PT Astra Agro Lestari Tbk (Astra Agro) has consistently implemented sustainable practices, earning recognition once again.
The company received the Social Pillar Award in the Education for All Advocate category at the ESG Now Awards 2025, held at the Borobudur Hotel in Jakarta, due to its women’s empowerment programs and educational initiatives for indigenous communities.
Indonesia’s Coordinating Minister for Food, Zulkifli Hasan, emphasized that sustainability is an inherent part of Indonesian national culture. “”Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles should be deeply integrated into our organizational culture. These principles are fundamentally woven into our identity; however, in the context of our fast-paced contemporary environment, ESG may often be perceived merely as three isolated terms. In truth, it ought to be a fundamental component of our daily actions and core values,” he articulated.
He added that the government is actively implementing various programs aligned with the spirit of ESG, ranging from environmental management to community empowerment. “We need investment that is environmentally friendly, sustainable, and transparent,” Hasan said.
Furthermore, he appreciated the contributions of various parties, including the media and the private sector, in raising awareness about the importance of sustainability. “The pursuit of our objectives cannot be accomplished in isolation. I would like to express my gratitude to Republika and our partners in the private sector; collaboration is imperative. It is essential that we reinvigorate Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles as a fundamental cultural practice in our contemporary society.”
Astra Agro’s Chief Operating Officer, Arief Catur Irawan, enthusiastically acknowledged the award with heartfelt gratitude! He emphasized that this accomplishment reflects the incredible collaboration and strong bond with the local community, which plays a vital role as a strategic partner in our journey towards sustainable development. Together, we’re truly making a difference!
“We believe that sustainability is a journey that cannot be accomplished by ourselves. Through collaboration with indigenous communities, such as the Bunggu Tribe in Central Sulawesi, Astra Agro has learned that education and empowerment are key to building a better future,” Arief explained.
He added that the award recognizes the efforts of all Astra Agro employees committed to providing benefits to the communities surrounding their operational areas. “We will continue to strengthen the integration of sustainability values into all business activities. ESG principles have become the foundation for every company decision, ensuring that economic growth aligns with social welfare and environmental sustainability,” he said.
The head of the Bunggu Tribe Women’s Community in Saluraya Hamlet, West Sulawesi, Norvi Srikasi Tiora, known as Ibu Ophy, has emerged as an inspiring figure through Astra Agro’s empowerment program. Through her active contribution, Ophy has become a driving force for women in the indigenous community, encouraging them to continue learning, empowering themselves, and building a better future for their children.
She explained that thanks to guidance from the Astra Agro team, the women in Saluraya Hamlet can now develop various local products, such as handicrafts and processed regional foods. These efforts have increased family income and fostered self-confidence and independence among the women in the community.
“We now have new hope. Initially, we focused solely on the home, but now we can contribute to the family economy and the education of our children in the village,” she added.
For Ophy, the success of this program is measured not just by its economic impact, but also by the changes in societal perspectives on the role of women. “We are no longer afraid to dream. We want our children to pursue higher education and become part of a better generation. Thank you to Astra Agro for partnering with us, opening up opportunities, and encouraging us to keep moving forward,” she concluded.
PT Astra Agro Lestari Tbk is an agribusiness company primarily focused on oil palm plantations. As a subsidiary of the major Indonesian conglomerate PT Astra International Tbk, Astra Agro manages extensive oil palm plantations across various regions in Indonesia, including Sumatra, Kalimantan, and Sulawesi. In addition to palm oil, Astra Agro has developed businesses in other sectors within agribusiness, such as rubber, tea, and cocoa, and has implemented a palm oil-cattle integration program.
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