“It used to be difficult to encourage mothers to consistently bring their children to the posyandu. Especially decades ago, when information and technology were not as advanced as they are today,” she said in a conversation with a CSR assistant from PT PLB some time ago.

Over time, the posyandu became more active as mothers and children recognized its value. Mothers arrived with their children, and cadres welcomed them while preparing the registration desk.

“If not for the ongoing training and support from Astra Agro Group, I might have chosen a different profession. Although I run a small business at home, I truly value my work as a cadre supported by PT PLB,” Jumini shared

At another table, babies and toddAt another table, cadres monitor babies’ and toddlers’ growth by weighing them, measuring height, and reviewing growth charts. They explain the results to mothers and discuss nutrition, child behavior, and parenting concerns.stina Damayanti, a young mother who brought her 21-month-old child for immunization at a posyandu in Kebun Agung Village, Kotawaringin Barat—one of the assisted villages of PT Gunung Sejahtera Puti Pesona (GSPP).As part of Astra Agro Group in Central Kalimantan, PT GSPP demonstrates its commitment to social responsibility through its health pillar. This includes programs focused on improving community well-being, particularly stunting prevention, maternal and child health assistance, and strengthening posyandu services.

“As a new mother, I had limited knowledge about posyandu and often felt anxious. Thanks to Astra Agro Group’s regular posyandu programs, we are now more attentive to our children’s growth and development,” Agustina said.

She explained that both her children have benefited from health support provided by GSDI. For her, posyandu is more than a health check-up post; it is a place for learning, sharing, and community support for mothers, the elderly, and children.

“Everything is simple, yet meaningful,” she added.

What may seem like routine activities reflects a broader, ongoing effort. Through its Astra Sehat pillar, Astra Agro provides long-term support. As of 2025, the company has supported 335 posyandu in 256 villages, reaching 21,082 toddlers and pregnant women. Dedicated posyandu cadres are central to these efforts. They arrive early, prepare equipment, and ensure smooth operations.Alongside Jumini is Iin Zunaidah, a posyandu cadre supported by Astra Agro in Central Kalimantan, who plays a key role in local health programs. For her, community health work is a meaningful social responsibility.Each day, before sunrise, Iin rides her motorbike to meet fellow cadres at a place she considers her second home.

“The residents and children who come to the posyandu feel like family to us cadres. We know them, understand their needs, and act as a bridge between the community and healthcare services. That’s what makes this work so meaningful,” Iin said emotionally.Posyandu cadres supported by Astra Agro are at the forefront of community-based healthcare. In 2025, 2,098 cadres actively supported posyandu operations in villages near the company’s operational areas.

The support provided goes beyond facilities, extending to strengthening service systems through the implementation of the Five-Table System, the provision of supplementary nutrition for infants, toddlers, pregnant women, and the elderly, and regular training and incentives for cadres.

This commitment includes more inclusive healthcare services. Astra Agro operates 32 estate polyclinics (Poliklinik Kebun or Polibun) and 52 ambulance units, ensuring faster and more equitable healthcare access. Additional initiatives include free medical treatment, mass circumcision, and blood donation drives to meet community needs.Jumini, Iin, and Agustina are among thousands of cadres and beneficiaries of Astra Agro’s health pillar. With a commitment to sustainability and shared prosperity, Astra Agro aims to strengthen healthcare access and quality, in line with the spirit of Prosper with the Nation.

Tree planting or replanting has become the main focus in the riverbank rehabilitation program. Astra Agro provides seedling needs that are suitable for the area size and land compatibility. The company does not plant oil palm trees on riverbanks.

Various types of plants such as shade trees, fruit trees, and several fire-resistant plants have been planted by Astra Agro along the riverbanks, so that the roots of the plants can prevent soil erosion. The selection of these plants is based on various ecological aspects such as native plants, local varieties, and non-invasive species.

The strategy for implementing Astra Agro’s rehabilitation activities is sustainable and carried out gradually throughout the year. We also conduct reviews and updates of data from previous riparian rehabilitation efforts. The benefits of our rehabilitation efforts can be seen from the measurement results and documentation of the impact on various bird species that utilize the rehabilitation sites.

Riverbank rehabilitation activities are carried out within the Company’s concession, with a total of 3,100 trees planted in the third quarter of 2024 in Riau, Central Kalimantan, and West Sulawesi. These trees, which represent various species such as Shorea sp., Aquilaria malaccensis, Cerbera manghas, Pterocarpus indicus, Alstonia scholaris, Handroanthus chrysotrichus, Heritiera sp., and Mimusops elengi, were planted over an area of approximately 19.75 hectares. The goal of this planting initiative is to restore the ecological functions of the riparian area, including erosion control and river protection.

The active involvement of employees and the surrounding community in this activity not only enhances the success of the program but also fosters a stronger sense of ownership and responsibility towards the environment. To improve the quality of the environment and river ecosystems, examples of concessions that participated in tree planting for riverbank rehabilitation in the third quarter include PT Eka Dura Indonesia (PT EDI) and PT Kimia Tirta Utama (PT KTU). Through these efforts, it is hoped that awareness of the importance of environmental preservation will increase and provide long-term benefits for the river ecosystem.

Biological control involves using predators to suppress pest populations, offering an environmentally friendly alternative that reduces the reliance on pesticides. Astra Agro employs several methods of biological pest control, including the use of Sycanus sp., Tyto alba, and the Turnera Subulata flower.

Sycanus sp.: The Caterpillar Predator

Sycanus sp. is a predator that effectively targets caterpillars, preying on nearly all lepidopteran larvae, including butterflies, which play a role in pollinating oil palm plants. This predator lays its eggs on oil palm leaves, allowing it to reside in the oil palm canopy and actively hunt caterpillars (Abdul et al., 2016). The cultivation of Sycanus predators has been implemented since 2018, contributing to maintaining ecological balance without harming the environment.

Tyto alba: The Owl That Chase After Pests

Astra Agro also innovatively uses Tyto alba, commonly known as the barn owl, to control rat populations in oil palm plantations. This method aims to provide an effective alternative for pest control. To enhance the effectiveness of this strategy, the company places one pair of owls and a nesting site for them across every 20 hectares. Similar to Sycanus sp., these owls help manage pests that threaten oil palm plants.

Turnera Subulata: A Natural Pest Control Plant

In addition to using predators, Astra Agro employs the Turnera Subulata flower, also known as the nine o’clock flower. This flower is an ornamental and medicinal plant and plays a role in pest management. By planting Turnera Subulata on their plantation concessions, the company attracts adult fireworms that rely on the flower’s nectar for food. These adult caterpillars are less likely to attack the oil palm plants with sufficient food sources.

Besides biological control, Astra Agro Lestari has conducted various research initiatives to address pest invasions and enhance pollination success. They have implemented an Early Warning System (EWS) that utilizes digital mapping technology for monitoring plant pest organisms (OPT). This system provides quick and accurate data regarding pest populations, diseases, and the presence of natural enemies.