The plantation industry is implementing various initiatives and activity programs to reduce poverty levels in Indonesia. A notable example is the work of PT Karya Tanah Subur (KTS), a PT Astra Agro Lestari Tbk (Astra Agro) subsidiary. This initiative aligns with the company’s commitment to improving the welfare of local communities in its operational areas. KTS is actively contributing to a quality program launched by the West Aceh Regional Government, OPTIMIS (Optimisation of Social Protection Anticipating Poverty).
The Acting Regent of West Aceh, Drs. Mahdi Efendi, and the Head of Bappeda of West Aceh District, Wistha Nowar, stated that this program is a social protection initiative for vulnerable workers.
According to Wistha, the new program aims to protect vulnerable workers through social security to prevent an increase in poverty due to work-related accidents that could affect the family breadwinner. “Additionally, this program provides scholarships for the children of vulnerable workers who participate in social security,” he stated.
As a first step, palm oil company PT KTS has provided social security for 100 vulnerable workers tailored to their needs in villages around the company’s operations since last October. The program is ongoing.
“The vulnerable workers are those in professions surrounding the company who do not receive social and health insurance, such as fishermen, farmers, small traders, and other similar occupations,” Wistha explained.
Wistha Nowar emphasised that various initiatives to alleviate poverty have been implemented, including social assistance and business capital support. These efforts have reduced the poverty rate in West Aceh, which decreased from 17.93% in 2022 to 17.86% in 2023. However, this figure remains higher than both the provincial and national averages.
“We greatly appreciate all the companies that have participated in and contributed to this program, including the palm oil company PT KTS,” he concluded.
At the launch of the OPTIMIS program, PT KTS was honoured with an award presented directly by the Regent of West Aceh. This award recognised the company’s significant contribution to reducing extreme poverty.
Riduan Manik, the Community Development Area Manager for Aceh, expressed his pride in PT KTS’s positive program that is set to greatly benefit the community. “We hope our contribution may reduce the poverty in West Aceh,” he stated.
In addition, Riduan noted that this program represents a genuine effort by oil palm plantations to enhance the community’s well-being. This aligns with the company’s commitment to operate a sustainable business and contribute to the nation’s prosperity.
Source: news.majalahhortus.com
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