· News, CSR and the Environment
Bukit Asam (PTBA) Supports Farmer Empowerment in Pagar Dewa
Windry Wijaya established PT Pagar Bukit Asam in 2018 out of concern about the situation of farmers in his hometown, Pagar Dewa. Windry was moved by the fact that much of the assets and land owned by farmers in Pagar Dewa Village, Muara Enim, were mortgaged.
This happened when farmers were unable to obtain financing from official financial institutions, forcing them to borrow from moneylenders at excessive rates.
PT Pagar Bukit Asam is one of the Micro & Small Enterprises fostered by PT Bukit Asam Tbk (PTBA). With support from PTBA, Windry is trying to empower farmers in Pagar Dewa Village by providing them with affordable loans.
"PT Pagar Bukit Asam paid off the amount that the farmers owed the moneylenders. After that, the farmers collaborated with PT Pagar Bukit Asam, paying it in installments by grinding grain and selling the produce to us," said Windri.
PT Pagar Bukit Asam and PTBA are working to increase farmers' welfare by lowering production costs, in addition to providing capital assistance. PTBA offers support in the form of production equipment such as hand tractors, grinding machines, grain drying fields, offices, and solar cells, as well as organic fertilizer assistance.
PT Pagar Bukit Asam then distributed the support to farmers in Pagar Dewa Village. Thus, the farmers will not have to rent production equipment at high costs. Mill wages can also be reduced.
"PTBA provides fertilizer assistance, which we distribute free of charge. After that, we purchase rice from farmers and package it. We sell it to shops, and so forth," said Windry.
PTBA also helps with the product marketing of the farmers who collaborate with PT Pagar Bukit Asam. Since rice doesn't require artificial fertilizers, it may be sold for a higher price. The brand name of this organic rice is Dewa Bukit Asam.
"Typically, they utilize chemical fertilizers; our recommendation is to use only organic fertilizers. We improve the packaging system. Alhamdulillah, thank God, PTBA supports us," said Windri.
PT Pagar Bukit Asam now employs seven administrators who supervise approximately 95 farmers. Windri is confident that one day he will be able to empower all farmers in his village.
"My dream is that everyone in my village will be empowered and independent. If God blesses us, we can overcome anything," he said.
Meanwhile, VP Sustainability of PT Bukit Asam Tbk (PTBA) Hartono said that PTBA is committed to continuing to implement sustainable programs that provide benefits and improve the welfare of communities around its operational areas.
"PTBA is devoted to actively contributing to economic development and welfare of local communities, as well as encouraging economic progress and resilience for our nation," he said.
This happened when farmers were unable to obtain financing from official financial institutions, forcing them to borrow from moneylenders at excessive rates.
PT Pagar Bukit Asam is one of the Micro & Small Enterprises fostered by PT Bukit Asam Tbk (PTBA). With support from PTBA, Windry is trying to empower farmers in Pagar Dewa Village by providing them with affordable loans.
"PT Pagar Bukit Asam paid off the amount that the farmers owed the moneylenders. After that, the farmers collaborated with PT Pagar Bukit Asam, paying it in installments by grinding grain and selling the produce to us," said Windri.
PT Pagar Bukit Asam and PTBA are working to increase farmers' welfare by lowering production costs, in addition to providing capital assistance. PTBA offers support in the form of production equipment such as hand tractors, grinding machines, grain drying fields, offices, and solar cells, as well as organic fertilizer assistance.
PT Pagar Bukit Asam then distributed the support to farmers in Pagar Dewa Village. Thus, the farmers will not have to rent production equipment at high costs. Mill wages can also be reduced.
"PTBA provides fertilizer assistance, which we distribute free of charge. After that, we purchase rice from farmers and package it. We sell it to shops, and so forth," said Windry.
PTBA also helps with the product marketing of the farmers who collaborate with PT Pagar Bukit Asam. Since rice doesn't require artificial fertilizers, it may be sold for a higher price. The brand name of this organic rice is Dewa Bukit Asam.
"Typically, they utilize chemical fertilizers; our recommendation is to use only organic fertilizers. We improve the packaging system. Alhamdulillah, thank God, PTBA supports us," said Windri.
PT Pagar Bukit Asam now employs seven administrators who supervise approximately 95 farmers. Windri is confident that one day he will be able to empower all farmers in his village.
"My dream is that everyone in my village will be empowered and independent. If God blesses us, we can overcome anything," he said.
Meanwhile, VP Sustainability of PT Bukit Asam Tbk (PTBA) Hartono said that PTBA is committed to continuing to implement sustainable programs that provide benefits and improve the welfare of communities around its operational areas.
"PTBA is devoted to actively contributing to economic development and welfare of local communities, as well as encouraging economic progress and resilience for our nation," he said.
