Tabalong – PT Bhadra Cemerlang (PT BCL) and PT Astra Agro Lestari 1 (PT AAL 1) organized an oil palm cultivation training program for Village-Owned Enterprises (BUMDes), farmer groups, and residents of Bintang Ara Village, Bintang Ara District, Tabalong Regency, South Kalimantan.
The initiative aims to increase farmers’ productivity and strengthen the village economy. The training addressed all stages of oil palm cultivation, including selecting quality seedlings, land preparation, fertilization, crop maintenance, and pest and disease management.
The program, held on June 25 and 27, 2026, brought together 35 participants, including the Head of Bintang Ara Village, BUMDes representatives, farmer groups, community members, and the Chair of the Village Consultative Body (BPD).
Kastalani, Head of Bintang Ara Village, expressed appreciation for the support from PT BCL and PT AAL 1, noting that the program met the community’s need for reliable technical knowledge. He explained that many local farmers had previously depended on self-learning through social media or traditional methods.
“We sincerely thank PT BCL for facilitating this program for BUMDes, farmer groups, and the people of Bintang Ara Village. This training has been highly beneficial because participants not only gained theoretical knowledge but also observed firsthand the entire oil palm nursery process, from seed germination to seedlings ready for planting,” he said.
During the training, participants learned best practices in oil palm cultivation, such as using certified planting materials, proper land preparation, fertilization, seedling management, and pest and disease control. They also visited the nursery to observe each stage of seedling development, from germination to field-ready planting materials.
Hairul Ansori, representing PT BCL and PT AAL 1 management, stated that the program demonstrates the companies’ commitment to strengthening the capabilities of surrounding communities.
“Improving rural livelihoods begins with access to the right knowledge. Through this training, we aim to help BUMDes and farmer groups better understand every stage of oil palm cultivation—from selecting superior planting materials to proper crop maintenance. We hope this knowledge will serve as a valuable foundation for developing sustainable oil palm plantations and nursery businesses,” he said.
The program is expected to strengthen the capacity of farmers and Village-Owned Enterprises to develop productive, well-managed, and sustainable oil palm businesses. It also supported community plantation initiatives and fostered collaboration among the companies, village government, BUMDes, farmer groups, and local communities.
Source: RRI.com
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