Lampung, May 27, 2025 – PT Bukit Asam Tbk (PTBA) not only focuses on the mining business, but is also actively creating a positive impact on society and the environment through the Bamboo for Life Program. Since 2018, this program has empowered hundreds of communities in Sidomulyo Village, Lampung, through bamboo downstreaming, especially the production of skewers.Starting from concerns over the high import of skewers in Indonesia, PTBA together with Paguyuban Krajan initiated a skewer production center involving vulnerable groups such as the elderly, widows, the disabled, and poor households. Currently, 23 groups with 129 members have been empowered, providing direct benefits to 651 individuals. The chairman of Paguyuban Krajan, Samadi, said that each member is able to generate income of up to IDR 1.2 million per month from the skewer business, which can even be done part-time.
"We feel sad, even the skewers are imported. The needs in Jakarta and Surabaya can reach 4 containers a month. If one elderly person can produce 5 kg of skewers, then in a day it can be 5 tons. If 5 tons per day, domestic needs can be met," said Samadi.
Full support from PTBA, which Samadi likened to "parents", has encouraged the realization of increased income for vulnerable groups as well as the readiness of independent workshops and central markets. More than that, this program also fosters a spirit of sharing. Every month, part of the profit from the sale of skewers, around IDR 6-8 million, is channeled to the operations of TPQ Mutiara Ummat Insani which cares for 37 students.
Human Resources, General Services, Finance & CSR Department Head of Tarahan Port, Hamdani, emphasized the importance of synergy between stakeholders to stop dependence on skewer imports. "PTBA runs this program through collaboration with the government, practitioners, and the community so that skewers can be produced entirely domestically," he said.
The Bamboo for Life program itself has been running since 2014 with a focus on restoring barren land through bamboo planting. Cumulatively, PTBA has planted 13,624 bamboo trees on 49 hectares of land in various areas in Lampung Province, contributing to carbon absorption of up to 3,509 tons of CO2e per year. In addition to skewers, bamboo downstreaming also produces other derivative products such as bamboo vinegar, liquid organic fertilizer, hand sanitizer, herbal medicine, and disinfectant.
PTBA's relentless commitment to sustainability and community empowerment has paid off. This is proof that responsible business is able to create economic, social, and environmental value simultaneously.
