JAKARTA – Amidst the pandemic of Covid-19, PT Astra Agro Lestari Tbk recorded a positive financial performance in the first semester of 2020. The revenue of the Company increased by 6.5% from Rp 8.5 trillion in the first semester of 2019 to Rp 9.1 trillion.
Revenue growth had been supported by the increase of CPO average selling price throughout 2020 as stated in the Public Expose held by the Indonesia Stock Exchange (IDX) in Jakarta, (26/8).
During the first semester of 2020, CPO average selling price of Astra Agro increased by 25.9% from Rp 6,441 per kilogram in 2019 to Rp 8,109 per kilogram. The rise in CPO prices amidst the pandemic was supported by the increase of palm oil absorption in domestic market due to B30 mandatory program.
From the operational side, during the same period, the CPO production of Astra Agro declined by 15.2% from 834 thousand tons to 707 thousand tons as an impact of the dry season the year before.
During the pandemic, said Santosa, operational activities at Astra Agro’s plantations were running normally. The company implements a strict Covid-19 protocol where physical distancing is implemented and the equipment is prepared to anticipate Covid-19 transmission, for example by wearing masks and providing disinfectants. In addition, restrictions to access the plantation areas have also been implemented.
Aside from the pandemic, the peak of dry season also posed as a challenge due to the potential to cause forest and land fires. The Company takes precautions by increasing anticipatory steps. The Fire Management System is strengthened by using unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) or drones that are flown regularly to monitor around plantations.
Moreover, Astra Agro has prepared infrastructure in accordance with the Regulation of Ministry of Agriculture no. 5 /2018 and coordination with the government, related agencies and intensive community outreach to prevent forest and land fires.(*)
