Golden Agri-Resources Expands Community Partnership in Riau
More than 100 households in Lubuk Gaung, located in Riau Province, Indonesia, are poised to benefit from a comprehensive new community empowerment initiative. This multi-faceted programme is designed to uplift rural communities by improving local economic opportunities, enhancing nutritional intake, and expanding access to quality education for children.
This new initiative represents a major step forward in an ongoing collaboration between Golden Agri-Resources (GAR), philanthropic organisation Tzu Chi Indonesia, and agribusiness company ADM. Together, these partners are deepening their commitment to sustainable development in rural Indonesia, particularly in areas connected to the palm oil supply chain.
Building on a Strong Foundation
The current project builds upon a foundation laid in 2023, when the three organizations first joined forces to support community-led development in Riau. Their joint efforts in the past year have already led to meaningful outcomes.
A key component of the 2023 initiative involved investment in early childhood education. Over 350 locations within GAR’s network of early childhood care facilities, known as BPAs, were upgraded with new educational books and learning materials. These BPAs cater primarily to the children of plantation workers, and the improvements have had a direct impact on the quality of education in these rural schools. Additionally, more than 600 caregivers and educators received specialized training to strengthen their skills in early childhood education, ultimately contributing to improved developmental outcomes for young children.
Parallel to this, a network of Community Learning Centres (CLCs) received funding and operational support to facilitate skills development among adults and older youth in the community. These centers serve as vital educational hubs, offering literacy classes, vocational training, and entrepreneurial guidance. More than 450 individuals have benefited from these programs, including micro-entrepreneurs who have been able to scale their businesses and contribute to the economic vibrancy of their communities.
A New Two-Year Agreement
To expand on these successes, a new two-year collaboration agreement was recently formalized at a signing ceremony held at the GAR headquarters in Jakarta. The agreement commits GAR, Tzu Chi Indonesia, and ADM to support new initiatives in three critical areas: community hydroponic farming, prevention of stunting among children, and enhancements to early childhood education infrastructure.
Corey Sikorski, ADM’s Southeast Asia Business Manager for Global Trade, expressed ADM’s dedication to the program:
“This initiative reflects our shared commitment to building stronger, more resilient communities. Through ADM Cares, our corporate social investment program, we are proud to support efforts that promote food security, expand access to early education, and create sustainable sources of income in the Riau Province – laying the foundation for long-term wellbeing.”
ADM Cares is ADM’s global program aimed at driving social impact through food security, education, and community development. Their investment in Indonesia is part of a broader vision of supporting agricultural communities in becoming more self-sufficient and resilient.
Golden Agri-Resources: Empowering Through Partnership
As one of Indonesia’s leading palm oil producers, GAR has consistently taken a proactive role in fostering social development within its areas of operation. The company’s Community Economic Empowerment Programme has now reached over 60 communities across Indonesia.
Gianto Widjaja, Deputy President Director of Sinar Mas Agribusiness and Food (GAR’s Indonesian subsidiary), highlighted the value of partnerships in advancing the company’s social goals:
“We thank ADM for placing their trust in GAR as their partner in delivering these three vital initiatives under our Community Economic Empowerment Programme. Together, we are creating a more inclusive palm oil industry – one that provides tangible benefits for people at every level of the supply chain.”
GAR’s belief is that sustainable palm oil production can serve as a force for good by creating jobs, generating income, and improving the livelihoods of local populations, particularly in remote and underserved regions.
Three Key Focus Areas of the New Initiative
The current programme will focus its efforts on three strategic pillars designed to create long-lasting improvements in community welfare:
1. Community Hydroponic Farming
The introduction of hydroponic farming facilities in Lubuk Gaung represents a significant investment in food security and agricultural innovation. These modern systems enable the cultivation of fresh vegetables and fruits using water-based, soil-free techniques, which are ideal for areas with limited arable land.
Communities will receive infrastructure support, farming inputs, and training on hydroponic techniques to empower them to grow their own nutritious food. By reducing dependence on external food supplies and promoting local production, the project aims to improve dietary diversity and generate new sources of income through local produce sales.
2. Stunting Prevention and Child Health
Stunting, or chronic malnutrition in children, remains a serious public health concern in Indonesia, particularly in rural areas. The new initiative will directly target stunting in Lubuk Gaung through coordinated efforts involving village-level organizations, local health centers, integrated health posts (Posyandu), the Village Community Empowerment Agency (LPMK), and the Family Welfare Empowerment Group (PKK).
By leveraging existing health infrastructure and promoting community participation, the program will implement nutritional assessments, provide supplements, and deliver educational outreach to mothers and caregivers. These actions align with the Indonesian government’s national target of significantly reducing childhood stunting across the country.
3. Early Childhood Education Enhancements
Continuing the progress made in 2023, the initiative will further enhance facilities for Early Childhood Education (PAUD) centers. Improvements include classroom renovations, provision of teaching aids, and ongoing teacher training.
Tzu Chi Indonesia will play a central role in this area, using its experience in education-focused philanthropy to ensure that the youngest members of these communities receive a nurturing and stimulating learning environment. By supporting early childhood development, the program aims to equip children with the cognitive and emotional skills necessary for lifelong learning and resilience.
