Semen Baturaja Introduces Three Flagship Programs for Community Empowerment in Air Gading

BATURAJA – PT Semen Baturaja Tbk (SMBR), a subsidiary of PT Semen Indonesia (Persero) Tbk (SIG), through its Social and Environmental Responsibility (TJSL) program, once again demonstrated its commitment to community empowerment by holding a socialization event for three flagship sustainable programs: Rumah Cacing Berdaya (RUCIDA), Baturaja Ternak Ikan Kreatif (BATIK), and Aquaponics, at the Air Gading Village Office in Baturaja, Ogan Komering Ulu Regency on Tuesday (September 30th).

The event was attended by representatives from five mothers from the Family Role Enhancement (PPK), five members of the Air Gading Village Youth Organization (Karang Taruna), and Air Gading Village Head Arif Sobirin and local officials. This program is designed as a collaborative effort to improve community skills, particularly in the areas of organic waste processing, fish farming, and integrated agriculture.

SMBR’s Senior Manager of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), Andy Aprizal, in his remarks stated that this program is expected to provide added economic value to the surrounding community.

“Semen Baturaja isn’t just focused on business, but is also committed to growing with the community. Through RUCIDA, BATIK, and Aquaponics, we want to open new sustainable business opportunities while preserving the environment,” Andy said.

Andy added that this outreach phase is the initial step before providing training. “We conduct outreach first so that the community understands the goals and benefits of the program. After that, we move on to the training phase, so that participants are better prepared and can implement it optimally,” he explained.

Andy further explained the reason for choosing Air Gading Village as the pilot location. “Before implementing this program, we conducted surveys in several Ring 1 areas to assess the potential that the community could manage. Based on the survey results and the readiness of the residents, we chose Air Gading because the Karang Taruna (Youth Organization) and the Village Empowerment Committee (PPK) are very active here. After discussions, residents also expressed their desire for a program that supports food self-sufficiency. Therefore, we are confident that this program can be implemented well and provide real benefits,” Andy added.

Meanwhile, Air Gading Village Head, Arif Sobirin, expressed his appreciation for SMBR’s initiative, which he considered aligned with the residents’ needs.

“This program is very beneficial for the Air Gading community because it aligns with their potential and needs. The community has long been accustomed to working together in environmental and creative economy activities. With support from Semen Baturaja, we are optimistic that the Air Gading community can become self-sufficient, generate additional income, and contribute to maintaining food security in the region. We hope that further training will further strengthen the community’s capacity to manage this program sustainably,” said Arif.

As a follow-up, Semen Baturaja will hold further training this year to deepen participants’ skills in managing environmentally-based businesses.

Through this activity, SMBR hopes to continue encouraging the creation of an independent, creative, and environmentally conscious community through sustainable programs. (*)