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Trickle down effect or the positive impact of the presence of investors, is what the government expects when inviting businesses to invest their capital. After the company is present, it is expected that jobs will open up, people will get income, and the economy will grow.
Such is the case in Era Village, North Mori District, North Morowali Regency, Central Sulawesi. The village is near Astra Agro Group’s oil palm plantation company, PT Rimbunan Alam Sentosa (RAS).
“It is true that the impact is felt here, the contribution of the palm oil company PT RAS to the village is genuine,” said Era Village Head, Ferdinan Moenggo, recently.
Ferdinan Moenggo is also very grateful for PT RAS’s presence, which has contributed a lot to the village’s progress. From the opening and improvement of road infrastructure to public facilities in the village, PT RAS assists with almost everything.
Era Village Secretary, Patris Bintalemba, also added. According to him, the comparison of the village where he lived between then and now is very much different.
Patris tells the story of how in the early 2000s, Era Village was still difficult to reach from outside because it was isolated. If they wanted to leave the village, they had to walk because vehicles could not yet pass through. It took a whole day. Mobility tools are still cow carts.
He said he was very grateful that PT RAS, an Astra Agro Lestari (AALI) group oil palm plantation company, came to his village and operated there after receiving an invitation from the Morowali regional government at that time.
“In 2009, the road access was opened, and job vacancies at PT RAS also prioritized local residents,” explained the father of two children.
He did not deny that at first, some community members were suspicious and worried about the company’s presence. According to him, small objections from some residents occurred because they still did not have a distant view.
But their doubts slowly disappeared. After PT RAS started running, they finally understood the company’s presence and positive impact.
“So, at the beginning, we couldn’t see the contribution. Now we can see and feel that the presence of PT RAS has brought progress to the village,” said Patris.
He is not exaggerating when he praises the company’s contribution. “Indonesia did gain independence in 1945, but we only enjoyed it in 2008-2009 when PT RAS entered,” Patris said enthusiastically
source : metrosulteng
