SIAK - PT Inti Indosawit Subur (PT IIS), a business unit of Asian Agri, has shown its commitment to rural development by launching the Desa Sawit Mandiri (Independent Palm Oil Village) program through a first planting event in Simpang Perak Jaya Village, Kerinci Kanan District, Siak Regency, Riau, on Friday (June 13, 2025).

This program aims to help villagers manage palm oil plantations in an environmentally friendly way while improving their economy and increasing palm oil production. During the event, 220 palm oil seedlings were planted on village-owned land (Tanah Kas Desa) as the first step of the program.

"This DSM program is a real contribution from our company to help villages turn unused land into productive sources of income,” said Diego Valdano Purba, Group Manager of PT IIS.

“In addition to creating jobs, the program also supports increasing village income (PAD). We hope the palm oil production from this land will strengthen local development,” he added.

As part of its commitment, PT IIS will continue supporting the village over the next three years until December 2027. This includes technical guidance and providing materials like fertilizer and herbicides. Once the palm trees reach the productive stage around 2.5 years the management and harvest will be fully handed over to the village, although technical support will still be available if needed.

All income from the harvest will belong to the village and can be used for development, such as building infrastructure, improving public facilities, and supporting community empowerment programs.

Abdul Musahap Siregar, the head of Simpang Perak Jaya Village, expressed his appreciation for the program. He is optimistic the plantation will bring real economic benefits to the local people.

"This program will serve as a model for other farmers. We want our villagers to learn and improve their palm oil farming skills. If income rises, so will the quality of life,” he said.

Mustofa, Head of Public Order at Kerinci Kanan District Office, emphasized the importance of collaboration between the company and the government for long-term success.

"The land is clear, the seedlings are ready, the management is set, the timeline is defined, and the goal is clear. So the results must also be clear for the benefit of the community. This is a long-term program whose benefits will be felt by future generations,” he said.

The DSM program is part of Asian Agri’s corporate social responsibility (CSR) efforts in the economic sector. It aims to help farmers manage palm plantations in a sustainable and eco-friendly way. The program has already been implemented in three provinces: North Sumatra, Riau, and Jambi.

The first planting event was attended by village officials, community leaders, and residents of Kerinci Kanan District. (Realease)