Village Local Champions Get Assistance from IPB University and Astra

Through the Astra Agriculture Cluster Bootcamp (10/19-22), 25 local champions (driving figures) of Desa Sejahtera Astra (DSA) from various parts of Indonesia participated in a capacity building program and collaboration on agricultural cluster development with IPB University experts.

The participants came from leading clusters such as coffee, nutmeg, pineapple, palm sugar, yam, cocoa, banana, and other potential commodities. This program is not only a means of technical training, but also a collaborative learning platform to strengthen networks, share experiences, and develop market-oriented cluster development plans.

Director of PMA IPB University, Dr Handian Purwawangsa, explained that this activity is part of IPB’s efforts to strengthen the capacity of village activists to manage local potential in a sustainable manner.

“The participants of this bootcamp are the driving figures in their respective villages. They already have good experience in their fields. IPB is here to help so that their activities in the field can run more smoothly and purposefully,” he said.

He emphasized the importance of the role of local champions in the success of the DSA program. Some clusters have even managed to penetrate the export market in a sustainable manner.

“There are those who start small, but because they are managed seriously and with good intentions, they can finally export regularly and their turnover continues to increase. This is proof that a healthy business ecosystem will grow if run with commitment,” he added.

Dr Handian further said, IPB University acts as a companion and facilitator, while the success is fully determined by the enthusiasm of the actors in the field. “We only assist. When the product is better and the market is wider, it is the result of the hard work of the champions in the village,” he emphasized.

Meanwhile, Agustin, Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) representative of PT Astra International Tbk, explained that the DSA program is a real implementation of the “3P Roadmap” of People, Portfolio, and Public Contribution.

“Astra is committed to developing human resources, strengthening local businesses, and making sustainable social contributions. We believe the welfare of the nation starts from the village,” she said.

She added that the company places education, health, and environment as the three main pillars of its social contribution. “We believe that the welfare of the nation starts from the village. Therefore, we want the potential of villages in Indonesia to continue to grow and have a positive impact on society,” she concluded.

Through the Astra Agriculture Cluster Bootcamp, IPB University and Astra hope to create more resilient and competitive village drivers, who are able to strengthen the local economy and strengthen the foundation of Indonesian agriculture towards independence and global competitiveness. (AS) (IAAS/LAN)