Disclaimer
This article may contain copyrighted material, the use of which may not have been pre-authorized by the copyright owner. This material is made available for the purpose of giving information and knowledge. The material contained on the Astra Agro website distributed without profit. If you are interested in using copyrighted material from this material for any reason that goes beyond ‘fair use’, you must first obtain permission from the original source.
For Sabar, a palm oil farmer from East Luwuk, his partnership with PT Astra Agro Lestari Tbk. is more than just business; he feels genuinely cared for as a partner and receives extensive service and technical support.
“I am genuinely thankful to have the opportunity to partner with Astra Agro. Their service is exceptional, and their dedication to farmers is remarkable. They prioritise not only increasing production but also supporting their partners,” Sabar said in an interview during the Astra Agro Partnership Gathering at the Intercontinental Dago Pakar Hotel in Bandung on December 18, 2024.
Sabar, who has been working with PT Sawit Jaya Abadi (PT SJA), a subsidiary of Astra Agro, since 2016, is willing to travel across provinces to deliver his harvest to the group’s mill despite the presence of eight other palm oil mills in his plantation area.
“That’s the difference with Astra Agro. Their service truly cares for us farmers and our drivers. For example, the Astra Agro management intervenes immediately to help if there are obstacles or vehicle issues. Their communication with local stakeholders is also excellent, making us feel safe and comfortable,” he added.
Sabar values the company’s focus on meeting the essential needs of its partners and drivers. He recounted an incident where their driver faced technical difficulties on the road. Astra Agro stepped in promptly, ensuring proper handling and logistics during the emergency.
“Even for small tasks, like ensuring our driver’s meals are packed, they are attentive. It’s a simple gesture, but it means a lot to us. ” Sabar explained.
Sabar manages approximately 100 hectares of land and takes advantage of various facilities offered by Astra Agro. These include purchasing quality seeds and receiving technical consultations. He remarked that the seedlings he plants are mainly sourced from Astra Agro and are significantly superior to those from other suppliers.
“I have purchased seeds from other vendors, but the results were unsatisfactory. With Astra Agro, the quality of the seedlings is guaranteed, and the results are excellent. Even the team that assisted me mentioned my garden exceeded Astra Agro’s core garden standards,” Sabar said proudly.
Astra Agro’s coaching and mentoring program further strengthens his confidence in the partnership. “The team from Astra Agro often visits my plantation to check on the plants and provide feedback. It makes us feel supported and valued as farmers,” he added.
Distance is not a barrier for Sabar; he continues to send his palm fruit to the PT SJA mill in Poso District, Central Sulawesi. The journey from East Luwuk can take up to 12 hours and cover about 150 kilometres. However, he believes the exceptional service and support he receives make it worthwhile.
“Their service is unforgettable. Astra Agro genuinely cares about us, both as farmers and as individuals. That is why I remain committed to partnering with Astra Agro,” Sabar concluded.
Djap Tet Fa, director of Astra Agro Lestari, stated in his speech at the Astra Agro Partnership Gathering that the company has been committed to not clearing new land since the government’s palm oil moratorium was implemented in 2011.
According to him, smallholder farmers play a crucial role in enhancing the company’s performance and boosting productivity through research and sustainable plantation governance.
“The relationship between companies and farmers is more than just a business transaction; it’s a strategic partnership that benefits both parties,” said Djap Tet Fa.
Astra Agro works to improve farmers’ productivity through this partnership, fostering a mutually beneficial and sustainable relationship in the palm oil sector, just as Sabar experiences.
Source: Radar Sampit
