Press Release

Muara Enim, December 11, 2024 - PT Bukit Asam Tbk (PTBA) conducted a training session on honey processing, propolis, and pest control in Embawang Village, Muara Enim, on December 9-10, 2024.

The training was attended by 30 participants from Embawang Village, equipping them with skills in processing bee products such as honey, propolis, and royal jelly, as well as understanding effective pest control techniques.

Titin Dwi Oktariani, AVP Sustainability Planning PT Bukit Asam Tbk (PTBA), stated that this activity is one of PTBA’s commitments to creating a positive and sustainable impact on the community and the environment.

Embawang Village is one of the 23 buffer villages surrounding the Isau-isau Wildlife Sanctuary in South Sumatra, which faces ecological challenges and climate change, threatening endemic plants like rafflesia and hundreds of species of orchids that thrive there.

"Bee farming produces high-value products like honey, propolis, and royal jelly. It also plays a vital role in maintaining the ecosystem. We hope the community can continue to develop this potential to improve the village’s economy," she said.

Titin hopes that the honey farming program will create economic sustainability and position Embawang Village as a leading honey production center in the future.

Pirliansah, Head of Embawang Village, expressed appreciation for PTBA’s initiative to improve the community’s welfare. "We are very grateful to PTBA and all parties who have supported this program. Our hope is that this activity not only enhances the skills of the community but also brings economic benefits and makes Embawang Village a successful example of a development village," he said.

One of the training participants, Indra Gunawan from the Serasan Honey Bee Farmers Group, was enthusiastic about the training, as it provided new skills to support their honey farming business.

"With this training, we can process our farm products and prepare them for sale, ready to compete in the market," Indra said.

Earlier, in June and September 2024, PTBA provided 16 bee hives containing Trigona Terminata and Trigona Itama honey bee species to the people of Embawang Village for farming. This support is expected to foster economic independence and strengthen the ecosystem balance.