On November 17, 2025, PT Astra Agro Lestari Tbk (Astra Agro) reinforced its status as a leading entity in the sustainable palm oil sector by receiving the Best Social Business Innovation Award 2025 in the Palm Oil Industry category. The Iconomics Media presented this award at the Social Business Innovation & Green CEO Awards 2025, held at Gedung Aneka Bhakti, Ministry of Social Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia, Jakarta.
The award recognizes companies that demonstrate success in implementing innovative and impactful social and environmental responsibility (SER) initiatives. Evaluation criteria include the intensity of corporate social responsibility (CSR) activities, quality of implementation, program sustainability, and measurable social and economic impact.
Bram S. Putro, Founder and CEO of The Iconomics Media, stated that the theme for this year’s awards is The Future of CSR: Challenges and Transformation. This theme highlights the significant challenges confronting the business sector and emphasizes the need for companies to adapt to global changes, technological disruptions, and growing societal expectations for responsible and sustainable business practices.
“Congratulations to the winners. All companies recognized in this year’s awards demonstrate their ability to address the challenges of transformation and sustainability in the future,” stated Bram during his speech (11/14).
Dungdang Hutapea, Vice President of Human Capital and General Affairs at Astra Agro, expressed appreciation for the recognition from media partners. He attributed the award to the collective commitment of Astra Agro employees to foster balance among the company, farmers, and suppliers, all of whom consistently uphold the principles of sustainability.
Dungdang emphasized that innovation and social responsibility are intrinsically linked at Astra Agro. Each innovation implemented within the company’s plantations is intended to benefit both society and the environment. “In this way, CSR is not just a supporting program, but becomes part of the heart of Astra Agro’s business,” said Dungdang.
For Astra Agro, social innovation extends beyond technological advancement and operational efficiency to include the cultivation of sustainable relationships with all stakeholders. A primary focus of this commitment is the empowerment of smallholder farmers as strategic partners within the company’s supply chain.
Dungdang emphasised that palm oil smallholders are Astra Agro’s principal partners in advancing industry sustainability and contributing to Indonesia’s food security objectives. Astra Agro has partnered 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 established 583 partnership networks with approximately 44,500 supplying farmers in more than 300 villages throughout Indonesia,” he stated.
He further noted that Astra Agro facilitates market access and sustainable financing through transparent long-term contract schemes, direct purchase of harvests from farmers, and support for access to financial institutions.
Digitalization has become a critical component in enhancing this program. Through its internal digital platform, Astra Agro enables farmers to monitor prices, plan harvest deliveries, and access real-time agronomic consultations.
“Through this initiative, Astra Agro not only demonstrates corporate social responsibility but also advances its long-term strategy to strengthen the foundation of a resilient and inclusive national agricultural sector,” concluded Dungdang Hutapea.
