievements, while also encouraging other students to continue to strive and excel,’ said Mulyadi.

The scholarship distribution took place on 23 January 2025 at SMP Negeri 1 Haruai, Halong Village, Haruai District, and on 26 January 2025 at SD Negeri 2 Bentot, Patangkep Tutui District. These events reflect Astra Agro’s support for government efforts to improve access to quality, sustainable education for the younger generation. Attendees included company representatives, external stakeholders, and village community members.

In his speech, Pandu Setiawan, Administrator of PT AAL 1 and PT BCL, stated that the scholarship is part of the Astra Cerdas Programme. This initiative not only offers educational assistance but also aims to build a comprehensive educational ecosystem across the company’s operational areas. ‘Through Astra Cerdas, PT AAL 1 and PT BCL not only distribute merit-based scholarships, but also provide regular incentives for honorary teachers, accept interns from vocational schools and universities, and run teaching programmes in Ring 1 schools,’ he said.

Pandu added that for the 2025/2026 academic year, the number of scholarship recipients rose to 222 students from 37 schools. The company hopes to expand this reach further. Through scholarships and other educational initiatives, Astra Agro underscores that business sustainability must align with human development.

Education is viewed as a long-term investment that will develop a competitive generation to drive future progress. This commitment demonstrates Astra Agro’s dedication to making education central to sustainable benefits for the community, environment, and Indonesia.

Source: Radar Banjarmasin

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“Now, almost every day we can get fish and mangrove crabs to sell or consume ourselves,” stated Afrizal, a local fisherman. He noted that the rehabilitated mangrove area has stabilized fish catches and enhanced coastal security, as the shoreline is now less susceptible to erosion. This ecological recovery is a result of a mangrove rehabilitation program initiated by PT Perkebunan Lembah Bhakti (PLB), a subsidiary of PT Astra Agro Lestari Tbk, since 2018.

By 2025, the company aims to have planted 51,000 mangrove trees across approximately 14.73 hectares, including a recent addition of 5,000 trees on 2 hectares. These initiatives contribute to coastal restoration and foster new opportunities for community engagement with the natural environment. Additionally, a group of high school students actively participated in planting mangrove seedlings, gaining practical experience in environmental conservation.

“Usually, we only learn from books. Here, we see firsthand how mangroves can protect the coast and serve as a home for many animals,” remarked a student from SMA Negeri 1 Gunung Meriah, who participated in the mangrove planting organized by PT PLB. The student expressed hope that such activities would increase environmental awareness among the younger generation. Surkani, Head of the Environment Agency (DLH) of Aceh Singkil Regency, also commended this collaborative initiative.

The mangrove rehabilitation program implemented by PT PLB in collaboration with the community and students exemplifies effective synergy in coastal environmental protection. Surkani noted that the program’s impact extends beyond ecological benefits to include social and economic improvements. He emphasized that mangroves are vital for climate change mitigation, as they absorb carbon and protect coastlines from erosion. “Not many can consistently preserve the environment, but PT PLB has been able to carry out this commitment since 2018.

He further highlighted the significant initiative of involving the education sector directly in the program. Monitoring in the rehabilitation area indicates healthy mangrove growth and increased biodiversity, including various species of birds, mammals, and reptiles. These findings suggest that the rehabilitation efforts are effective and offer long-term benefits to the coastal ecosystem.

“Ecosystem balance is Astra Agro’s primary commitment in maintaining sustainable business operations,” stated PT PLB Administrator M. Asrar Iqbal. He explained that the mangrove rehabilitation initiative is one of several programs supporting this commitment. For coastal communities, mangroves represent both environmental preservation and future security. “If the mangroves are preserved, our children will still be able to fish in the same place and live off a healthy sea,” Afrizal added. This optimism grows alongside the mangrove roots now firmly established in Aceh Singkil’s coastal soil. Through its ongoing mangrove rehabilitation program, PT PLB reaffirms its dedication to generating positive outcomes for both the environment and the community. The thriving mangroves today symbolize hope for future generations.

Source: Klikaceh.id

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The festival was marked by solemnity and unity, with PT Mamuang, a subsidiary of PT Astra Agro Lestari, attending as the guest of honor in Martasari Village, Pedongga District, Pasangkayu Regency, West Sulawesi. PT Mamuang’s management was welcomed by traditional leaders at the traditional house and participated in the core sacred ceremony.

PT Mamuang’s ongoing presence reflects its consistent support for the Kaili Tado community through its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) program.

Most recently, PT Mamuang supported the construction of a new traditional house, inaugurated in December 2025. This house now serves as a symbol of unity, cultural preservation, and a venue for community deliberation.

The welcoming ceremony was warm and attended by the Arkham Traditional Leader, Martasari Village Chief I Wayan Astawa Yasa, traditional officials, and hamlet heads. The Arkham Traditional Leader expressed deep appreciation for PT Mamuang’s contribution to the preservation of Kaili Tado culture.

He stated, “We, the Kaili Tado community, are very grateful for the support provided by PT Mamuang so far.” This support for building new traditional houses demonstrates the company’s commitment to preserving our culture. “May this togetherness continue and bring benefits to future generations,” said Arkham.

Martasari Village Head I Wayan Astawa Yasa emphasized that the Vunja Festival embodies local wisdom and strengthens unity across ethnic groups, serving as a space for togetherness for all village residents.

“PT Mamuang’s support demonstrates that local wisdom can be a bridge to strengthen relationships between communities. This is a real form of solidarity and appreciation for culture,” he explained.

PT Mamuang’s Chief Engineer, Taslim, who is also from the Kaili tribe, expressed hope that the entire harvest festival would proceed smoothly. He shared his appreciation for being welcomed into the traditional procession as part of the Kaili community and expressed pride in representing the company’s support for this tradition.

“May the harvest festival, which will take place over the next three days, go smoothly and bring blessings to the entire community,” said Taslim in his statement on Tuesday, January 13, 2026.

This year’s Vunja Festival powerfully symbolizes the strong bond between the indigenous community and the company. PT Mamuang’s ongoing CSR support strengthens both cultural preservation and social ties in Martasari Village.

With a spirit of cooperation and respect for tradition, the Vunja Festival is expected to help maintain harmony and strengthen the cultural identity of the Kaili Tado community as times change.

Source: Trans89

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The students performed confidently on stage, presenting a range of artistic works that conveyed messages of values and character development.

Wearing colorful costumes, the students performed dances, songs, and short dramas that addressed themes such as anti-bullying, cultural diversity, and healthy lifestyles. Through artistic expression, students were encouraged to learn about empathy, courage, and the importance of appreciating differences in an engaging and age-appropriate manner.

This activity serves as a form of contextual learning, encouraging students to collaborate, build public speaking skills, and develop social awareness from an early age. The presence and support of parents created a warm and welcoming atmosphere while strengthening collaboration between the school and families.

The art performance received positive recognition from the District Coordinator for Education in Koto Gasib District, Sutikno, who attended the event to observe the students’ performances.

Sutikno emphasized that learning occurs not only within the classroom but also through direct experiences that foster students’ self-confidence and social development.

“Art performances such as this represent the culmination of a series of learning activities designed to showcase the development of students’ talents and creativity. Furthermore, the event reinforces essential character values that children can apply in their daily lives,” he stated on Friday, December 19, 2025.

In addition to education officials from Koto Gasib District, the event was attended by representatives from PT Kimia Tirta Utama (KTU), the palm oil plantation company that manages the school. Attendees included PT KTU Administrator Teddy Yohendra Siregar, Head of Administration Arief Fadillah Lubis, Community Development Officer A Hardiman, CSR Assistant Eri Apriadi, and members of the PT KTU Employee Wives Association (Periska).

PT KTU Administrator Teddy Yohendra Siregar stated that the art performance serves as an expression of appreciation for the students’ learning and development, as well as a demonstration of the company’s commitment to supporting education in its operational area.

“This activity represents an appreciation of the students’ efforts and achievements. We extend our gratitude to the principal, teachers, students, and parents for their support in organizing this event,” he said.

Teddy explained that the art and creativity exhibition is an annual school event conducted as part of the Astra Education Program. “We hope this event will continue to be held and its quality enhanced each year,” he said.

The Art and Creativity Exhibition, featuring students from Awal Mulia Kindergarten and Kimia Tirta Utama Elementary School, demonstrates that character education can be effectively instilled through creative and enjoyable methods. Through this activity, the school aims to remain a safe, inclusive, and inspiring learning environment that shapes students to be characterized, creative, and competitive.

Source: pekanbaru.tribunnews.com

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The annual forum, organized by the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), will be held in 2025 with the theme ‘Accelerating Substantial Actions of Net Zero Achievement through Indonesia High Integrity Carbon.’

COP is a high-level meeting where UN member countries collaborate on global climate policies and strengthen collective action toward Net Zero Emissions (NZE).

Astra Agro participated as a speaker at the CEO Talks session, representing Astra International. The company, active in the oil palm plantation sector, implements various sustainability initiatives.

These initiatives include digital transformation using machine learning and sensors to improve operational efficiency, peatland rewetting to reduce carbon emissions and preserve ecosystems, and converting palm oil mill effluent (POME) into biogas as a renewable energy source.

Digital transformation, according to Bandung, has become one of the main drivers of operations. According to Bandung, digital transformation is a key driver of operational efficiency and accuracy across the entire value chain. Through various initiatives to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

The company implements programs to preserve landscapes and ecosystems, including nature-based solutions, peatland rewetting, methane gas capture, and community-based fire prevention.

Drone technology supports replanting, while machine learning, IoT sensors, and satellite imagery enable precise monitoring of plant health, soil conditions, and fertilization needs.

The control room system provides comprehensive, real-time operational monitoring, including early detection of potential hotspots through the Firespot monitoring platform.

One key program is peatland rewetting. Bandung explained that dry peatlands have a high carbon emission potential, so rewetting through canal blocking is an important step in climate mitigation.

Producing clean energy from industrial waste is a crucial part of Astra Agro’s green transformation. POME is processed with methane capture technology to produce biomethane (biogas).

This renewable energy can be used for cooking, power generation, industrial applications, and potentially as a raw material for green hydrogen, a future low-carbon energy source. Additionally, POME residue serves as organic fertilizer, reducing reliance on chemical fertilizers.

Through digital and green transformation, Astra Agro views sustainability as a core company strategy to ensure long-term productivity, operational efficiency, and responsible growth in the agribusiness sector.

“Astra Agro’s participation at COP30 reflects the company’s commitment to global climate action and support for Indonesia’s low-emission future aspirations,” said Bandung. Astra Agro’s efforts to implement sustainability principles have been emphasized since 2022 through the Astra Agro Sustainability Aspirations, which outline 12 initiatives aimed at achieving targets by 2030.

Progress toward targets aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and long-term carbon reduction and climate resilience strategies in 2024 is encouraging.

Examples include emission reductions, an increased renewable energy mix, and expanded waste recycling and recovery programs.

Astra Agro’s sustainability programs have reduced Astra Group’s scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas emissions by 15.14% from the 2019 baseline, increased the renewable energy mix by 92.17%, and achieved 100% recycling and recovery of solid waste.

Source: Detik.com

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The morning had just begun when the sound of a backhoe engine broke the silence at Bungintimbe Market. The mud that had been an obstacle is now being replaced with a smoother path, a small symbol of the significant changes that are beginning. “Thank God, our market has finally been fixed,” said Musniati, the Head of Bungintimbe Village, with a relieved smile.

“Usually, we work for days, but now this heavy machinery speeds everything up.” The revitalization of this market is not a massive project, but it is enough to drive the village’s economic wheel. The heavy machinery was a donation from PT Agro Nusa Abadi (ANA), a subsidiary of PT Astra Agro Lestari Tbk. But more than just heavy machinery, the company offers the intention to walk alongside the community.

“We don’t want to just be a business that passes by,” said Rendy Heryandi Prabowo, Administrator of PT ANA. “We want to be present and grow together with the community.”

“Thank God, our market has finally been fixed!” exclaimed Musniati, the Head of Bungintimbe Village, with a relieved smile. “With this heavy equipment, work that usually takes days can be completed much more quickly.” Meanwhile, in another area of Central Sulawesi, Towiora Village in North Morowali, the spirit of community development is driven by its young people.

Novita Sari, a young woman from Central Sulawesi, returned to her village after studying in Palu and chose to develop her village in a simple way: cultivating oyster mushrooms. “If we return to the village, we must have the intention to build the village.” “Not just staying,” Novita said firmly.

Together with the Towiora Youth Organization, Novita manages a mushroom house supported by PT Lestari Tani Teladan (LTT), which is also part of Astra Agro. Every day, they harvest between 1-5 kilograms of mushrooms, selling them to the village market and companies. The results become an additional source of income for the young people who want to continue working in their hometown. Not only mushrooms, but they are also actively revitalizing the village’s social activities. “The most challenging aspect is maintaining everyone’s enthusiasm to ensure they remain engaged and active.” Many are busy with work, getting married, or studying,” said Novita with a small smile.

Furthermore, this CSR activity has received appreciation from various parties, including the Chairman of the Volunteers for People and Nature (ROA), Rizal. He believes that PT LTT’s CSR program has encouraged the economic independence of village youth.

“Through the CSR program of PT LTT, the youth in Towiora Village now have the opportunity to achieve economic independence through oyster mushroom cultivation. This is a positive step that deserves support,” said Rizal.

Furthermore, Rizal hopes that other companies can follow this example. “We hope other companies can adopt a participatory CSR approach like this,” he added.

In Pelalawan, Riau, a significant struggle is happening, focused not on infrastructure or economy, but on the survival of future generations.The head of the Kerumutan Health Center, Harno, along with PT Sawit Lembah Subur (SLS), is working to reduce the stunting rate by cultivating moringa leaves. “Initially, there were 20 malnourished children. Now, since 2023, this district has achieved zero stunting,” said Harno. Since 2019, the planting of moringa has been encouraged in residents’ yards.

PT SLS fully supports, starting from the provision of seedlings, processing training, to the construction of the Community Feeding Center (CFC). PT SLS CSR Assistant, Hanafi Febrian, stated that collaborations like this are a real example of empowering CSR, not just temporary charity. “If public health is good, the village can grow together,” he said.

The stories from Bungintimbe, Towiora, and Kerumutan illustrate how villages in Indonesia develop with help from companies that aim for profit while listening to community needs.

Indeed, the journey to prosperity remains long. Conflicts persist, dissatisfaction lingers, and challenges remain unresolved. As Novita remarked, “Living in the village, the needs are endless.”

Today, the Bungintimbe market is beginning to take shape, the Towiora mushroom house is filled with a harvest of hope, and the children of Kerumutan are growing up healthy, free from the shadow of stunting.

Constructing a village is a journey that takes time, but as long as there are individuals who care, even the smallest steps bring us closer to a hopeful future.

Source: Antara News

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“I never imagined we could develop and progress like this,” Ambe Aja remarked in a statement on Monday, December 5, 2025.

The land clearing process initiated by Astra Agro began with the arrival of heavy machinery such as graders and bulldozers. These machines were unloaded at Muara Jono and then immediately transported to clear the land. Ambe Aja often smiles to himself when recalling that time.

In the past, he recalled, when a bulldozer struck a coconut tree, it would fall over instantly. The residents were shocked and amazed by the power of the heavy machinery.

The introduction of this machinery made transportation access significantly easier. Previously isolated villages are starting to connect with other areas.

Before road access was established, the people of Dusun Tikke relied solely on sea routes to transport their agricultural products to Donggala. The journey was difficult, especially during bad weather, and sometimes their harvest was wasted.

“Back then, development here was truly from scratch,” Ambe Aja explained. “Astra Agro arrived when the residents had very limited resources. Our only source of income came from agricultural products sold by boat to Donggala. If the waves were high, the harvest could be lost. We prioritized our safety,” he noted.

He emphasized that Astra Agro not only provided road access but also created a broader positive impact for the residents. The company’s provision of plant seedlings is one concrete effort to improve community welfare.

“The most memorable aspect for me is how Astra Agro helps the community plant palm oil,” he stated. “They provided seedlings, and I still benefit from that to this day.”

In addition to enhancing infrastructure and economic access, Astra Agro’s presence has fostered a strong work culture in Dusun Tikke, emphasizing discipline and responsibility.

“At PT Letawa, Mamuang, and LTT (Lestari Tani Teladan), all employees, foremen, and chief foremen come from our own community,” Ambe Aja explained.

He noted that the sense of togetherness and solidarity at Astra Agro is a key factor in building both the strength of the company and the surrounding community.

“Some people may see Astra Agro as a family company, and I can understand that perspective. However, this strong bond actually makes Astra Agro even more solid,” he explained.

Meanwhile, Agung Senoaji, the Community Development Area Manager (CDAM) for West Sulawesi, stated that Astra’s presence in Dusun Tikke is part of the company’s efforts to promote development and enhance community welfare.

He emphasized that collaboration and mutual support between the company and local residents are expected to provide long-term benefits for regional growth.

“The presence of Astra Agro in Dusun Tikke exemplifies our commitment to support development and improve the wellbeing of the community,” Agung stated, highlighting that the vision and mission of goodwill have remained steadfast over time.

Furthermore, Astra Agro is dedicated to contributing to the social and economic development of the community in Dusun Tikke through sustainable synergy between the company and local residents.

“We are committed to fostering social and economic development in the community through sustainable synergy between the company and its local residents,” Agung added.

With better infrastructure and improved community welfare, Astra Agro’s presence in Dusun Tikke demonstrates that the collaboration between companies and communities can lead to significant positive change.

Source: Trans89

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“Therefore, we were able to record zero land fires in all subsidiary areas last year,” said Dian in a statement in Jakarta on Monday.

This zero-burning policy is maintained to effectively eliminate all potential fire risks across subsidiaries and is implemented throughout the supply chain.

Additionally, Dian mentioned that the standard operating procedure (SOP) for the Fire Management System has been communicated to all subsidiaries, and regular monitoring is conducted to ensure proper implementation of this fire management system.

The implementation of SOPs in each subsidiary is validated by external parties, including the military/police, BPBD, LKH Office, and Manggala Agni, to ensure the readiness of teams, facilities, infrastructure, and fire prevention strategies that adhere to the standards set by Minister of Agriculture Regulation No. 5 of 2018. This validation confirms that the subsidiaries are prepared to face the dry season.

Efforts to prevent and manage forest fires play a vital role in maintaining ecosystems, preserving biodiversity, and improving the welfare of surrounding communities.

“Prevention is carried out through identifying vulnerable areas based on historical hotspot data and community activities, supported by an early warning system,” said Dian during the visit of Minister of Environment Hanif Faisol Nurofiq to Astra Agro’s subsidiary, PT Kimia Tirta Utama (KTU), in Siak, Riau. This visit also included a consolidation of personnel and equipment readiness for land fire control.

He explained that preparedness involves training, simulations, and the construction of infrastructure such as watchtowers and water sources. Early detection and extinguishing fires are part of a rapid response. Furthermore, partnerships with the community are fostered through joint patrol activities.

To address fire risks originating from outside the concession, Dian stated that the company is working to expand the guarding area by forming and training Fire Care Communities (MPA) in the areas surrounding the company. This team is provided with training and facilities in accordance with Minister of Agriculture Regulation (Permentan) Number 6 of 2025, which pertains to opening and/or processing plantation land without burning.

Meanwhile, Minister of Environment Hanif Faisol Nurofiq emphasized the importance of involving all parties in preventing fire hotspots during the dry season.

“We want this readiness to be implemented across all locations,” said the minister.

He added that the handling of forest and land fires would be conducted seriously and repressively, as mandated by law. Therefore, the Ministry of Environment and Forestry is eager to coordinate with all stakeholders and involve members of the Indonesian Palm Oil Entrepreneurs Association (GAPKI).

Consequently, the minister urged palm oil companies to join GAPKI to facilitate land fire management.

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By the year 2024, the company anticipates having replanted a total of 5,052 hectares, reflecting a 7.2 percent increase from the 4,713 hectares replanted in 2023.

The President Director of AALI, Djap Tet Fa, reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to intensifying the replanting initiative starting this year. He noted that the company is currently in its 37th year of operation and that a significant portion of its oil palm plantations has reached an advanced age, with an average plant life cycle of approximately 25 years.

“This signifies that we are entering the second growth cycle. Within this cycle, our objective is to enhance plant productivity through the replanting program,” Tetfa stated during a public exposure held at Menara Astra, Jalan Jenderal Sudirman, Central Jakarta, on Monday, April 28, 2025.

Tetfa further emphasized that AALI aims to escalate the replanting area from the recent range of 4,000 to 5,000 hectares per year to a target of 8,000 hectares per year in the future. He expressed optimism that this initiative will result in increased palm oil production in the coming years.

In addition, AALI Director Tingning Sukowignjo specified that the replanting target for the current year is set at approximately 5,000 hectares. “Analyzing the trend from 2020 to 2024, we expect our replanting efforts to fall within the range of 4,000 to 6,000 hectares. Therefore, our target for this year stands at around 5,000 hectares,” she explained, as reported by tribunnews.

Source: Halo Riau

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Her journey is deeply supported by her parents and family. For Alifah, her father’s pride in her accomplishments within the Astra Agro Lestari family fuels her motivation to create and achieve.

At just 25, Alifah Rahmi, a graduate of the Faculty of Agricultural Technology at Bogor Agricultural University (IPB), has taken her place as an Assistant in the Plan Production Control (PPC) section at the Palm Oil Mill (PKS) of PT Sari Lembah Subur (PT SLS) in Pelalawan Regency, Riau Province.

She has experienced many challenges while leading older, more experienced men, but this has only strengthened her resolve to learn and guide her team in achieving excellence within the PPC PKS section.

“My job is to ensure smooth and efficient processing,” Alifah shares, detailing the journey from planning to the final storage of crude palm oil (CPO).

“It’s truly a challenge to give clear directions to team members who are older than I am,” she explains. Thankfully, Alifah feels gratitude for the work ethic and culture of respect and support at Astra Agro.

Outside of work, she finds warmth among her neighbors in the employee housing complex, especially with the mothers in the employee wives’ association (Periska) at PT SLS.

“Alhamdulillah, the neighbors are so kind, sharing and helping each other, truly making us feel like family,” Alifah reflects with deep emotion.

With unwavering support from those around her, she grows ever more confident in her ability to thrive at PT SLS. She believes the key is to be independent, establish one’s position, and have the courage to venture into the unknown.

Despite living with her parents throughout her life and studies, this firstborn of two has embraced life in a new environment. She has defied the stigma surrounding women, demonstrating her capacity to compete and lead in traditionally male-dominated roles.

On Kartini Day, Alifah encourages women who face challenges in their roles or feel constrained by gender limitations to remain confident and believe in their abilities.

“One of the main obstacles women face is within their own minds,” she emphasizes. “We must believe in ourselves, strive, and compete with men in education and career advancement. Women deserve these opportunities and the right to lead.”

Frederik W.H. Sinurat, an administrator at PT Sari Lembah Subur, expresses pride in Alifah’s accomplishments, ensuring that the company champions gender equality and offers equal rights and opportunities for women’s career growth.

Indeed, Astra Agro Lestari has long embraced gender equality, making it an integral part of its work culture.

For Alifah, her competence as a professional, regardless of gender, serves as an inspiration and a role model for other women aspiring to succeed in the palm oil industry.

Source: Riau Antara News

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As it prepares for the General Meeting of Shareholders (GMS) at the end of April, Astra Agro proudly reports a net income of IDR 21.82 trillion in 2024, marking a remarkable 5.2% increase from IDR 20.75 trillion the previous year. The bottom line also reflects success, with a 9% year-on-year increase to IDR 1.15 trillion, driven by a significant surge in market demand.

Chief Financial Officer and Corporate Secretary Tingning Sukowignjo emphasizes that the company’s financial triumph is not merely a result of price increases and demand. It stems from asset optimization, diligent cost control, and maximizing subsidiary revenues.

Astra Agro’s achievements in 2024 are attributed to strategic initiatives such as operational cost efficiency, refinement of operational excellence, and innovation, all ingrained in the company culture. “We are dedicated to maintaining robust financial performance while embracing sustainable business practices,” asserts Sukowignjo, whose leadership exemplifies determination and vision.

Creating a safe and comfortable work environment grounded in diversity is vital for performance improvement. The establishment of a Diversity and Inclusion (D&I) Committee showcases Astra Agro’s commitment to inclusivity in operations and programs.

Through collaborative training sessions with Astra International, the company fosters understanding of D&I among leaders and employees. The gender committee vigilantly oversees any forms of harassment within employee residential areas, reinforcing a culture of respect and safety.

Astra Agro’s success has captured the attention of investors focused on sustainable performance, with its commitment to Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles seen as a strategic enhancement to market trust.

The Sustainability Aspiration 2030 program embodies this commitment by focusing on people, portfolio, and public contribution with good corporate governance as the key enabler. The company’s initiatives include sustainable agricultural practices, reduction of carbon emissions, and empowering local communities through education and infrastructure development.

In its quest for renewable energy and equitable labor policies, Astra Agro champions sustainability while fostering diversity and inclusivity at all organizational levels, particularly among executives and the Board. This unwavering dedication propels the company toward a brighter future, navigating the complexities of the palm oil industry with courage and resilience.

Source: Agrofarm.co.id

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“I am genuinely thankful to have the opportunity to partner with Astra Agro. Their service is exceptional, and their dedication to farmers is remarkable. They prioritise not only increasing production but also supporting their partners,” Sabar said in an interview during the Astra Agro Partnership Gathering at the Intercontinental Dago Pakar Hotel in Bandung on December 18, 2024.

Sabar, who has been working with PT Sawit Jaya Abadi (PT SJA), a subsidiary of Astra Agro, since 2016, is willing to travel across provinces to deliver his harvest to the group’s mill despite the presence of eight other palm oil mills in his plantation area.

“That’s the difference with Astra Agro. Their service truly cares for us farmers and our drivers. For example, the Astra Agro management intervenes immediately to help if there are obstacles or vehicle issues. Their communication with local stakeholders is also excellent, making us feel safe and comfortable,” he added.

Sabar values the company’s focus on meeting the essential needs of its partners and drivers. He recounted an incident where their driver faced technical difficulties on the road. Astra Agro stepped in promptly, ensuring proper handling and logistics during the emergency.

“Even for small tasks, like ensuring our driver’s meals are packed, they are attentive. It’s a simple gesture, but it means a lot to us. ” Sabar explained.

Sabar manages approximately 100 hectares of land and takes advantage of various facilities offered by Astra Agro. These include purchasing quality seeds and receiving technical consultations. He remarked that the seedlings he plants are mainly sourced from Astra Agro and are significantly superior to those from other suppliers.

“I have purchased seeds from other vendors, but the results were unsatisfactory. With Astra Agro, the quality of the seedlings is guaranteed, and the results are excellent. Even the team that assisted me mentioned my garden exceeded Astra Agro’s core garden standards,” Sabar said proudly.

Astra Agro’s coaching and mentoring program further strengthens his confidence in the partnership. “The team from Astra Agro often visits my plantation to check on the plants and provide feedback. It makes us feel supported and valued as farmers,” he added.

Distance is not a barrier for Sabar; he continues to send his palm fruit to the PT SJA mill in Poso District, Central Sulawesi. The journey from East Luwuk can take up to 12 hours and cover about 150 kilometres. However, he believes the exceptional service and support he receives make it worthwhile.

“Their service is unforgettable. Astra Agro genuinely cares about us, both as farmers and as individuals. That is why I remain committed to partnering with Astra Agro,” Sabar concluded.

Djap Tet Fa, director of Astra Agro Lestari, stated in his speech at the Astra Agro Partnership Gathering that the company has been committed to not clearing new land since the government’s palm oil moratorium was implemented in 2011.

According to him, smallholder farmers play a crucial role in enhancing the company’s performance and boosting productivity through research and sustainable plantation governance.

“The relationship between companies and farmers is more than just a business transaction; it’s a strategic partnership that benefits both parties,” said Djap Tet Fa.

Astra Agro works to improve farmers’ productivity through this partnership, fostering a mutually beneficial and sustainable relationship in the palm oil sector, just as Sabar experiences.

Source: Radar Sampit

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The event was initiated by Investortrust.id in collaboration with the Bumi Global Karbon Foundation (BGK Foundation), which values corporations’ commitment to reducing carbon emissions or Greenhouse Gases (GHG) globally.

“Congratulations to the awardees. Companies that have achieved carbon emissions reductions should be given appreciation because they have contributed to saving the earth,” said Primus Dorimulu, CEO of Investortrust.id, in his speech.

Primus said that reducing emissions will have a positive impact on climate change, reducing greenhouse gas emissions while creating quality economic growth.

“We would like to thank you for the award given to Astra Agro,” said Bandung Sahari, Executive Vice President of Sustainability of PT Astra Agro Lestari Tbk, shortly after receiving the award, Wednesday (29/5/2024).

Bandung revealed that Astra Agro has set a target of reducing emissions by 30% in 2030 for Scope 1 and 2, as stated in the Astra Agro Sustainability Aspirations.

“Astra Agro has collaborated with Engie Impact in calculating Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions for Scope 1 and Scope 2, and has a strategy to achieve GHG emission reduction targets. This is to support the achievement of Indonesia’s Nationally Determined Contribution target in 2030 and the Net Zero Emission (NZE) target in 2060,” he added.

These efforts are strengthened through initiatives carried out by Astra Agro, including fertilizer reduction, riverbank restoration, diesel savings, partial substitution of coal using palm kernel shells as boiler fuel at the refinery plant, and the construction of methane capture.

The organizers set the assessment criteria based on emissions calculation in two or three scopes and assurance activities by third parties.

The transparency of this emission reduction is expected to motivate performance improvement and provide a tangible form of company support in building awareness of protecting the earth through national and international emission reduction targets.

Source: Agrofarm.co.id

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In 1991, Rio Pakava was just a swampland area when the 17,014.14 square kilometre area was designated as a transmigration area populated by mostly Javanese, Balinese and Bugis.

“Everything used to be swamps here. If we wanted to cross to other villages or to Donggala and Palu, we had to swim or take a boat first to Pasangkayu, West Sulawesi Province,” said I Ketut Putra Widarsa when a number of journalists visited his house in Polanto Jaya Village, Rio Pakava Subdistrict, Tuesday (19/2).

At that time, the economic condition of the residents in the sub-district that was formerly called Lalundu was very poor. The crops they grew were only enough for food and drink said Widarsa,

Widarsa even admitted that he and other residents had given up hope of living in the area and intended to leave the flood-prone area because of the difficulty of earning money there. However, several other residents held them back and told them to be patient.

Initially, almost all residents depended on farming cocoa, oranges, langsat, durian and rice fields. At that time, palm oil was still unknown to them, said Widarsa.

“At that time there was no palm oil. We planted cocoa. There were also some who planted rice fields but they all lost money. The cocoa trees died and the rice fields failed because the soil was very watery. The soil is very soft when stepped on,” said Widarsa, who has been farming palm oil for a dozen years.

In fact, because of the soft texture of the soil at that time, residents could tell the whereabouts of a person from a distance of several hundred metres from their stilt houses. Because when walking on the surface of the land, the surrounding land will also sway, including the houses on stilts.

“The house used to shake as if there’s an earthquake, when people walked around here,” Widarsa continued.

Introduction to Oil Palm

Widarsa and thousands of residents were introduced to palm oil in 1997. At that time, PT Mamuang, a subsidiary of Astra Agro Lestari Group, invited residents there to switch to planting oil palm because oil palm trees are very suitable for planting there.

The company, which developed thousands of hectares of oil palm nucleus plantations, built a drainage system to dry out the swampy land thus converting the land to be more suitable for planting oil palm and other crops, even for building permanent houses and roads.

It was only in the early 2000s that Widarsa and other villagers started planting oil palm and it turned out that their decision was not wrong as they are now enjoying the results.

“In the past, people who owned motorbikes could still be counted. Only one or two people. Now, each person has their own motorbike. I have also been able to send my children to university thanks to the income I recieved from this palm oil plantation,” Widarsa explained.

Mansur, a farmer and head of an oil palm farmers’ group in Karya Mukti Village, Rio Pakava Sub-district, told the same story.

Initially Mansur was reluctant to become oil palm farmers even when the company had done various ways to persuade and convince him. At that time Mansurs have yet to realise the true value of oil palm.

“At that time, I thought that palm oil has no value. I didn’t see any point in cultivating it. However, since PT Mamuang always invited and convinced me, my friends and I decided to try planting oil palm and it turned out that the trees grow well in this area,” Mansur said.

Now Mansur owns 25 hectares of oil palm land, with an average monthly net income of Rp25 million ($1596). Mansur has employed several people on his oil palm land as casual labourers. They are employed to guard and maintain the palm trees so that they are free from pests.

When harvest time arrives, more people are hired to harvest the palm fruit, so unemployment in the 14 villages in the subdistrict is virtually non-existent.

“Alhamdulillah, thanks to my oil palm plantation I have built a few buildings for my five swallow nest,” said Mansur gratefully.

Luxury Cars

The same story was also told by I Ketut Sumatera, an oil palm farmer from Polando Jaya Village who is now living well thanks to his oil palm plantation.

According to Sumatra, many residents in the area are now able to buy luxury cars, build mansions, and send their children to college.

“I already have one private car and a truck that transports palm fruit. The profit I can get is around Rp20 million every month,” said Sumatra.

The Community Development Officer (CDO) of PT Mamuang Teguh Ali explained the form of cooperation built by PT Mamuang with farmers in Rio Pakava sub-district, specificaly through buying their palm fruit.

PT Mamuang never rejects palm fruits that they sell unless the quality does not meet the established criteria, such as expired fruits.

“We also formed oil palm farmer groups comprising of oil palm farmers within the area. Through the 11 existing groups, we provide them with training on palm oil such as how to increase palm fruit production and keep the palm trees from being attacked by pests,” Teguh explained.

In addition, the company has always provides assistance to farmers and finds solutions to any problems experienced by farmers related to oil palm.

“The company has also built road infrastructure here. Imagine when the Donggala Regency government was not able to build a road from Rio Pakava to Donggala, we have built them a road through Pasangkayu,” Teguh said.

In addition to PT Mamuang, a number of Astra Agro Lestari Group subsidiaries have established partnerships with oil palm farmers in Rio Pakava sub-district are PT Letawa, PT Pasangkayu and PT Lestari Tani Teladan.

These companies do not only engaged in plantations but also palm oil processing plants whose production is shipped directly to various countries and cities in Indonesia through a special port in Pasangkayu, West Sulawesi.

These companies have also spend billions of rupiah each year on social activities aimed towards the community with a primary focus on the education, health and environment sectors.

Source: Antara News

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Santosa received this award because he succeeded in bringing the company to continued growth thanks to the implementation of digitalization strategies in the business process sector. Even though Santosa admitted that the system cannot completely replace physical control, it at least helps smooth decision making due to the use of data.

Apart from that, AALI’s sustainable performance growth is utilizing assets and maintaining the assets it owns through replanting so that factory utilization is maintained. AALI also created a partnership team as a more aggressive anticipatory move in approaching the community. With medium PKS factory partners, they can jointly penetrate the export market, as was done by carrying out a joint venture with partners in Singapore, to penetrate the Chinese, Indian and Korean markets.

When the Government issued a policy banning the export of cooking oil, and many companies were no longer able to operate, Santosa had to strategize how the tank stock would not be full and companies would not stop buying palm fruit from the community.

With these various strategies, the Company’s performance throughout the last five years has tended to be stable. In 2019, for example, before the pandemic crisis occurred, AALI managed to record revenue of IDR 17.45 trillion with a net profit of IDR 211.12 billion. When the pandemic occurred, AALI’s performance actually strengthened with revenue reaching IDR 18.81 trillion and net profit soaring to IDR 833.01 billion. Revenue continued to grow, reaching IDR 24.32 trillion with a net profit of IDR 1.97 trillion. Even though in 2022 revenue declined to IDR 21.83 trillion, net profit remained at IDR 1.73 trillion. In the third quarter of 2023, AALI’s revenue was recorded at IDR 15.68 trillion with a net profit of IDR 800.5 billion

With this continuous performance growth, AALI’s share price is also stable at the exchange rate of IDR 7,125 at the opening bell on December 5, 2023. With today’s market capitalization value of IDR 13.71 trillion, AALI is ranked 2nd out of 53 stocks in the plantation sector or ranked 106th out of 902 public companies.

AALI also applies the concept of sustainability for the Company. Even though it is nothing new for AALI, because it has been implemented since 1990, Santosa continues to improve the sustainability concept in a measurable manner and refers to international standards. AALI’s sustainability concept is also in line with the 3P strategy in the Astra Group, namely Portfolio, People and Public Contribution.

Based on the company’s performance and strategy, Santosa was considered successful in developing the company and received an award as The Best CEO in Agriculture (Plantation and Crops) from Tempo.co and IDNFinancials.com. TOP CEO INDONESIA 2023 is a prestigious award for CEOs of Public Companies (Tbk) for their achievements and success in leading the company in financial aspects and impact on the environment (social impact).

This appreciation is given through a number of stages of data collection and research, including financial and company sustainability reports, as well as face-to-face or virtual interviews with CEOs.

The awarding was also accompanied by a talk show with the theme: Towards a Golden Indonesia 2045, and presenting as speakers 4 CEOs from large and well-known companies, namely President Director of PT Garuda Indonesia Tbk Irfan Setiaputra; President Director of PT Industri Jamu dan Farmasi Sido Muncul Tbk David Hidayat; President Director of PT Indocement Tunggal Prakarsa Tbk Christian Kartawijaya and President Director of PT Aneka Tambang Tbk Nicolas D Kanter. (AM/LM)

Source: idnfinancials.com

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Santosa, President Director of Astra Agro Lestari said that internal team of Astra Agro is currently working on the plan to realize the target. “But we hope that the net zero emission in Astra Agro Lestari can be realized faster than the target set by the government in 2060,” he said. 

Santosa said that there are a number of big programs that will be implemented by Astra Agro to transform its business process into more eco-friendly business operations. “One way to realize it will be through the use of energy sources that emit less carbon,” he said.

According to him, Astra Agro will evaluate the use of technology for the purpose of minimizing the emission. “We can possibly use methane capture or solar panel, or other renewable energy sources. We’re now assessing all of the possibilities to find out their potential and how much capital expenditure (capex) needed for development,” Santosa said during a virtual media gathering on Tuesday, 15 February 2022. 

In addition to that, Astra Agro will also implement reforestation program in a number of unproductive critical lands, both inside and outside of its concessions. AALI will implement the program under cooperation with the ministry of environment and forestry, strategic partners, and local people living around its operational areas.

In terms of sustainability, Astra Agro Lestari will keep encouraging the oil palm smallholders, who supply fresh fruit bunches (FFB) to the company, to get the certificate of Indonesia Sustainable Palm Oil (ISPO). “Hopefully, our partners will implement the good agricultural practices which are in line with the principles of sustainability,” he said.

Santosa noted that such green efforts will take time. Astra Agro will provide technical and financial assistances under existing packages, as the partners contribute significantly to the production capability of the company amid the implementation of moratorium policy by the government to stop new licenses of oil palm plantations since 2018. (*)

Source: KONTAN.CO.ID

According to Astra Agro director Mario Casimirus Surung Gultom, the company’s net profit soared 294.6 percent from Rp 211.1 billion in 2019.

“Our net revenue saw a 7.8 percent jump to Rp 18.8 trillion last year thanks to the 27.8 percent increase in our average CPO price,” Mario told the online conference on Wednesday.

Their annual report revealed the average CPO price in the international market rose by 26.3 percent from $556 per ton in 2019 to $715 per ton in 2020. As a result, Astra Agro sold their CPO at Rp 8,545 per kilogram on average, in comparison to Rp 6,689 per kilogram in 2019.

“On the other hand, sales volume for CPO and its derivatives dropped by 13.6 percent to 2.03 million tons due to the decline in CPO production,” Mario said.

Astra Agro’s production of fresh fruit bunches dropped by 7.7 percent to 4.6 million tons in 2020. Their CPO production also fell 13.6 percent to 1.4 million tons. Their kernel production also suffered a 12.6 percent decline to around 303,000 tons last year.

Also, Mario revealed Astra Agro has budgeted up to Rp 1.2 trillion for this year’s capital expenditure. “Capex will mostly focus on our replanting programs and treatment for immature plants.”

The company has committed to replanting 2.5 percent of its plantation annually. They will also work on developing seeds of a much higher productivity.

At the conference, Astra Agro president director Santosa called for all parties, including fellow producers, to support the mandatory use of B30 —a diesel fuel made of 30 percent palm oil biofuel.

“Even though the export levy [on CPO] can be relatively high, this is for our common good. This mutual commitment [to B30] also enables us to have a very good price on the market side,” Santosa said.

Late last year, the government introduced a progressive export levy on CPO and other palm oil products to support the B30 program. Under the new regulation, CPO levies range from $55 to $255 per metric ton, depending on the reference price.

Source: Jakartaglobe.id

Speaking at a virtual event titled “Talk to the CEO” on February 10, 2021, Santosa said that in this time of COVID pandemics where mobility was restricted, the company could only forecast production growth for its own plantation and not for its purchase from non-company oil palm fruit bunches.

“For our core plantations, our (production targets) remains relatively flat because in Astra Agro, our crops are already mature, so it would depend mostly on the weather,” Santosa said, adding that the company had already for years engaged in intensification and optimization of its yields.

“Well, at the least a five percent increase, plus minus five percent and that is also because there are about five thousand hectares what we will replant,” he said regarding the expected rise in production for this year.

He said the only way the company could increase its palm oil output significantly was by increasing its outside purchases but said that because of the pandemic, the contribution of outside fruit bunches to the company production last year had fallen” quite deeply” with the limited mobility.

The pandemic was also affecting the company’s capital expenditures for 2021. “Regarding capex, with the pandemic situation, we are not going grand,” he said, adding that the lion’s share of the capex would be for the maintenance of young crops and replanting.

He said that under the present conditions, the company had two scenarios, for the worst case and for a better case.

“So, we have a worst-case scenario (capex) set at one trillion rupiah but if all of our planned activities can be implemented, it possibly could reach 1.5 trillion,” he said.

With a one trillion capital expenditure, some 700 billion rupiah would be for the maintenance of yet unproductive crops and for the company’s replanting program which ran annually at around 5,000 to 6,000 hectares. He said that the yet unproductive crop accounted for about 22,000 hectares.

The rest of the expenditure, around 300 to 400 billion rupiah would be for routine maintenance such as for road and bridges, employee housings, factory and equipment maintenance.

“We will only conduct routine maintenance because we are restricting contractors from entering the plantations,” he said.

 Santosa added that at current CPO prices, the company did not need to resort to outside financing for its 2021 capex, especially since the company’s activities this year would not be “heavy.”

He said that despite of the mobility constraints imposed by the pandemics, the company’s operations have managed to proceed without too much disruption and have run relatively as usual.

“We are thankful that long before the pandemic, Astra Agro had already applied digitalization in running the operations of the company,” Santosa said.

He cited a number of digital applications it had developed and applied in its operations that build up real time data on mill indicators, field operations and other daily indicators, allowing the company to not only strengthen control but also allow more rapid and accurate analysis and decision making.

Source: Thepalmscribe.id

“I never thought of it, it is an honor to be able to have a career here,” said Yudison, Wednesday (11/18/2020). He had just been given the position of head of the afdeling.

With his new position, he is in charge of 60 workers and responsible for all tasks in his working area. The responsibilities include maintenance processes, harvesting fresh fruit bunches (FFB), as well as workforce management.

Considering his previous educational background, he admitted that he is lucky. Due to his family’s condition, he did not continue his studies after graduating from high school. In 2009, he and his fellow Dayak Kayan youths decided to apply for a job at PT KED. At the time, he was accepted as a foreman of care.

He works at PT KED for more than 11 years. He has gone through all parts of the work. In addition to being a nursing foreman, he has served as an afdeling crew that was concurrently a harvest foreman as well as the first foreman of the crop.

Because of his persistency, the management of PT KED gave him more responsibility when he was the first foreman of the crop. He was entrusted with managing the plantation, which at that time did not have an afdeling head.

Since then his life has changed from all sides. Guaranteed income and benefits, as well as opportunities for greater work.

According to him, being a head of afdeling is not easy. Moreover, the responsibility is getting bigger. However, he is optimistic. “I see it all as a challenge to improve myself,” he said.

Yudison is not the only one who chooses to work in palm oil plantations. Many other youth in Lung Melah Village have also succeeded in working or becoming partners of the Company. One of them is his brother, named Sri Winarti Ibau.

After the death of his father, his older sister took over the management of his father’s plantation. He started to cultivate oil palm. Yudison’s other brothers also work in the palm oil plantation. His name is Yoki Ibau. He works as a crew at PT KED, while another brother, David Ibau, works as a truck driver at PT Subur Abadi Plantation (SAP), a subsidiary of PT Astra Agro Lestari Tbk. The income from these jobs is considered very sufficient to support the family.

Areas that also develop

Many positive changes took place in the place of his birth. Yudison is one of the witnesses of how Lung Melah Village is developing. The transportation route is getting better.

“Previously, if you wanted to go to Samarinda, you had to take 3-4 days. With road access, now it only takes 6 hours, “he said.

According to him, most of the villagers work in oil palm plantations. Apart from being easier to cultivate, according to Yudison, the presence of oil palm companies and their mill makes it easier for palm oil smallholders to sell their crops from their respective palm oil plantations to the company.

Before there were palm oil companies, he said, it was difficult to get income. “Since there’s palm oil, we just wait for the harvesting. By then, Rp. 3-4 million has been earned every month,” he said.

He also hopes that the area of his birth can continue to develop. “Communities and companies can work together to create positive growth opportunities,” he added. (*)

Source: palmoilmagazine

The drop in CPO production was due mainly to the long dry season a year ago that impacted the vegetable oil production this year, Santosa said.

Santosa said although CPO production declined, the company posted 9.1 trln rupiah in net revenue in Jan-Jun, 6.5% more than 8.5 trln rupiah in the same period last year.

“This is because during the first semester the company’s CPO average selling price increased 25.9% on year to 8,109 rupiah per kg from 6,441 rupiah per kg in the corresponding period in 2019,” Santosa said.

Despite the current COVID-19 pandemic, the company’s operations have been at normal levels so far. At the same time, the company has implemented strict COVID-19 protocols such as physical distancing, mandatory face mask wearing by all employees and disinfectant application at certain locations to prevent COVID-19 transmission, he said.

Source: Cogencis