Tanjung Enim, May 28, 2025 – PT Bukit Asam Tbk (PTBA) showed its commitment to support a better and more sustainable community life and environment. This initiative is a tangible manifestation of PTBA's commitment to empowering communities and driving the economy around operational areas, with a focus on job creation and increasing local economic independence.Bukit Asam President Director, Arsal Ismail, said, "We believe that sustainable development must involve active community participation. Through these labor-intensive programs, we not only provide financial assistance, but also investment in human resources and infrastructure, creating positive multiplier effects for the community."
Five Pillars of PTBA Labor-Intensive Empowerment
1. Dream Village Program
In the Dream Village program, the empowerment model is carried out through collaboration in the agricultural sector which aims to empower 85 local communities spread across 7 villages consisting of ex-PETI (Illegal Mining) Workers, Low-Income Communities (MBR) and Housewives (IRT) from underprivileged families to support environmentally sound business practices through a circular economy approach that utilizes waste and agricultural activities.
This program was born out of a close collaboration between groups with an interest and concern for the environment and food security. Starting from a circle of discussion and practice among the Eco Agrotomation Nursery Group, Quail Farming Group, and Fish Farming Group, the program evolved into a joint initiative aimed at creating innovative and sustainable solutions in the fields of plantation, livestock and fisheries.
2. Bamboo Downstreaming
This program was initiated in response to the problem of rampant illegal mining workers around the Company, the bamboo downstreaming program was developed to provide economic alternatives for the community, especially for those affected by illegal mining. Bamboo downstreaming involves the utilization of bamboo from upstream to downstream, from planting, processing, to marketing bamboo-based products such as skewers and bamboo crafts. The company has also made social investments training and mentoring in terms of production, management, and product marketing.
3. Development of the Bukit Asam Manufacturing Industrial Center
This program was initiated by PTBA to empower the economy of the community, especially in the Company's Ring 1 area. This program was motivated by the potential of productive workforce with certain skills that can compete with companies as partners or colleagues. On the other hand, the Company's dependence on spare parts from abroad. In line with this, the Company wants to create a workshop industry cluster around the mine through the TJSL program to support mining operations.
4. Bukit Asam Industrial Center Batik Kujur
The SIBA Batik Kujur program comes as a tangible form of women empowerment by providing batik skills to productive age women. This program not only opens up economic opportunities for them, but also strengthens the role of women in preserving local culture. Supported by the rich tradition and art of batik, SIBA Batik Kujur is developing into a creative economic driver that empowers and preserves cultural heritage for future generations.
5. Women's Empowerment Program through Assisted MSEs - Sentra Industri Bukit Asam (SIBA) Mushrooms
The company is committed to empowering the community through mushroom cultivation programs to the downstreaming process. Through training and mentoring, group members are equipped with skills in cultivating mushrooms and processing them into various value-added products. In addition, the Company also supports product marketing so that they can improve family welfare and contribute to the local economy. In 2024, sales of mushroom products reached 5,685 sales. The total turnover amounted to Rp132 million with income that still fluctuating depending on consumer demand.
Through these five labor-intensive programs and various programs that have been implemented by the company to the community, PTBA hopes to continue to contribute in creating a resilient and independent economic ecosystem in the community, in line with the company's commitment to grow together and provide sustainable benefits.
