InfoSAWIT, KETAPANG – PT Bumitama Gunajaya Agro (BGA) has expanded its efforts to support independent oil palm smallholders through a technical cultivation training program aimed at improving productivity and promoting sustainable farming practices in West Kalimantan.
The initiative, held in Seriam Village, Kendawangan District, Ketapang Regency, involved 40 independent smallholders and formed part of the company’s broader community empowerment strategy.
Participants received technical instruction on plantation management, fertilization practices, and integrated pest and disease control, with training delivered by BGA’s agronomy team, which has extensive experience managing large-scale oil palm estates.
In addition to classroom sessions, farmers took part in practical field demonstrations conducted directly in local plantations, allowing them to immediately apply the techniques introduced during the program.
According to a report by Suara Kalbar, as published by InfoSAWIT on June 24, 2026, the training was designed to strengthen farmers’ understanding of effective cultivation practices that can improve productivity while supporting long-term plantation sustainability.
Mega Andrianu, Head of Badak Berendam Hamlet in Seriam Village, said the program provided valuable knowledge for farmers who have traditionally relied on practical experience to manage their plantations.
He noted that participants gained new insights into structured plantation management and agronomic practices that could contribute to higher yields and healthier crops over the long term.
Meanwhile, BGA Estate Manager Daru said the initiative reflects the company’s commitment to strengthening the capabilities of smallholders living around its operational areas.
According to Daru, independent smallholders play a strategic role in ensuring the long-term sustainability of Indonesia’s palm oil industry and should therefore have access to modern cultivation knowledge and agricultural technologies.
Through training and technical assistance, BGA aims to help farmers manage their plantations more efficiently, improve productivity, and generate stronger economic returns from their operations.
The program also forms part of the company’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives focused on community development and local economic empowerment. BGA plans to expand similar capacity-building programs to additional villages surrounding its operational areas.
By investing in farmer education and technical skills development, the company hopes to support the growth of a more productive, resilient, and sustainable independent smallholder sector in Ketapang and across West Kalimantan. (T2)
