PT Astra Agro Lestari Tbk has once again received national recognition for its social innovation and sustainability initiatives. At the Social Business Innovation & Green CEO Award 2025, organised by The Iconomics Media, the company was named Best Social Business Innovation in the Palm Oil Industry category. The awards ceremony was held at the Aneka Bhakti Building, Ministry of Social Affairs, Jakarta, on November 14, 2025.
According to Astra Agro, the award recognises companies that have successfully implemented innovative and impactful corporate social responsibility (CSR) practices for the benefit of society and the environment. The evaluation considered the intensity of CSR activities, the quality of implementation, program sustainability, and social and economic impact.
Bram S. Putro, Founder & CEO of The Iconomics Media, stated that this year’s theme is The Future of CSR: Challenges and Transformation. The theme highlights the significant challenges businesses face and the need to adapt to global changes, technological disruptions, and growing expectations for responsible and sustainable practices.
“Congratulations to the winners, all the companies recognised in this year’s awards are proof that they have been able to meet the challenges of transformation and sustainability going forward,” Bram added in his remarks.
Meanwhile, Astra Agro’s Vice President of Human Capital & General Affairs, Dungdang Hutapea, expressed gratitude for the appreciation given by media colleagues. According to him, the award is the result of the commitment of all Astra Agro employees to create a balance between the company, farmers, and suppliers, who consistently maintain the spirit of sustainability.
“We believe innovation and social responsibility must go hand in hand. Every step we take in our plantations is designed to benefit society and the environment. In this way, CSR is not just a supporting program, but is central to Astra Agro’s business,” said Dungdang.
For Astra Agro, social innovation extends beyond technological development and operational efficiency to include building sustainable relationships with all stakeholders. A key focus of this commitment is empowering smallholder farmers as strategic partners in the company’s supply chain.
Dungdang emphasised that palm oil farmers (smallholders) are Astra Agro’s main partners in driving industry sustainability and supporting Indonesia’s food security vision.
Through the Smallholder Inclusion Program, Astra Agro has collaborated with thousands of partner farmers in various regions to build a modern and sustainable agricultural ecosystem. This program includes capacity building in the form of field training on integrated pest management, precision fertilisation, and environmentally friendly soil management.
“By 2024, Astra Agro has fostered 583 partnership networks with approximately 44,500 supplying farmers in over 300 villages across Indonesia,” he stated.
He added that Astra Agro also provides market access and sustainable financing through transparent long-term contracts, direct purchase of harvests from farmers, and support in accessing financial institutions.
As for the touch of digitalisation, it has become an important element in strengthening this program. Through the internal digital platform it has developed, the company enables farmers to monitor prices, plan harvest deliveries, and conduct real-time agronomic consultations.
“Through this initiative, it is not only a form of corporate social responsibility, but also a long-term strategy for Astra Agro in strengthening the foundation of a resilient and inclusive national agriculture,” said Dungdang Hutapea.
Source: elaeis.co
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