PT Astra Agro Lestari Tbk (Astra Agro) has reiterated its commitment to sustainable palm oil productivity. This strategic focus is implemented through innovation, inclusivity, and technological advancement.
President Director Djap Tet Fa stated that Astra Agro Lestari is developing an inclusive, technology-driven, and environmentally responsible agricultural model designed to ensure future food security through innovation, partnerships, and sustainability, as presented at the Indonesia International Sustainability Forum (IISF) on October 10.
During the IISF 2025 event at the Jakarta Convention Centre, Djap Tet Fa shared insights and best practices from palm oil plantation companies aimed at strengthening food security in accordance with sustainability principles.
The IISF 2025 Forum, themed “Investing for a Resilient, Sustainable, and Prosperous World,” will feature over 250 speakers and attract more than 100 global business leaders and philanthropists. The forum underscores Indonesia’s commitment to advancing the green economic transition, food security, and renewable energy promotion.
The Coordinating Minister for Infrastructure and Regional Development, Agus Harimurti Yudhoyono, emphasized that developing countries, such as Indonesia, must establish their own approaches to sustainable development rather than replicating the models of developed nations. They cannot achieve progress by sacrificing the environment or financial stability. “Investment and sustainability must go hand in hand,” said Yudhoyono.
Consistent with the Coordinating Minister’s perspective on adopting realistic and future-oriented strategies to foster independence, Astra Agro Lestari has developed a sustainable agriculture model based on collaboration between the public and private sectors.
During a discussion session on “Sustainable Agriculture,” Djap Tet Fa emphasized the crucial role of public-private partnerships in attaining long-term food security.
He explained that ‘sustainable intensification,’ defined as increasing production from existing land without expanding the cultivated area, is central to Astra Agro Lestari’s strategy.
Key initiatives by Astra Agro include rejuvenating aging plantations with high-yield varieties to enhance productivity while minimizing land use expansion. Ongoing research and innovation focus on developing organic biofertilizers to enhance soil health, reduce reliance on chemical fertilizers, and mitigate carbon emissions.
Astra Agro Lestari also ensures the inclusivity of smallholder Astra Agro Lestari prioritizes the inclusion of smallholder farmers. Djap Tet Fa emphasized, “No one left behind,” highlighting the company’s commitment to providing equal access to planting materials, fertilizers, financing, and training for partner farmers. (AI), and data analysis are also priorities for Astra Agro Lestari, enabling the monitoring of garden health and the optimisation of harvest efficiency. In addition, the implementation of the Indonesian Sustainable Palm Oil (ISPO) standard, as well as the implementation of the no deforestation, peatland conservation, and respect for human rights (NDPE) policy, is Astra Agro Lestari’s commitment to implementing sustainable practices that are responsible, transparent, and deforestation-free.
Empowering Smallholder Farmers Through Technology
Djap Tet Fa emphasized that smallholder palm oil farmers are the primary partners of Astra Agro in advancing food security and industry sustainability.
He stated, “Our mission is simple: small farmers must grow with us, not be left behind.”
Through the Smallholder Inclusion Program, Astra Agro Lestari has collaborated with thousands of partner farmers to establish a more resilient and modern agricultural ecosystem.
The program encompasses capacity building for farmers, including field training in pest management, precision fertilization, and sustainable land management.
Astra Agro also facilitates market access and financing by purchasing harvests directly from partner farmers through transparent long-term contracts and supporting access to financial institutions. Digitalization is integral to all company programs, with digital platforms being optimized for real-time harvest planning, price monitoring, and agronomic consultations. The President Director of Astra Agro, who is also an alumnus of Gadjah Mada University, emphasised that empowering smallholder farmers is not merely a social responsibility, but a strategic investment for the resilience of the national agricultural system.
He concluded, “When farmers have access to tools, skills, and markets, they become true partners in strengthening national food security and ensuring the sustainability benefits are felt by all parties.”
These initiatives demonstrate that productivity and sustainability are complementary objectives, forming the foundation of a resilient, inclusive, and environmentally responsible agricultural future.
Concrete actions, such as those implemented by Astra Agro Lestari mark important progress toward a sustainable future for Indonesia.
