In the heart of Kalimantan, Indonesia, at the Sanga Sanga Festival, a celebration steeped in history and community spirit unfolds. This annual event, orchestrated by the Kutai Kartanegara (Kukar) government, is more than just a festivity; it's a vibrant testament to the resilience and unity of its people, commemorating their ancestors' fierce battles against colonialism. On this occasion, PT Indomining (IM), a subsidiary of TBS Energi Utama, stepped forward to highlight its commitment to nurturing local communities and promoting sustainable energy transition strategies.
The festival, opened by Kukar's Regent, Edi Damansyah, and running from January 26th to February 2nd, 2024, became a platform for showcasing the industrious spirit of the local Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) nurtured by Indomining. Yesmar Banu, the CSR Senior Supervisor at Indomining, shared insights into the significance of the event. He explained how the festival served as an effective medium for introducing the MSME groups fostered by Indomining to a wider audience. By participating in the development exhibition, these groups had the opportunity to display and sell their products, ranging from diverse chips to agricultural goods, aiming to boost their income through this exposure.
Indomining brought three MSME groups to the festival: Pondok Wangi, Kelompok Pangan Etan, and Kelompok Posyandu. Over the course of three days, their collective efforts culminated in sales reaching 10 million Indonesian rupiah, with aspirations to hit 15 million by the festival's end. This achievement wasn't just a testament to their entrepreneurial spirit but also a reflection of Indomining's broader mission under the TBS2030 initiative—to ensure that the energy transition process brings tangible benefits to local communities.
Beyond the festival, Indomining has been instrumental in assisting these groups to acquire necessary certifications such as the Home Industry Food Production Standard Fulfillment (SPP-IRT) and Halal certifications, along with improving their product packaging. These efforts are geared towards enhancing the marketability of their products, fostering the growth of these MSME groups, and, ultimately, achieving community self-reliance.
Yesmar Banu envisions a future where more local communities can join and thrive within these nurtured groups. This vision aligns with the ethos of TBS2030, marking a stride towards sustainable energy transition that not only respects the environment but also empowers local communities, ensuring their resilience and independence. Through initiatives like these, TBS Energi Utama reaffirms its dedication to embedding social considerations in its operational areas, illustrating a deep-rooted commitment to sustainable development and community empowerment.