Pekanbaru (ANTARA) – The business sector’s commitment to strengthening rural economies is evident in the efforts of PT Sari Lembah Subur (PT SLS), a palm oil plantation company that consistently empowers communities in its operational areas through the Astra Kreatif program.
The program focuses on economic development and uses a local wisdom-based approach to address community needs and optimize village potential. Collaboration with stakeholders further enhances community welfare.
In 2025, the program benefited hundreds of individuals, demonstrating the company’s commitment to strengthening the local economy through productive enterprise development and inclusive empowerment.
One of the flagship initiatives is the development of MSME (UMKM) Berkah and Melati in Mulya Subur Village, a Ring 1 village within the company’s operational area. The program focuses on developing microenterprises based on local potential, providing assistance ranging from business legal guidance and food processing training to digital marketing.
In addition, training in tempeh chip production, facilitated through MSME Berkah, has opened new business opportunities for communities around the company. This initiative is supported by company-assisted MSMEs, creating a multiplier effect in strengthening the local economy.
MSME development is also carried out through the empowerment of the La Tazhan business group in Bukit Lembah Subur Village. Through this program, communities are not only provided with biofloc pond assistance but also guided in processing catfish harvests into value-added products such as shredded catfish (abon lele).
Similar efforts also target the youth. In Dusun Tua, the company provides assistance for patin fish farming to youth groups as part of its initiative to encourage the emergence of new community-based economic sources.
Beyond that, women’s empowerment has also become a key focus. Through collaboration with the Family Welfare and Empowerment Movement (PKK) of Kerumutan District, PT Sari Lembah Subur provided facilities and infrastructure support to Women Farmers Groups (KWT) in Kerumutan Subdistrict. This support is expected to enhance the group’s business capacity and promote women’s economic independence at the village level.
A representative of the Berkah Group, Mrs. Suryanti, expressed her appreciation for the company’s support.
“We are very grateful for the facilities and infrastructure assistance provided. This support greatly helps us in developing our group’s business activities. We hope that programs like this will continue in the future, as we truly feel the benefits,” she said.
Meanwhile, the Sustainability and CSR Assistant of PT SLS, Hanafi, emphasised that the company’s empowerment programs are not solely focused on providing assistance, but also on ensuring the sustainability of community businesses.
“Through the Astra Kreatif Program, we aim to ensure that communities have the capacity to grow independently by leveraging their local potential. We hope this program will continue to deliver sustainable economic impact for communities around the company’s operational areas,” Hanafi stated.
Through these initiatives, PT SLS continues to strengthen the business sector’s role as a strategic partner in rural development. The economic empowerment programs implemented not only create business opportunities but also build a more resilient and sustainable economic foundation for local communities.
Source: Antara News
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