Behind every inspiring discussion is someone whose experiences, values, and dedication have the power to create meaningful change. This spirit was reflected throughout the Celebes Education Festival (CEF) 2026, where Astra Agro invited speakers who not only possess expertise in their respective fields but have also demonstrated a strong commitment to advancing positive social impact.
One of them was Imelda Riris Damayanti, Co-Founder of Never Okay Project, an initiative dedicated to preventing sexual violence through education, advocacy, and capacity-building programmes for educational institutions and workplaces. Her commitment to fostering safe and inclusive environments earned her recognition through the SATU Indonesia Awards 2025 in the Education category.
Established by PT Astra International Tbk in 2010, the SATU Indonesia Awards recognise young Indonesians who create positive social impact in the fields of health, education, environment, entrepreneurship, and technology. The programme provides a platform for inspiring changemakers to expand the reach of their initiatives and strengthen the positive impact they create within their communities. Through the Never Okay Project, Imelda has been recognised for promoting safer environments by raising awareness of sexual violence prevention and encouraging a culture where individuals feel empowered to speak up.
At the Celebes Education Festival, Imelda shared not only theoretical perspectives but also practical insights drawn from her field experience. She encouraged teachers and educators to build trust with children, introduce the concepts of personal boundaries and consent, and create schools where every student feels safe, respected, and protected. Her message strongly aligns with Astra Agro’s commitment to fostering learning environments that embrace diversity and uphold the dignity and wellbeing of every individual.
According to Imelda, teachers are often the first trusted adults children turn to when facing difficult situations. Therefore, the ability to listen with empathy, recognise the signs of abuse, and respond appropriately plays a critical role in safeguarding children.
“Cases of sexual violence are like the tip of an iceberg. What we see is only a small fraction, while many more remain hidden because victims are afraid to speak up,” she explained.
A similar message of empowerment was delivered by Trivena Nalsalita, Head of Administration and Finance of Perempuan Astra, during the Women’s Empowerment workshop.
She encouraged participants to recognise the strategic role women play as catalysts for change within their families, communities, and workplaces. For Trivena, empowering women is not only about developing new skills, it is also about building confidence, strengthening leadership, encouraging informed decision-making, and ensuring equal opportunities for every woman to grow and contribute.
Perempuan Astra is a women’s community within the Astra Group dedicated to strengthening women’s capacity, leadership, and empowerment both within the company and across society. Through educational programmes, skills development, MSME mentoring, financial literacy initiatives, and community outreach activities, the organisation encourages more women to become independent, productive, and capable of creating positive change in their communities.
During the workshop, Trivena engaged with members of Periska (the Astra Agro Lestari’s employees’ wives association), community health volunteers (Posyandu cadres), Family Welfare Movement (PKK) representatives, local community organisations, and Astra Agro-supported MSME entrepreneurs. She encouraged participants to recognise the strengths and potential they may not yet have fully realised.
According to Trivena, every woman has the ability to become a driver of positive change, whether within her family or the wider community. Opportunities to learn, lead, and grow should be accessible to all women, regardless of their background.
She also emphasised that Diversity & Inclusion (D&I) extends beyond recognising differences. It is about creating an environment where every individual is given equal opportunities to grow, contribute, and reach their full potential. When women are empowered, the benefits extend far beyond the individual—strengthening families, communities, and ultimately contributing to sustainable rural development.
Drawing on Perempuan Astra’s experiences across Indonesia, Trivena shared practical examples of community empowerment initiatives that demonstrate how collaboration, inclusion, and shared responsibility can create lasting positive impact.
Astra Agro’s collaboration with Imelda Riris Damayanti and Perempuan Astra demonstrates that Diversity & Inclusion is more than a corporate commitment, it is brought to life through meaningful action that creates tangible benefits for society.
By engaging practitioners with extensive experience in child protection and women’s empowerment, Astra Agro seeks to foster values of inclusion, equality, and mutual respect not only within the workplace but also across schools, families, and the communities where the company operates. Through initiatives such as the Celebes Education Festival, Astra Agro continues to strengthen its commitment to building resilient, inclusive, and empowered communities for a more sustainable future.
