Inspiring initiatives are emerging from various regions in Kalimantan, all sharing a common goal: to cultivate environmental awareness from an early age and to turn waste into a source of life rather than a problem.

Three Astra Agro subsidiaries in East Kalimantan, PT Sumber Kharisma Persada (SKP), PT Cipta Narada Lestari (CNL), and PT Karyanusa Ekadaya (KED) are collaborating with their partnered schools to foster environmental consciousness.

Under the theme “Stop Plastic Pollution,” this commemoration serves as a platform to strengthen the collective commitment of the government, businesses, and the community towards environmental conservation. The event not only showcased various policies but also featured environmental competitions, waste management education, and the signing of a waste commitment declaration at the community level.

A highlight of this achievement was when Kharisma Persada Elementary School, Astra Agro Lestari Elementary School, and Karya Nusa Lestari Middle School received the Adiwiyata School title at the regency level during the 2025 World Environment Day celebration in East Kutai.

Poniso Suryo Renggono, Assistant for Government and Social Welfare, attending on behalf of the Regent of East Kutai, expressed pride in the contributions made by all parties involved, particularly the Astra Agro entities in Kalimantan, which supported the local government in promoting environmental sustainability. “Government support is not only reflected in policy but also realized through concrete joint action. Our collective awareness is the foundation for protecting our environment,” he said enthusiastically.

For Astra Agro, the Adiwiyata title symbolizes the belief that big dreams can stem from small habits. The company aims to educate children not only to be intelligent but also to develop character, compassion, and responsibility toward the environment. “This is an identity we will continue to uphold,” stated the school principal, Furwandi, with great pride.

The achievements of these schools were bolstered by the significant support of PT SKP, PT CNL, and PT KED, all of which align with the implementation of the Indonesian Ministry of Environment and Forestry Circular Letter Number 5 of 2025 regarding the reduction of plastic pollution.

However, this success did not happen overnight. It required the hard work of teachers patiently instructing students on waste sorting, the joyful participation of students planting trees in the schoolyard, and the involvement of parents in protecting the environment around their homes.

For children, the concept of protecting the Earth has become an everyday routine: bringing reusable water bottles, collecting plastic for recycling, growing vegetables in recycled pots, and maintaining cleanliness in classrooms and schoolyards.

A similar commitment is also evident at PT Subur Agro Makmur (PT SAM), a subsidiary of AAL in South Kalimantan, which launched the innovative program “Transforming Plastic Waste into Hydroponics.” In collaboration with the State Kindergarten Pembina Daha Selatan, this program not only supports the Healthy School Competition but also teaches students, teachers, and parents about transforming waste into valuable resources.

Through this initiative, used plastic bottles are converted into hydroponic systems that produce fresh vegetables. Children learn that the waste they generate can become a “home” for beneficial plants.

The community has warmly embraced this initiative. “This is not just a project; it’s an investment in the future,” stated Yeni Kusuma Ahmad Yani, Head of the PKK of Daha Selatan District.

PT SAM has also taken an active role in mentoring, assisting with waste sorting, designing hydroponic installations, and engaging with students and parents. This effort transforms the school into not just an educational institution but also a small laboratory for environmental creativity.

The dedication of Astra Agro’s subsidiaries to plastic waste management in Kalimantan illustrates that significant change can begin with small, consistent actions. By engaging schools, communities, and the government, these initiatives not only help reduce waste but also foster an environmentally conscious mindset in the younger generation.

Astra Agro is committed to sustainable waste management, as demonstrated through various programs and activities aimed at reducing the environmental impact of waste, while also involving the community in 5R-based waste management practices (reduce, reuse, recycle, refine, and repair). Additionally, Astra Agro frequently participates in environmental development programs and educates the community about waste management.

Liliana not only gathers clean water for drinking but also relies on the Lariang River for bathing, washing, and sanitation because the Kaili Tado community in Towiora Village has no access to clean water sources, wells, or bathrooms. All water-related activities occur at the river, with no separation between water used for consumption and that used for sanitation.

According to Liliana, the persistent challenge of walking to the river multiple times for water has become an unavoidable part of life for her and the other residents of Towiora Hamlet. “What’s even more difficult is that when we need to use the restroom, we also have to hurry to the river—especially at night when there’s no lighting at all. Just going back and forth between our homes and the river takes over an hour,” she remarked.

These challenging conditions often leave residents exhausted, prompting many complaints. During the rainy season, residents sometimes prefer to collect rainwater for their household needs, even though its quality can be questionable. “When we’re desperate and can’t take it anymore, we’ll use rainwater rather than have nothing at all,” Liliana stated.

The Lariang River also poses dangers due to its strong currents during floods, which can threaten the safety of community members performing their daily tasks. Even in dry seasons or during storms, those in need of water continue to depend on the river, regardless of its condition. Who can guarantee their safety in such circumstances?

Similarly, another housewife, Romlia, shared her experience. Every morning before sunrise, she wakes up early to go to the river to bathe herself and her child. “Once it gets light, the river gets crowded with people bathing, washing, and doing chores, so I go first to avoid the queue and to ensure my child doesn’t feel too embarrassed, even though it’s still dark,” Romlia explained.

Romlia continued, saying that while it was still pitch dark, she carried two five-liter jerry cans of water home after bathing her child. As a middle-aged woman, she admitted that she often suffers from back pain due to the heavy loads and the long distances she walks to the river multiple times each day. “But what else can we do? We have to meet our needs, and thankfully, we’ve found a nearby clean water source,” she said.

Access to clean water and adequate sanitation are basic human needs. One of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) is to ensure that communities have universal access to these essentials.

Recognizing the community’s struggles with water access, PT Lestari Tani Teladan (LTT) has increased its support for Towiora Village. The company has successfully built five clean water facilities in the form of public wells and sanitation facilities (MCK).

“Alhamdulillah, we have been greatly assisted. We no longer have to go to the river as often, as we now have wells and bathrooms with clean water,” said Romlia.

Liliana noted that even residents from outside Towiora Village come to collect clean water from PT LTT’s facilities, especially during the dry season or when the Lariang River’s water quality deteriorates.

“These water and sanitation facilities have benefited over 100 families in Towiora Village in need of clean water access,” said Sukri DM Lage, the village head.

For him, the establishment of these facilities is significant for a village still facing water shortages and insufficient sanitation options for some residents.

Warni, Chair of the Towiora Village Council, observed the initial phases of PT LTT’s construction of these wells and sanitation facilities. He hopes the residents can access clean water without difficulty and conduct their daily activities in a more comfortable and hygienic manner.

“We are gradually improving Towiora Village with the help of the company. Once we have clean water, we hope the residents will become healthier and more productive in the future,” Warni said.

This initiative by PT LTT stems from ongoing, constructive, and participatory discussions between community members and the company. These needs were communicated and explored through the active involvement of PT LTT’s team, aligning with what the community hopes for and requires.

There are hopes that continue to grow: the hopes of educators who share their knowledge without seeking recognition, the aspirations of healthcare workers like posyandu cadres who diligently ensure the healthy development of pregnant women, infants, and toddlers, and the ambitions of small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) entrepreneurs striving to succeed in their startup ventures. Behind all this, PT ANA stands as a partner dedicated to contributing to the community.

PT ANA implements its sustainability programs in the Morowali Utara District of Central Sulawesi Province, focusing on the villages of Towara Pantai, Peboa, Towara, Molino, Bungintimbe, Tompira, and Bunta in the Petasia Timur Sub-district. These programs are regularly implemented based on the Four Pillars of CSR, in collaboration with village governments, community leaders, and local stakeholders. Through participatory meetings, the community and the company jointly design initiatives that align with local needs.

Recently, PT ANA’s economic pillar has targeted local traditional markets, where the heartbeat of the local economy can be felt. By collaborating with the village government and residents, PT ANA has helped revitalize Bungintimbe Market. The company’s support with heavy equipment has expanded the market area, creating space for more traders, more buyers, and, ultimately, more opportunities.

Musniati, the Village Head of Bungintimbe, greatly appreciates PT ANA’s contributions. She believes that the renovation of this market has become a crucial tool for economic circulation among her villagers. Musniati hopes this initiative will enhance community income and support future village development.

“With more facilities and a larger area, this market will be ready to become a new economic hub for the residents of Bungintimbe,” Musniati explained.

Simultaneously, PT ANA also supports UMKM Sinergi Magasi, a business group formed by the Family Empowerment and Welfare Group (PKK) in Molino Village. This business focuses on producing processed foods and horticultural agriculture, particularly chili cultivation. To aid this business’s development, PT ANA has provided production tools and essential infrastructure, understanding that even small businesses deserve significant attention.

“We can only express our gratitude to PT ANA for consistently supporting not just the village but also its residents directly,” stated the Chairperson of the PKK in Molino Village.

For PT ANA, empowerment is not just about providing assistance but about nurturing the potential that exists within the village community—the potential for progress and independence. The company positively evaluates the pioneers of these businesses through established SMEs, as they can have a positive impact and serve as role models for residents and other villages.

PT ANA continues to implement other CSR pillars with a commitment to shared prosperity with the nation. In education, PT ANA supports the sector by providing incentives to 21 honorary teachers at 13 schools under its guidance until March 2025. The beneficiaries include 13 primary school teachers, 7 junior high school teachers, and 1 senior high school teacher. These incentives serve not merely as financial support but as recognition of their dedication to educating the village’s children.

In the health sector, PT ANA demonstrates its commitment by providing incentives to 60 Posyandu cadres from 12 supported villages. These dedicated mothers monitor the growth and development of infants, track the health of pregnant women, and care for the elderly. Additionally, PT ANA regularly distributes Supplementary Food (PMT) as tangible support for community nutrition.

Importantly, as a company operating amidst Central Sulawesi’s abundance in natural resources, PT ANA acknowledges that sustainability can be achieved by maintaining environmental balance. Between 2024 and 2025, PT ANA will strengthen its commitment through various environmental initiatives that focus on conservation, impact reduction, and environmental education for the surrounding community.

These initiatives include planting trees in buffer zones around villages to reduce the risk of erosion and improve air quality. Thousands of local tree seedlings have been planted in collaboration with communities and schools in the area.

Furhtermore, PT ANA also conducts training and awareness programs on the importance of environmental protection for villagers, farmer groups, and students, covering topics such as household waste management.

Novita serves as the secretary of the youth community in her village, Towiora Village, located in the Rio Pakava District of Donggala Regency, Central Sulawesi. Together with several members of the youth community, she is venturing into oyster mushroom cultivation under the shade of palm trees.

“Initially, the youth group was formed first, and the idea of cultivation became one of our activities,” Novita explained.

She noted that building this community was not as easy as it might seem, as many young people in Towiora Village do not continue their education, leaving them with limited activities. “At first, we struggled with the idea of mushroom cultivation, and even daily activities sometimes left our members feeling confused,” she said.

This is what motivated Novita and some members of her group to create a youth community called Karang Taruna (youth organization) Harapan Bangsa. For Novita, a recent graduate of a prestigious university in Palu, this experience opened her eyes to the idea that change doesn’t require stability; it stems from sincere intentions.

Returning to her hometown and working to improve her village became her aspiration in forming this youth organization. “If it’s not us, who will make our village better?” Novita remarked enthusiastically.

Despite facing challenges, a strong enthusiasm emerged, igniting a desire to change the fate of the youth in her village. The youth community led by Novita successfully attracted around 60 young members in Towiora Village, a previously quiet area that lacked youth activities. Now, it has become more cheerful and vibrant.

The youth organization in Towiora Village engages in various activities, including celebrating Independence Day on August 17th, religious holiday festivities, regular village activities like posyandu (integrated health service posts), and community service. These initiatives have now become consistent activities successfully managed by the youth organization.

The community has received an incredibly positive response from the village government, the local society, and the palm oil industry that coexists with Towiora Village. The only nearby industry is Lestari Tani Teladan (LTT), a palm oil company that has enthusiastically embraced the youth initiative founded by Novita and her team. Their main goal is to empower and uplift the community.

“I’m impressed that with PT LTT’s support! This mushroom cultivation has been a tremendous help. They built the mushroom house, purchased hundreds of baglogs, and assisted us in marketing our sales,” said Novita.

PT LTT not only focuses on its youth community, but also consistently contributes to the development of Towiora Village, its foster village. The company goes beyond simply fulfilling its obligations by supporting the community in various areas. For example, it provides not just one-time assistance, but also regular training and mentoring, ensuring that its initiatives are sustainable and that the community can achieve independence in entrepreneurship.

For Novi, who is relatively young and just starting her career, the income from oyster mushroom cultivation may be uncertain; however, this endeavor presents numerous opportunities for change, particularly for the youth organization. Members who were previously inactive are now engaged in mushroom cultivation, participating in productive activities and generating economic value.

During the peak harvest season, the daily yield of oyster mushrooms can be substantial, with harvests occurring multiple times a day, often producing dozens of kilograms of mushrooms ready for sale. Interestingly, even outside of peak season, the mushrooms remain fruitful, allowing for harvesting at least two to three times daily, which ensures continuous activities in harvesting and marketing the produce.

Sukri D.M. Lage, the Head of Towiora Village, expressed pride in the initiatives developed by the youth organization, both in nurturing the youth community and in the mushroom cultivation business supported by PT LTT.

“We in Towiora Village are continually grateful for the contributions of PT LTT, a palm oil company that has significantly supported us in all aspects of community needs,” said Sukri D.M. Lage.

PT LTT, which operates under PT Astra Agro Lestari Tbk (Astra Agro), aims to promote the development of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in areas surrounding palm oil plantations through its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) program. Astra Agro actively involves the youth by providing training, mentoring, and access to markets to help them grow and contribute to the local economy. The ultimate goal is to foster economic independence within the community and create prosperous villages.

The establishment of Karang Taruna Harapan Bangsa aligns with Astra Agro’s mission of mutual prosperity and the principle of sustainability through its Sustainability Aspirations. Astra Agro has set targets to be achieved by 2030, collaborating on people, portfolio, and public contributions, while upholding Good Corporate Governance (GCG) as a key enabler.

“More importantly, the village of Towiora now has a renewed spirit. As a representative of Karang Taruna Harapan Bangsa, I want to convey to the community here that we should view palm oil not simply as a business crop, but as a potential future that can be processed wisely and sustainably,” concluded Novita Sari.

Palm oil plantations are not just fields of oil; they represent expanses of hope and hard work. Behind their lush greenery lies a balance between fortune and sustainability, between industry and conscience.

Driven by his desire to benefit his hometown, Fatur aimed to initiate change among the young people around him. The term “young change-maker” may sound impressive at first, but Fatur reveals the true challenges that come with being an educator.

In addition to his efforts with Inisiasi Muda, Fatur works as a young lecturer at Universitas Terbuka in Pasangkayu and also teaches business subjects at a high school in Tikke Village, his hometown. “Basically, I really enjoy learning and engaging in business, which is likely what led me to the teaching profession after earning my master’s degree,” Fatur explains.

With strong determination, he initiated the Inisiasi Muda organization, starting to voice his opinions in his village. He spread his goals through word of mouth and utilized social networking sites. The year 2022 marked the beginning of these activities.

Fatur’s role as the founder of Inisiasi Muda gained prominence after the organization’s first major program, which involved planting hundreds of trees in Tikke Village over three consecutive days. This initiative actively engaged village officials and the local community. “The village government and the community, along with the Inisiasi Muda program, receive full support from PT Letawa, the company that collaborates with and supports Tikke Village,” he stated.

According to Fatur, without the material and non-material support from one of Astra Agro’s subsidiaries in West Sulawesi, his organization might not have reached its current level of success. He currently oversees dozens of members in his organization, which consists of young people from Tikke Village, especially those lacking productive activities. “I want to help them engage in more productive activities by participating in the Inisiasi Muda community,” he explained.

The community has initiated a variety of positive activities, ranging from creating small podcasts related to environmental concerns to participating as speakers at seminars, conducting village care projects, and holding regular community activities.

Change is Not Instant

Fatur Rahman Hidayat, the chairman and founder of Inisiasi Muda, emphasized that empowering youth, particularly in rural areas, requires time and effort. To be successful in the marketplace, young people need comprehensive training and mentoring that covers fundamental knowledge, business analysis, and effective marketing strategies.

He has encountered challenges in raising awareness among the members of the community, which operates as a non-profit organization. “Often, friends are focused on gaining material benefits. Meanwhile, we at Inisiasimuda are genuinely a social institution that does not charge any fees. Convincing them has been a significant challenge,” he stated.

Fortunately, PT Letawa continually collaborates with Inisiasi Muda to enhance the competencies of local youth. Their partnership implements various social, educational, and environmental programs in the Tikke Raya area of Pasangkayu Regency, West Sulawesi.

Astra Agro’s support through PT Letawa aligns with the company’s commitment to achieving the Sustainability Aspiration 2030, particularly in terms of public contribution. Through this collaboration, PT Letawa aims to empower the village’s younger generation to become socially and economically independent.

One highlight of this partnership was the national webinar titled “Impactful Village Youth,” held in a hybrid format in Jengeng Raya Village, West Sulawesi, on Sunday, May 25, 2025. The event, themed “From the Village to the World,” attracted hundreds of youths from various regions.

Inisiasimuda aims to become an independent organization focused on Edutechpreneur and Sociopreneur programs. One of their current initiatives is a sustainable food resilience program that not only has economic value but also serves as a learning space for rural communities.

Additionally, a significant aspiration of the community, in collaboration with PT Letawa, is to provide scholarships for school-aged children in the village who wish to continue their education but face financial constraints. Fatur and his community believe that PT Letawa, which has a reputation for empowering its community, can help achieve these dreams and aspirations.

Fatur recounted the transformation his village has undergone since PT Letawa’s arrival. “Undeniably, since its inception, PT Letawa has brought about significant changes, particularly in terms of empowerment.”

This contribution remains ongoing, and nearly 80% of the village’s population earns a living from PT Letawa, either as direct employees or through third-party collaborations.

The community’s hopes for the future are not extravagant. Simply continuing to provide positive activities for its youth is a source of pride for Fatur, much like the impact that PT Letawa has had in his village.

The group faced constraints due to the limited and expensive supply of animal feed raw materials, alongside a relatively stable selling price for fish. In response, they innovated by creating SINTAPIBABE (Fish Feed Making Machine from Wastes).

SINTAPIBABE is a waste processing machine that transforms what was once a problem into a valuable economic resource for the community. This machine produces fish feed, showcasing the innovation of Pokdakan Maju Bersama, which is supported by PT WKP (Waru Kaltim Plantation), a subsidiary of Astra Agro.

The inspiration for developing SINTAPIBABE arose from the farmers’ reliance on commercial feed factories, particularly as rising feed prices significantly impacted their profitability. Given that fish selling prices generally remain stable in the market, ranging from Rp 23,000 to 25,000 per kg, this innovation helps address the financial challenges faced by farmers.

As an illustration, farmers need to spend Rp380,000 for 30 kilograms of feed for four days. The feed is able to meet the needs of 35 net cages, eight tarpaulin ponds and one land pond owned by Pokdakan Maju Bersama.

Pokdakan Maju Bersama faced a challenge that inspired them to innovate in the production of fish feed using recycled materials and locally sourced ingredients. Their primary raw material includes runcah fish, which are small fish that fishermen accidentally catch and which typically hold no economic value.

‘As a solution, we instructed the villagers with engineering expertise to construct feed processing machines through guidance and online references,’ answered Zakaria as a representative of PT WKP’s CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) team.

Ingredients include soya meal, cassava, red pumpkin, chicken feathers, chicken bones, and large fish bones. All raw materials are processed into flour, which is then formed into pellets for fish feed using SINTAPIBABE.

In one hour, SINTAPIBABE can produce 50 kilograms of fish feed, which meets the needs of all the floating net cages, tarpaulin ponds, and land ponds owned by Pokdakan Maju Bersama. This group cultivates various types of fish, including catfish, tilapia, and gourami.

The independent production of local feed by Pokdakan Maju Bersama has reduced their spending on fish feed by 50 to 60 percent. Additionally, the nutritional requirements of their farmed fish are being met. For instance, the production of Sangkuriang catfish, favored by Pokdakan Maju Bersama, can reach between 200 and 300 kilograms from one floating cage within a 10-day period.

Pokdakan Maju Bersama employs a tiered ladder system to harvest catfish from one floating net cage to another. From 19 floating net cages stocked with catfish seeds, the group manages to harvest approximately one tonne of Sangkuriang catfish each month. The average income from one floating net cage in just 10 days can reach around Rp6,000,000.

“With the floating net cage system, fish feed can be distributed optimally, leading to the production of better quality fish.”

Pokdakan Maju Bersama’s innovative use of recycled materials and waste for fish feed has garnered support from PT WKP, which awarded the group first place in the fisheries category at the Astra 2024 Festival.

In addition to winning the award, several institutions and villages have expressed interest in replicating and implementing the SINTAPIBABE machine for their business operations.

“Recently, Pokdakan received a collaboration offer from a certain company to develop the SINTAPIBABE machine for vegetable processing. This processing machine’s application is not limited to fish feed but has broader potential uses.”

Looking ahead, the CSR team at PT WKP plans to adapt the SINTAPIBABE machine as a tool for processing compost fertilizer for the village’s vegetable plantations.

“The machine we initially developed to address the high prices of fish feed can now stimulate economic growth and even create jobs for the surrounding community,” said Zakaria.

The thriving crops cultivated by the Suku Anak Dalam (SAD) are a testament to the supportive partnership with PT Sari Aditya Loka (SAL), a subsidiary of the Astra Agro Lestari Group in Jambi. It’s inspiring to see that many SAD members are embarking on a journey to embrace farming and agriculture in their lifestyles.

While this transition presents challenges, particularly due to their nomadic heritage and reliance on forest resources, PT SAL is committed to facilitating a smoother adjustment. Through the Agriculture Learning Centre (ALC) program, known as Suluh Rimbo, the organization is eager to offer tailored support to meet the specific needs of the SAD community. This initiative aims to ensure a positive and sustainable agricultural future for everyone involved.

Suluh Rimbo serves as a learning center for 40 SAD families, providing training in crop cultivation techniques. The goal of this initiative is to promote food self-sufficiency and create alternative income sources through agricultural commodities.

The company supports the program by providing agricultural infrastructure, including seeds, fertilizers, and equipment, as well as enhancing the skills of the Suluh Rimbo farmer groups in crop cultivation. The Suluh Rimbo farmer group is divided into two sub-groups: Suluh Rimbo Air Panas and Suluh Rimbo Sikar.

In the first quarter of 2024, Suluh Rimbo Sikar successfully harvested 270 kg of long beans and 300 kg of cucumbers. Additionally, preparations are underway for the planting of curly chilies. Suluh Rimbo Sikar has made significant progress since the start of the program, with members becoming more aware of best agricultural practices and understanding how food crop production can meet their family’s dietary needs. During this period, Suluh Rimbo Air Panas, managed by the Rimba Tani group, also achieved successful harvests of various crops, including loofah, chili, and water spinach (ikat kangkong).

The Rimba Tani Group is excited to be preparing land for cultivating corn, lemongrass, cassava, and gambas! They’ve made impressive strides in technical farm management, mastering crop rotation techniques that adapt to environmental conditions. This thoughtful approach not only ensures flourishing plant growth but also empowers them to choose the best crops for their needs, driving a sustainable and fruitful future!

Hydroponic Plant Cultivation by Karang Taruna Group of Bungintimbe

Both the SAD community and the Bungintimbe Karang Taruna (Youth Group) in Bungintimbe, North Morowali, have benefited from Astra Agro’s farming coaching. The youth group successfully established a partnership with a nearby mining company to sell hydroponic vegetables. According to the agreement, they are required to supply 200 kg of vegetables each week. To help increase their production capacity, PT ANA (Agro Nusa Abadi), a subsidiary group of Astra Agro provided assistance with land development, heavy equipment, and production infrastructure.

The North Morowali Agriculture and Food Agency has partnered with a dedicated company to provide innovative hydroponic greenhouse packages, fostering exciting new opportunities in our community. Recently, the Karang Taruna group and the company visited the hydroponic team at Kolonodale Penitentiary to discuss a potential collaboration as a vegetable supplier, paving the way for significant positive change.

This initiative could generate an impressive monthly income of IDR 12 million from vegetable sales, benefiting various stakeholders while earning recognition from the North Morowali Agriculture Office and fellow hydroponic groups. Additionally, the company’s coaching program for local farmers not only bolsters food security but also opens doors for economic growth and collaboration in the region. Together, we’re nurturing a brighter, more prosperous future!

For Sabar, an oil palm farmer from East Luwuk, the partnership with PT Astra Agro Lestari Tbk. is more than just a business arrangement; he feels genuinely cared for as a partner, particularly in terms of service and technical support.

“I am truly happy to partner with Astra Agro. Their service is extraordinary, and their attention to us farmers is impressive. They not only focus on increasing production but also ensure that their partners are well taken care of,” Sabar stated.

Sabar is one of many successful smallholder partner who have benefited from Astra Agro’s coaching program. Another example is Haji Bintoro, who began his career as a bicycle tool trader and cocoa farmer in Mamuju Regency, West Sulawesi, but now manages a 30-hectare oil palm plantation.

“I used to be a cocoa farmer. However, when the oil palm plantations were established, I replaced all my cocoa plants with oil palm because PT Astra Agro provided oil palm seedlings through the Income Generating Activity (IGA) program,” he explained. Haji Bintoro, originally from Demak, Central Java, credits his success as an oil palm farmer for enabling him to send his two children to college and build an Islamic boarding school. He has performed Umrah twice and expressed gratitude for the presence of PT Mamuang, a subsidiary of Astra Agro Lestari Group, stating that the community’s welfare has significantly improved.

“All residents with oil palm plantations here now have decent houses and motorized vehicles; many even own cars,” he shared.

Guidance for Smallholder Partners

Astra Agro develops various partnership programs based on the needs of its partners. One key initiative is the Partner Development and Assistance program.

“Partner coaching is part of Astra Agro’s efforts to educate farmers about effective oil palm plantation business practices and operations. This also supports excellence in the partnership sector,” said Anggit Timur Feri, Partnership Area Manager for Astra Agro in the Aceh region.

Astra Agro promotes partnership-based programs in palm oil production to enhance the implementation of sustainable practices and responsible sourcing. These programs include periodic education and technical assistance on sustainable plantation management, covering topics such as crop care and fertilization.

Helmi, one of Astra Agro’s farmer partners, shared that he has gained significant knowledge and education regarding effective plantation business practices. He emphasized that this knowledge is not only about making a profit but also about benefiting the environment.

“In the past, I did not understand what sustainability meant or why it was important. Now, my fellow partners and I are more aware of the business and operational processes of the plantation. We are taught the correct fertilization methods, how to select suitable fertilizers, and understand the feasibility of the fruit,” he said.

Amarta: An Awarding Event for Astra Agro’s Best Partners

Astra Agro is committed to building strong relationships with its Fresh Fruit Bunch (FFB) supply partners by recognizing their performance through the Astra Best Partner Appreciation program (AMARTA).

This initiative demonstrates the company’s dedication to the village communities surrounding its operations, particularly those that are not directly involved as fruit partners.

Jonet Budiarto, the East Kalimantan Area Operations Director, stated that AMARTA aims to strengthen the relationship between partners and PT WKP. This closer connection is designed to create a strong emotional bond and motivate partners to strive to become the company’s top partners.

The criteria for receiving the award include loyalty, meeting volume targets, providing high-quality FFB, and fulfilling the agreed quotas for FFB unit slots.

“The school that we call ‘Forest School’ is specifically designed for the education of tribal children,” says Kartina, the school principal, who is supported by PT Pasangkayu. The Forest School was established as the first step for Bunggu tribe children to enter the world of education. Although the children in this tutoring center come from various age groups, not all of them are proficient in reading or arithmetic. The oldest student is 12 years old and still struggles with reading; however, Kartina and the other teachers observe significant progress every day.

In the future, children from the Bunggu Tribe who are proficient in reading, writing, and arithmetic will have the opportunity to attend schools supported by PT Pasangkayu and other public schools around Pasangkayu. “We will guide them through the process until they register for the national exam,” stated the school principal. This initiative will enable Bunggu Tribe children to easily access education and catch up on any missed lessons. One of the tutors, Oppie, is a member of the Bunggu Tribe and an alumnus of the school supported by PT Pasangkayu. She is currently continuing her studies in the education department at a university in Palu.

In addition to the company’s contributions, the Forest School program collaborates with the Salvation Army to develop educational programs. “From the beginning, our goal has been to assist the Bunggu Tribe by improving access to education, thereby enhancing the community’s quality of life and economy. Beyond providing educational facilities, PT Pasangkayu also works to raise awareness in the community about the benefits of education and other empowerment programs,” said Pastor Captain Vicky Malki.

In addition to providing educational support through tutoring facilities, PT Pasangkayu is also engaged in environmental education activities. These include cultivating catfish and horticultural plants, as well as promoting small businesses that produce various flavors of banana chips and shredded mushrooms. Neso, the tribal leader of the Bunggu tribe, shared, “In the past, if we wanted to eat fish, we had to catch it in the sea or purchase it from traders outside the village. Now, we can enjoy fish from our own cultivated catfish.” This improvement also holds true for other food products such as vegetables and beans.

While the current economic empowerment initiatives have enhanced the quality of life for the Bunggu tribe, it’s important to recognize that empowerment without education is like planting seeds without fertilizer. There is hope that in the future, ongoing educational programs for the Bunggu tribe will help create a new generation of members who can advance the economy and inspire innovations within the surrounding community.