PALMOILMAGAZINE, RIAU — A new community empowerment initiative in Lubuk Gaung, Riau Province, is set to benefit 100 households through a collaboration between Sinar Mas Agribusiness and Food, Tzu Chi Indonesia, and ADM. The program focuses on improving family income, nutrition, and children’s access to education in the area.
This initiative builds on a broader sustainable landscape program that began in 2023 and has already shown meaningful results. So far, around 350 childcare centers (Balai Penitipan Anak/BPA) near Sinar Mas’s operational areas have received books and educational materials. Additionally, over 600 childcare workers have been trained to enhance early childhood education practices.
The project has also expanded Community Learning Centres (CLCs), impacting more than 450 community members, while supporting the growth of at least 12 microenterprises to scale their operations and strengthen the local economy.
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The collaboration was renewed through the signing of a new two-year partnership agreement, held at Sinar Mas Agribusiness and Food’s Jakarta headquarters. The renewed partnership will focus on three core areas: community-based hydroponic farming, stunting prevention, and improving infrastructure and quality of early childhood education (PAUD).
“This initiative reflects our shared commitment to building stronger, more resilient communities,” said Corey Sikorski, Southeast Asia Business Manager of Global Trade at ADM, in a statement received by Palmoilmagazine.com on Friday (May 9, 2025). “Through ADM Cares, we support food security, early childhood education, and sustainable income opportunities for communities in Riau.”
Gianto Widjaja, Vice President Director of Sinar Mas Agribusiness and Food, expressed his appreciation to ADM for their continued trust. “These three programs are part of our Community Economic Empowerment Program, which has reached over 60 communities across Indonesia,” he said.
Key initiatives under this program include the development of hydroponic facilities for fresh vegetable production, stunting prevention in collaboration with local health centers and women’s groups (PKK), and upgrades to early childhood education to foster safe and nurturing learning environments for children.
With a comprehensive landscape approach, this collaboration aims to deliver long-term positive impact—not only for the people of Lubuk Gaung but also for broader social and economic development along Indonesia’s palm oil supply chain. (P2)
