Labuhanbatu, 3 October 2025 – As part of its commitment to improving the quality of life of communities surrounding its operational areas, one of Asian Agri’s business units, PT Rantau Sinar Karsa-Pangkatan (PT RSK), distributed educational and alternative economic assistance to two villages—Pangkatan and Sennah—located in Pangkatan District, Labuhanbatu Regency, North Sumatra. The handover ceremony took place at the Pangkatan Subdistrict Office on October 3, 2025.
In his remarks, Regional Head of Asian Agri North Sumatra, Herman Sembiring, said, “Asian Agri has a long-term vision embodied in the Asian Agri 2030 Program, which reflects our commitment to sustainability. The program is built on four main pillars, one of which is Inclusive Growth. Today’s activity illustrates the second pillar, which focuses on improving the quality of life in local communities by providing better access to education and supporting the development of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to become more independent and competitive.”
“We believe that education is the key to unlocking the future. Our support is not merely about providing material assistance, but a symbol of encouragement to inspire our children’s spirit to learn. For us, education is a noble investment—one that builds a strong foundation for a better future. We realize that this program represents only a small part of our collective efforts, but we share the hope that this step will mark the beginning of improving the quality of life for our community,” Herman continued.
On this occasion, a total of 32 educational assistance packages were distributed through the Bag-To-School program in Pangkatan and Sennah villages. The distribution included 14 packages for elementary school students (SD), 10 for junior high school students (SMP), and 8 for senior high school students (SMA). Each package contained a quality school bag, writing supplies, uniforms, and shoes—reflecting Asian Agri’s tangible support for children’s education.
In addition to supporting education, Asian Agri is also actively promoting the growth of small and medium enterprises (SMEs). Previously, the company held outreach sessions to help communities identify commodities that align with market demand while exploring the potential of their villages. These sessions were complemented by practical training on relevant business strategies.
This support was further strengthened through the provision of various equipment, including mixers and ovens for cake-making businesses, as well as spice grinders, blenders, and food dryers for the production of instant red ginger beverages.
Pangkatan District, Datar Sirait, expressed his appreciation for Asian Agri’s support through PT RSK. “This assistance means a great deal to our community, especially in supporting the education of children in Pangkatan. The program helps ease the financial burden on parents while also contributing to the government’s goal of achieving 13 years of compulsory education. We also see this support as being in line with efforts to improve the community’s quality of life, both through education and economic empowerment,” he said.
Through this year’s Bag-To-School program, Asian Agri will distribute a total of 265 education assistance packages across five villages in North Sumatra. The assistance includes 140 packages for elementary school students, 75 packages for junior high school students, and 50 packages for senior high school students. In addition to supporting education, the program also extends assistance for SME development to five local business groups, helping strengthen community livelihoods beyond the classroom.
About Asian Agri
Founded in 1979, Asian Agri is one of Indonesia’s foremost companies in crude palm oil production, managing over 100,000 hectares of oil palm plantations and employing over 20,000 people.
As a pioneer of the Indonesian Government’s Smallholder Transmigration Core Plantation Programme (PIR-Trans), Asian Agri has partnered with 30,000 scheme smallholders in Riau and Jambi, who collectively manage 60,000 hectares of oil palm plantations. The company also fosters partnerships with independent smallholders to enhance their welfare and drive socio-economic growth.
Committed to sustainable practices, Asian Agri upholds a zero-burning policy and implements plantation best management practices to help smallholders boost productivity, increase crop yields, and improve supply chain traceability while supporting their journey towards certification. Asian Agri’s mills leveraged advanced technology and self-generated green energy to minimize greenhouse gas emissions.
Asian Agri’s plantations, as along with their scheme smallholder plantations, are full Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) and International Sustainability & Carbon Certification (ISCC) certified, underscoring the company’s commitment to responsible and sustainable palm oil production.
Please visit Asian Agri’s website for more information and media inquiries may be directed to:
Corporate Communication, Asian Agri
E-mail: communications@asianagri.com
