· Press Release
PTBA’s Concrete Efforts to Improve Muara Enim Farmers’ Harvests Through a Potassium Humate Utilization Trial
Muara Enim, November 27, 2025 – PT Bukit Asam Tbk (PTBA) carried out a trial of the Potassium Humate Utilization Application on 3.5 hectares of company-assisted agricultural land located in Tanjung Karangan Village, Tanjung Agung District, Muara Enim Regency.
PTBA’s Exploration, R&D and Innovation Department Head, Bagus Totok Purnomo, stated that this activity marks an important step in implementing the downstreaming of low-calorie coal through the development of potassium humate, an innovation created by the Company in collaboration with Gadjah Mada University (UGM).
“We hope this initiative offers real benefits for the community, especially in encouraging the use of marginal land and increasing food productivity, which in turn can serve as a foundation for the sustainability of the agriculture and plantation sectors,” he said.
In line with this, Sustainable Economic, Social & Environment Department Head, Mustafa Kamal, emphasized that the activity reflects the Company’s commitment to working alongside the community in strengthening environmentally friendly and economically valuable agriculture.
“May this collaborative effort continue to bring better results for farmers. The availability of water from PTBA’s Solar-Powered Irrigation System and efforts to improve soil health through the use of potassium humate are key pillars in enhancing agricultural productivity and sustainability,” he explained.
The activity, held from 08:30 to 11:00 AM, involved various stakeholders from the company, village officials, academics, and local farmer groups, totaling around 14 participants. This multi-stakeholder collaboration further strengthens the implementation of the potassium humate trial as part of efforts to increase land productivity and promote environmentally friendly agricultural development.
The Head of Tanjung Karangan Village expressed appreciation and full support for PTBA’s initiative. According to him, local farmers responded positively and have high expectations for the benefits of potassium humate, which is believed to improve soil quality and increase crop yields.
“Moreover, this program also supports national food security by enhancing agricultural productivity while helping reduce the use of chemical fertilizers,” he added.
Through the innovation of potassium humate utilization and collaboration with academics and the local community, PTBA continues to strengthen its contribution to the agricultural sector surrounding its operational areas.This trial is expected to become an initial step toward broader and more sustainable use, ultimately providing economic and environmental benefits for farmers in Tanjung Karangan Village and the surrounding regions.
