PT Astra Agro Lestari Tbk (Astra Agro) reaffirmed its commitment to sustainability by receiving the Katadata ESG Awards 2025 for the Plantation sector in the Social Pillar Winner category. This recognition demonstrates Astra Agro’s contribution to the local communities surrounding its operational areas.
Katadata CEO and Co-Founder Metta Dharmasaputra stated that the Katadata ESG Awards recognize companies and leaders who consistently apply Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles in their business operations. This award is part of the Sustainability Action for the Future Economy (SAFE) event series, themed “Green for Resilience.”
“The Katadata ESG Awards are based on the Katadata ESG Index, which has been compiled since 2022,” said Metta at the SAFE 2025 Awarding Night on Wednesday (9/10). He also stated that this year’s Katadata ESG Award is also strengthened by a new pillar, namely the gender pillar, which is assessed through an independent methodology in collaboration with the Katadata Insights Center, IBCWi, and Investing in Women.
“This category encompasses eight industrial sectors: banking, mining, plantations, food and beverage, transportation and logistics, chemicals, energy, and hospitality,” said Metta.
In his speech, the Secretary of the Coordinating Ministry for Economic Affairs, Susiwijono Morgiarso, also noted that the government would encourage three main sectors that are catalysts for economic growth, one of which is the plantation sector. Therefore, with the recognition of the plantation sector, Susiwijono felt more relieved and confident that the flagship sector, namely plantations, had implemented sustainable practices and considered ESG aspects.
Congratulating the award-winning companies, he stated, “We hope this recognition will further encourage the strengthening of environmental stewardship, the green economy, social responsibility, and good governance practices.”Susila Darma Wati expressed her appreciation for the recognition of the Company’s commitment to contributing to national welfare. She added that Astra Agro has established 12 initiatives under its Sustainability Aspirations, with several targets set to be achieved by 2030.
To achieve these targets, Astra Agro implements the Triple-P Roadmap strategy, which integrates portfolio, people, and public contribution. Good Corporate Governance (GCG) plays a crucial role in enabling the company to fulfill its sustainability commitments.
Throughout 2024, Astra Agro continues to strengthen its contribution to society through the four pillars of sustainability. In the economic pillar, the company partnered with 583 partners and 44,500 supplier farmers, producing 2.9 million tons of fresh fruit bunches (FFB). Meanwhile, in the environmental pillar, Astra Agro initiated the “The Plastic Reduction Movement” (Semangkup) campaign, providing access to clean water to encourage community participation in environmental sustainability.
In the social sphere, Astra Agro also prioritizes education and health. Through its Prevention and Response to Violence Against Women and Children (P2KPA) program, the company has reached 194 schools, 2,539 teachers, and 49,251 students, while supporting schools in their progress toward Child-Friendly School (SRA) status. Similarly, in the health pillar, Astra Agro distributed supplementary feeding and vitamins to 3,342 pregnant women and 18,570 infants and toddlers, and mentored 2,080 posyandu cadres to improve the competence of health services in the fostered villages.
Susila added that Astra Agro continues to strengthen its sustainability aspects while maintaining a balanced business approach. According to her, the Sustainability Aspirations program represents the company’s commitment to making a meaningful contribution in the operational areas of the business, with a positive impact on society and the environment through sustainable business governance.
Furthermore, Susila explained that ESG serves as a practical parameter guiding companies in making strategic decisions, rather than being merely a conceptual framework.
“This award serves as both recognition and motivation to continue advancing a sustainable palm oil industry. Implementing ESG principles is not only an obligation but also the foundation for every business decision Astra Agro makes.
