Amid growing global concern over the environmental crisis, particularly plastic pollution, the subsidiaries of PT Astra Agro Lestari Tbk. (Astra Agro) in Kalimantan demonstrate that solutions can emerge from simple places, such as schoolyards, used bottles, and the eager hands of students. Inspiring initiatives are emerging from various regions in Kalimantan, all sharing a common…
Behind the green expanse of palm oil plantations, a deadly threat lurks from beneath the ground. It’s not a pest that damages the leaves or extreme weather that hinders pollination, but rather the fungus Ganoderma Boninense. Secretly, the fungus attacked the roots, spread to the trunk, and hollowed out the palm tree from the inside…
Pasangkayu is the northernmost district in West Sulawesi province, directly bordering the Makassar Strait. This coastal area is known for its stunning beaches. Pasangkayu Regency was established in 2003 when it split from Mamuju Regency. Before its formation, this region was known as North Mamuju Regency. At that time, Mamuju was a remote area with…
Amidst the vast green expanse of the oil palm plantation, life thrives, not only for the plants but also for millions of people who place their hopes there. The synergy between nature and the living beings within it has fostered a sustainable and interconnected ecosystem. Oil palm, like any other plant, absorbs carbon dioxide and…
Every day, Liliana, the 38 years old housewive, walks for about 45 minutes through dense thickets and up and down steep roads to fetch clean water from a spring on the Lariang River in Towiora Village, Donggala Regency, West Sulawesi. Countless times a day, she and other members of the Kaili Tado tribe make multiple…
Amidst the green hills and blue sea stretching to the horizon, North Morowali holds simple yet meaningful stories. PT Agro Nusa Abadi (ANA) has made a significant impact over the years, not merely as a business but as an essential part of the community’s life. Through social responsibility programs, the company addresses the genuine needs…
Astra Agro: Empowering Sustainable Business for the Future Generation of Indonesia and Championing Food Security As we approach the year 2045, a significant moment awaits Indonesia: a century of independence! The Golden Generation of 2045 will commemorate this historic milestone, and achieving food self-sufficiency is a vital foundation for this vision. The government’s reaffirmed commitment…
In a small village in the interior of Central Sulawesi, surrounded by vast stretches of palm oil plantations, a girl named Novita Sari often harvests oyster mushrooms from hundreds of baglogs. A baglog refers to the plastic containers, made from heat-resistant polypropylene, in which the mushrooms grow. The cylindrical bags are neatly arranged in a…
Fatur Rachman Hidayat is the young man behind the formation of the Inisiasi Muda organization in a rural village near one of Astra Agro’s business entities, PT Letawa, located in Pasangkayu Regency, West Sulawesi. While his peers were focused on personal development, Fatur thought outside the box and started this non-profit organization on his own…
In 2022, three subsidiaries of Astra Agro Lestari Tbk (Astra Agro)—namely, PT Lestari Tani Teladan (LTT), PT Mamuang, and PT Agro Nusa Abadi (ANA)—were the subject of complaints filed by Friends of the Earth (FoE) US and Wahana Lingkungan Hidup Indonesia (Walhi). These complaints pertained to allegations of land grabbing and the criminalization of farmers,…
Riparian ecosystems or riverbanks are habitats for various types of plants and animals, which play an important role in maintaining biodiversity. This boundary line also has vital ecological functions, such as maintaining water quality, preventing erosion, and reducing flood impacts.Because riverbanks are very important for the sustainability of the ecosystems living within them, Astra Agro…
The United Nations Human Rights Council (OHCHR) has issued a statement concerning allegations against PT Astra Agro Lestari Tbk (Astra Agro). In its publication, OHCHR has acknowledged the clarifications provided by both the Indonesian Government and Astra Agro. Furthermore, OHCHR has appointed a special rapporteur as an independent party tasked with monitoring developments related to…
An indigenous people’s forum serves as a platform for local communities to share their aspirations, needs, and challenges, particularly regarding land rights, education, health, and the economy. Astra Agro recognizes the significance of creating a discussion space that aids in the survival and cultural development of indigenous peoples through the establishment of an inclusive and…
PT Astra Agro Lestari Tbk (Astra Agro) and its subsidiary, PT Lestari Tani Teladan (LTT), invited Walhi and Friends of the Earth (FoE) to discuss and provide feedback on the report titled “No Consent: Astra Agro Lestari’s Land Grab in Central and West Sulawesi,” published in 2022. The report accuses PT LTT of claiming 1,505…
Limitations can have two outcomes: they may act as barriers if ignored, or they can become opportunities when explored. This is the experience of Pokdakan (Fisheries Cultivation Group) Maju Bersama in Penajam Paser Utara, East Kalimantan, who chose the latter in facing their challenges. The group faced constraints due to the limited and expensive supply…
Stunting has emerged as a significant national issue, as it poses a substantial barrier to achieving the objectives associated with the 2045 Golden Generation. In alignment with the principle of “Prospering with the Nation,” Astra Agro is endeavoring to assist the government in actualizing its vision of developing high-quality and competitive Indonesian youth. It is…
A group of Suku Anak Dalam (SAD) women proudly walked home, joyfully carrying their harvest of long beans and cucumbers. Despite the weight, their smiles radiated happiness. These crops symbolize their bright future of economic and food independence, reflecting their hard work and determination. It’s inspiring to witness their journey toward self-sufficiency! The thriving crops…
The contribution of smallholder farmers is essential to sustainable oil palm plantation practices within the supply chain. The smallholder farmers contributed a significant role as a source of fruit supply for Astra Agro’s palm oil mills. One such farmer is Sabar, who has been in partnership with PT Sawit Jaya Abadi (PT SJA), a subsidiary…
To create an inclusive environment on palm oil plantations, supporting facilities are essential, particularly for mothers who work or live nearby. A key feature of the facility is a daycare center specifically designed for the children of employees. The daycare facilities across Astra Agro’s subsidiaries are well-equipped with various amenities, including a playroom filled with…
In the agribusiness sector, pests present a significant challenge. Plantation companies often resort to using pesticides to manage these pests. However, in alignment with sustainability principles and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), businesses must ensure that their operations do not harm the environment. To address pest threats, Astra Agro Lestari employs environmentally friendly methods, opting…
