InfoSAWIT, JAKARTA - Driven by social awareness manifested through Bumitama Berdaya (Support and Efforts), PT Bumitama Gunajaya Agro (BGA) has launched the Empowering Village School, a strategic initiative aimed at enhancing the independence and welfare of village communities in the company's operational areas. The program was inaugurated at two locations: the Metro BGA Region Nanga Tayap for the ceremony and the Empowering Village School site for facility inspections, including school buildings, practical media, and corn planting activities.
This program aims to build economic independence among communities by utilizing local resources and wisdom, fostering local champions and entrepreneurs, and improving the quality of competitive human resources while preserving the environment.
The inauguration event was attended by BGA management, representatives from the Ministry of Villages, local government, educational institutions, strategic partners, and local communities. This moment symbolizes the collaboration of various parties in creating an inclusive and sustainable village development ecosystem.
"Through the Empowering Village School, we not only help enhance the capacity of village communities but also integrate local potential to create sustainable solutions. We believe that this collaboration will drive real change in the quality of life for communities around the plantations," said BGA's Head of CSR, Rizki Munadhil, in an official statement to InfoSAWIT on Thursday, January 22, 2025.
The event was also marked by the signing of a strategic memorandum of understanding (MoU) with BumDes, Bank Syariah Indonesia (BSI), palm oil farmer groups, and the Fire Care Farmer Group (KTPA). This MoU includes the development of productive economies, access to funding, strengthening BumDes capacity, and low-carbon village initiatives.
Since its launch, the Empowering Village School has involved 450 participants from 21 batches, focusing on enhancing the productivity of independent palm oil farmers and local potential such as agricultural cultivation, handicrafts, and processing of garden products. One of the symbols of commitment to sustainability is the corn planting activity in the demonstration plot of the Empowering Village School by invited guests. This planting serves as a tangible expression of support for the national food security program through sustainable agricultural practices involving local communities.
In addition to supporting economic empowerment, the Empowering Village School is also part of BGA's commitment to environmental preservation. This program is integrated with the Bumitama Biodiversity & Community Program (BBCP), which manages 7,000 hectares of conservation land in forested and peat areas. This initiative has received the RSPO Conservation Leadership Award 2023 due to collaboration with IDH Netherlands and EarthQualizer.
To date, 86% of the 114 villages surrounding BGA's operational areas have been categorized as Advanced and Independent Villages according to the 2024 Village Development Index. This data reflects BGA's positive contribution to the economic and social development of village communities.
"We hope that the Empowering Village School can be a catalyst for change, increasing community incomes to match the minimum wage, reducing social disparities, and creating an independent entrepreneurial ecosystem. This program is also expected to support the creation of low-carbon villages that harmonize economic and environmental aspects," concluded Rizki Munadhil. (T2)
