PALMOILMAGAZINE, KOTAWARINGIN – After successfully fostering self-reliance through its Sekolah Desa Berdaya (Empowered Village School) program in Nanga Tayap, West Kalimantan, Bumitama has now extended the initiative to Central Kalimantan. Kotawaringin has been chosen as the next location to develop this cross-sector community empowerment model.
The program was officially introduced to 29 participants from across Central Kalimantan. As in West Kalimantan, the initiative focuses on five main clusters: agriculture, fisheries, horticulture, livestock, and micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs).
According to Bumitama’s official statement quoted by Palmoilmagazine.com on Sunday (September 28, 2025), the achievements in West Kalimantan laid a solid foundation for this expansion. By mid-2025, a total of 310 participants had received training across the five clusters. Each cluster serves not only as a platform for trade but also as a hub for learning and collaboration.
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In these spaces, villagers sharpen their skills, broaden their knowledge, and nurture a spirit of independence. The impact has been tangible: stronger rural economies and a clearer path toward sustainable development.
The soft launch in Kotawaringin was more than just a ceremonial event—it immediately translated into hands-on activities. Following the program’s introduction, participants, facilitators, and local government representatives moved to designated farmland, where they carried out a symbolic corn planting activity to mark the beginning of this new journey.
Corn was chosen for its strategic importance. Beyond being a vital food crop, it aligns with national efforts to achieve food self-sufficiency and bolster Indonesia’s food security. Through this initiative, Bumitama is not only building community capacity but also contributing to the country’s broader agenda of food sovereignty. (P2)
