PT Sari Aditya Loka (SAL), a palm oil subsidiary of PT Astra Agro Lestari Tbk (AALI), operating in Merangin Regency, Jambi Province, held its inaugural corn harvest on Thursday, May 15, in the Cendana Housing area within the PT SAL office environment. This event demonstrates the company’s commitment to supporting the national food security program initiated by the central government. Corn is cultivated on an area of 1 hectare, divided into three blocks.
Blocks 1 and 2, planted in January 2025, are now in the harvest phase, while Block 3, planted in February, will follow soon. The potential yield of six tons per hectare showcases the success of the cultivation, which was carried out in an optimal and systematic manner. This achievement is primarily due to the collaboration of various stakeholders, including the Merangin Police Department, the Agricultural Extension Center (BPP), the Department of Food Crops, Horticulture, and Animal Husbandry (TPHP), the Plantation Department, GAPKI, and local farmer and livestock groups. Although PT SAL manages the technical aspects of corn cultivation, its success results from the joint efforts of all involved parties.
“This program demonstrates how collaboration among companies, the government, and the community can lead to positive contributions to food security and collective welfare,” stated the Deputy Chief of the Merangin Police, Kompol Muklis Gea SH. He further emphasized that this program reflects a tangible realization of one of the pillars of Asta Cita, proclaimed by the central government, which aims to strengthen economic resilience and promote quality, equitable growth.
“In case whem obstacles or challenges are present in the future technical implementation, we are open to receiving information from the company and are ready to provide support through cross-sector coordination. We hope this program can continue and provide sustainable benefits to the community,” he added. In agreement, the Assistant II to the Merangin Regent, Suherman, affirmed that this initiative illustrates the active role of the private sector in supporting the national development agenda.
“This initiative is part of the food security program launched by the central government, and we are grateful to witness the tangible collaboration established in the region, as seen today,” Suherman stated.
“We would like to thank PT SAL and all stakeholders who have fully supported this program. This demonstrates that with synergy, the government’s strategic programs can be effectively implemented,” he emphasized. He also expressed hope that similar initiatives could expand to other regions and provide real benefits to the community. The local government, he noted, will continue to facilitate collaboration and act as a bridge to strengthen future cooperation.
The success of the corn cultivation program was not achieved overnight. PT SAL demonstrated that innovation is crucial for managing non-productive land. The initial step involved selecting ideal fertile land, followed by soil processing using boiler ash as a nutrient source, which was integrated through plowing. The planting process was conducted with proper spacing to enhance the productivity of each plot.
Moreover, the company employs targeted pest control and fertilization that align with seasonal conditions and the plants’ needs. Weeding is carried out manually by empowered local labor, supported by partnerships with cattle ranchers in a mutualistic symbiosis scheme.
Despite the different characteristics of corn cultivation compared to palm oil, a small, efficient, and well-trained team has adeptly adapted to this new work pattern. PT SAL has shown that with an innovative approach, land previously dedicated to palm oil can be transformed into a strategic food source.
“This corn grows not just from the soil but from the spirit of collaboration,” emphasized Riyan Rizaldi Kurniawan, the Administrator of PT SAL. “We believe that by fostering good cooperation among all parties, food security can be achieved and can become a new economic strength for the surrounding community.”
This spirit aligns with Astra Agro Lestari’s motto, “Prosper with the Nation,” which emphasizes growing and thriving together with the country by ensuring that every step the company takes yields tangible benefits for the surrounding environment.
The harvested corn is planned to be supplied to Perum Bulog Kabupaten Merangin, with a portion also designated for distribution to the chicken farmers who are partnered with PT SAL 2 in Kuamang Kunin.
Source: Metropolis.id
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