· News, CSR and the Environment
From Quail Manure to Watermelon Harvest, Former Illegal Mining Land in Darmo Village Now Productive
Tanjung Enim, July 31, 2025 – Quail farmers fostered by PT Bukit Asam Tbk (PTBA) have successfully harvested watermelons from land formerly used for illegal mining activities in Darmo Village, Lawang Kidul District, Muara Enim Regency, on Thursday (July 24, 2025). The watermelons were cultivated using organic fertilizer made from quail manure (kohe), as a part of an integrated farming system developed in collaboration with PTBA.
This harvest is part of the PETI Transformation Program, an initiative by PTBA to repurpose former illegal mining areas into productive and environmentally friendly zones. One of the key components is the development of quail farming, where livestock waste is processed into natural fertilizer that enriches the soil and supports sustainable agriculture.
PTBA's Sustainability Division Head, Dedy Saptaria Rosa, explained that quail manure has proven to enhance soil quality while offering a more eco-friendly agricultural solution.
"This program is expected not only to produce healthy food but also to create alternative job opportunities for the local community. It’s a tangible commitment from the company to assist the community in building a sustainable livelihoods," said Dedy.
From an area of 300 square meters that was previously barren, the farmers managed to harvest around one ton of watermelon. The entire process from land preparation to harvest was carried out by the farmer group with intensive support from the PTBA team.
This initiative reflects strong collaboration between the local community, village government, and the company in building a circular economic ecosystem in the post-mining areas.
One of the supported farmers, Agustian, shared that the land was once on the verge of being turned into a stockpile site for illegal mining materials.
"The results are amazing, not just for us, but also for the environment. Thank you, Bukit Asam, for proving that this company truly cares about us, the small people," he said.
Ilwan Utama, the Village Head of Darmo, also expressed his appreciation for the program, which he believes has had a real impact.
"On behalf of Darmo Village, we thank Bukit Asam. This program has revived dead land, increased residents' income, and strengthened food security. We hope its benefits can continue to grow and involve even more members of the community," he said.
PTBA reaffirmed its commitment to upholding social and environmental responsibility by empowering communities and fostering self-reliant, green, and resilient villages to face future challenges.
This harvest is part of the PETI Transformation Program, an initiative by PTBA to repurpose former illegal mining areas into productive and environmentally friendly zones. One of the key components is the development of quail farming, where livestock waste is processed into natural fertilizer that enriches the soil and supports sustainable agriculture.
PTBA's Sustainability Division Head, Dedy Saptaria Rosa, explained that quail manure has proven to enhance soil quality while offering a more eco-friendly agricultural solution.
"This program is expected not only to produce healthy food but also to create alternative job opportunities for the local community. It’s a tangible commitment from the company to assist the community in building a sustainable livelihoods," said Dedy.
From an area of 300 square meters that was previously barren, the farmers managed to harvest around one ton of watermelon. The entire process from land preparation to harvest was carried out by the farmer group with intensive support from the PTBA team.
This initiative reflects strong collaboration between the local community, village government, and the company in building a circular economic ecosystem in the post-mining areas.
One of the supported farmers, Agustian, shared that the land was once on the verge of being turned into a stockpile site for illegal mining materials.
"The results are amazing, not just for us, but also for the environment. Thank you, Bukit Asam, for proving that this company truly cares about us, the small people," he said.
Ilwan Utama, the Village Head of Darmo, also expressed his appreciation for the program, which he believes has had a real impact.
"On behalf of Darmo Village, we thank Bukit Asam. This program has revived dead land, increased residents' income, and strengthened food security. We hope its benefits can continue to grow and involve even more members of the community," he said.
PTBA reaffirmed its commitment to upholding social and environmental responsibility by empowering communities and fostering self-reliant, green, and resilient villages to face future challenges.
