The presence of the Astra Agro Group in Dusun Tikke, Pasangkayu, has had a significant positive impact on the local community. Hamma P, the community leader of Dusun Tikke, affectionately known as Ambe Aja, shared how the palm oil plantation company transformed his area from a state of neglect into a center of economic growth.
“I never imagined we could develop and progress like this,” Ambe Aja remarked in a statement on Monday, December 5, 2025.
The land clearing process initiated by Astra Agro began with the arrival of heavy machinery such as graders and bulldozers. These machines were unloaded at Muara Jono and then immediately transported to clear the land. Ambe Aja often smiles to himself when recalling that time.
In the past, he recalled, when a bulldozer struck a coconut tree, it would fall over instantly. The residents were shocked and amazed by the power of the heavy machinery.
The introduction of this machinery made transportation access significantly easier. Previously isolated villages are starting to connect with other areas.
Before road access was established, the people of Dusun Tikke relied solely on sea routes to transport their agricultural products to Donggala. The journey was difficult, especially during bad weather, and sometimes their harvest was wasted.
“Back then, development here was truly from scratch,” Ambe Aja explained. “Astra Agro arrived when the residents had very limited resources. Our only source of income came from agricultural products sold by boat to Donggala. If the waves were high, the harvest could be lost. We prioritized our safety,” he noted.
He emphasized that Astra Agro not only provided road access but also created a broader positive impact for the residents. The company’s provision of plant seedlings is one concrete effort to improve community welfare.
“The most memorable aspect for me is how Astra Agro helps the community plant palm oil,” he stated. “They provided seedlings, and I still benefit from that to this day.”
In addition to enhancing infrastructure and economic access, Astra Agro’s presence has fostered a strong work culture in Dusun Tikke, emphasizing discipline and responsibility.
“At PT Letawa, Mamuang, and LTT (Lestari Tani Teladan), all employees, foremen, and chief foremen come from our own community,” Ambe Aja explained.
He noted that the sense of togetherness and solidarity at Astra Agro is a key factor in building both the strength of the company and the surrounding community.
“Some people may see Astra Agro as a family company, and I can understand that perspective. However, this strong bond actually makes Astra Agro even more solid,” he explained.
Meanwhile, Agung Senoaji, the Community Development Area Manager (CDAM) for West Sulawesi, stated that Astra’s presence in Dusun Tikke is part of the company’s efforts to promote development and enhance community welfare.
He emphasized that collaboration and mutual support between the company and local residents are expected to provide long-term benefits for regional growth.
“The presence of Astra Agro in Dusun Tikke exemplifies our commitment to support development and improve the wellbeing of the community,” Agung stated, highlighting that the vision and mission of goodwill have remained steadfast over time.
Furthermore, Astra Agro is dedicated to contributing to the social and economic development of the community in Dusun Tikke through sustainable synergy between the company and local residents.
“We are committed to fostering social and economic development in the community through sustainable synergy between the company and its local residents,” Agung added.
With better infrastructure and improved community welfare, Astra Agro’s presence in Dusun Tikke demonstrates that the collaboration between companies and communities can lead to significant positive change.
Source: Trans89
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