In an era marked by rapid technological advancement, education continues to serve as a foundation for future progress. PT Astra Agro Lestari Tbk (Astra Agro), through its subsidiary in Pasangkayu Regency, West Sulawesi, aims to foster student development by organizing the Celebes Education Festival (CEF) 2025. This educational exhibition seeks to identify and nurture hidden talents from the Mandar region.
The festival, held on Sunday, December 14th, featured 50 performances representing diverse disciplines from schools supported by Astra Agro’s subsidiaries. Activities included poetry and speech readings, karate demonstrations, solo vocal performances, pantomime, fashion shows with recycled materials, regional dances, and traditional music. In total, 190 students participated in this inaugural educational festival organized by the Astra Agro Foundation.
Participants in the Celebes Education Festival 2025 represented a range of educational levels, from early childhood to secondary school. Astra Agro intends for this event to provide opportunities for mental development, talent cultivation, and achievement among students supported by the company in the Pasangkayu area.Among the performers at the Celebes Education Festival was Nurul Ainun, vocalist of the Astra Makmur Jaya Junior High School Band. Initially motivated by personal interest, Nurul was selected to open the event, which was attended by company management and local government officials.
Nurul expressed gratitude for the opportunity to perform before a large audience. The performance received enthusiastic support from attendees. “Thank you, Astra Agro, for giving my friends and me the opportunity to perform bravely in front of so many people,” said Ainun after performing on the CEF 2025 stage.
The Pasangkayu Regency Government was present at the Celebes Education Festival. Badaruddin, representing the Regent of Pasangkayu, expressed hope that CEF 2025 would serve as a model for other companies to support education and highlight the talents of the next generation, particularly in West Sulawesi.
Badaruddin described the festival as a highly beneficial and educational initiative. “Schools and students from Astra Agro’s subsidiaries have always been known to contribute to achievements not only at the district and provincial levels, but even nationally,” stated Badaruddin, representing the Regent of Pasangkayu, at CEF 2025.The event’s festive atmosphere, together with a focus on learning and collaboration, positions CEF 2025 as a significant milestone in promoting education that emphasizes character, creativity, and sportsmanship. The festival demonstrates that education can thrive through cooperation, support, and inclusive opportunities for expression, fostering the development of a confident, creative, and high-achieving generation in Celebes.
