Pekanbaru (ANTARA) – The industry’s commitment to strengthening the rural economy continues to yield tangible results. This is exemplified by the palm oil plantation company PT Sari Lembah Subur (PT SLS), which is promoting the sustainable empowerment of communities within its operational areas through the Astra Kreatif programme
This programme, which focuses on strengthening the economic sector, is designed using a local wisdom-based approach, enabling it to address the real needs of the community whilst optimising the potential of the villages. These efforts are further reinforced through collaboration with various stakeholders to improve the overall well-being of the community.
In 2025, hundreds of people were recorded as having benefited from this programme. This achievement serves as tangible proof of the company’s commitment to strengthening the local economy through the development of productive businesses and inclusive empowerment.
One of the flagship programmes is the mentoring of the ‘Berkah’ and ‘Melati’ SMEs in Mulya Subur Village, which is a Ring 1 village for the company. This programme focuses on the development of micro-enterprises based on local potential, with support ranging from assistance with business legalities, training in food product processing, to digital marketing.
In addition, the tempe crisp-making training programme run by the company’s supported SMEs has opened up new business opportunities for the local community. This initiative is facilitated by the company’s supported SMEs, thereby creating a ripple effect in strengthening the local economy.
SME development is also being carried out through the mentoring of the La Tazhan business group in Bukit Lembah Subur Village. Through this programme, the community is not only provided with biofloc ponds, but also receives guidance on processing catfish into value-added products such as catfish floss.
Similar efforts also target young people. In Dusun Tua, the company provides support for patin fish farming to a youth group as a means of encouraging the emergence of new community-based economic sources.
Furthermore, women’s empowerment is also a priority. Through collaboration with the PKK of Kerumutan Sub-district, the company has provided equipment and infrastructure to the Women Farmers’ Group (KWT) in Kerumutan Village. It is hoped that this support will enhance the group’s business capacity and promote women’s economic independence at the village level.
A representative of the ‘Kelompok Berkah Ibu Suryanti’ group expressed her gratitude for the support provided by the company.
“We are very grateful for the equipment and infrastructure provided. This support has been a great help to us in developing the group’s business activities. We hope that programmes like this will continue in the future, as we truly feel the benefits,” she said.
Meanwhile, Hanafi, Assistant for Sustainability and CSR at PT SLS, emphasised that the empowerment programmes run by the company focus not only on providing assistance but also on the sustainability of community businesses.
“Through the Astra Kreatif Programme, we aim to ensure that communities have the capacity to develop independently by harnessing their local potential. It is our hope that this programme will continue to deliver sustainable economic benefits to communities in the areas surrounding the company’s operations,” said Hanafi.
Through these various initiatives, PT SLS continues to strengthen the role of the business sector as a strategic partner in village development. The economic empowerment programmes being implemented not only create business opportunities but also build a more resilient and sustainable economic foundation for the community.
Source: Antara News
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