Lembata, August 17, 2024 - PT Pupuk Indonesia (Persero) is intensifying its contribution to community welfare through agriculture. The company has launched the Tajumase Program (Progressive and Prosperous Farming) in two villages in Lembata Regency, East Nusa Tenggara (NTT). The program was officially inaugurated by PT Pupuk Indonesia’s Human Resources Director, Tina T. Kemala Intan, in Hadakewa and Wowong villages on Thursday, August 15, 2024. This initiative is also part of the Batch VI BUMN Volunteer Program.

Tina highlighted that the program serves as a platform for PT Pupuk Indonesia to contribute to community well-being. The program is set to run for the next three years, aiming to help the predominantly fishing communities in these villages utilize their land for cultivation, thereby achieving food and economic independence.

“Despite being coastal areas with many residents engaged in fishing, we want to optimize the agricultural potential in Hadakewa. With PT Pupuk Indonesia’s guidance, we hope the community will embrace this initiative, enabling both young and old generations to maximize their agricultural potential,” said Tina.

Junianto Simare Mare, Senior Vice President of Social and Environmental Responsibility (TJSL) at PT Pupuk Indonesia, added that the company’s social responsibility extends beyond the local community to more remote areas. 

One of the contributions includes deploying ten BUMN volunteers to Lembata Regency under the Tajumase Program. These volunteers are tasked with supporting economic independence in the region.

Junianto explained that the Tajumase Program began at the start of 2024. Prior to implementation, field mapping was conducted to ensure the program's effectiveness and sustainable impact. He hopes the initiative will enable local communities to achieve self-sufficiency in food production, as previously agricultural commodities were sourced from other regions.

“Hadakewa is known for its tourism sector, but we also see potential for agriculture to support it. We want people to view Hadakewa not just for its waves and fish, but also for its advancing agricultural sector. The demonstration plots established by PT Pupuk Indonesia are already making a positive impact on local incomes,” he emphasized.

Junianto also noted that through chili cultivation demonstration plots, Hadakewa Village is now optimistic about meeting the chili needs of the entire Lembata area. In addition to enhancing farming skills, PT Pupuk Indonesia is introducing its high-quality fertilizers known for boosting agricultural productivity. During this visit, PT Pupuk Indonesia also handed over a seedling house to the Hadakewa Village Government, inaugurated a PT Pupuk Indonesia monument, and participated in a chili harvest with BUMN volunteers on a demonstration plot.

Furthermore, Junianto revealed that the Tajumase Program is also being implemented in Wowong Village, Omesuri District, Lembata Regency. Here, volunteers and local residents are working on demonstration plots for tomatoes, cabbage, eggplant, and kangkung. To support productivity and farmer welfare, PT Pupuk Indonesia is also setting up a fertilizer kiosk to be managed by the local community.

Head of Hadakewa Village, Klemens Kwamans, expressed appreciation for PT Pupuk Indonesia’s contribution to his community. He noted that Hadakewa, located on the coast and in the center of Lembata Island, is renowned for its marine products. However, he and the villagers are committed to enhancing their agricultural sector.

“With PT Pupuk Indonesia’s assistance, we aim to boost the local economy through agriculture. As a coastal area, we are grateful for the focus on developing our farming capabilities and will support the programs implemented by PT Pupuk Indonesia. Thank you for this collaboration,” he said.