Astra's commitment to "Prospering with the Nation" (Sejahtera Bersama Bangsa) is once again affirmed through PT Pamapersada Nusantara (PAMA) and the Astra Foundation, Yayasan Dharma Bhakti Astra (Yayasan Astra). The two entities have officially launched a strategic collaboration with the inauguration of the PAMA Bakat Batiwakkal Business Development Institute (Lembaga Pengembangan Bisnis or LPB) in Berau Regency, East Kalimantan.
The establishment of this LPB stems from PAMA's commitment to implementing CSR activities in the form of an MSME development program in Berau Regency, as well as the desire of PAMA Berau Site to develop MSMEs through an LPB, similar to the collaborations already in place between PAMA and Yayasan Astra at other sites. This initiative aligns with the noble philosophy of Astra's Founder, William Soeryadjaya, who wished for Astra to grow and be beneficial, "like a shady tree that serves as a shelter from the rain and heat". Through the Astra Kreatif (Public Contribution) pillar, Yayasan Astra focuses on becoming a "trusted partner" for MSMEs to achieve this vision.
Abdul Nasir Maksum, Director of PT Pamapersada Nusantara, stated that the presence of LPB PAMA Bakat Batiwakkal is a tangible form of collaboration between PAMA and Yayasan Astra in encouraging the self-reliance of small business actors in Berau. "LPB PAMA Bakat Batiwakkal is not merely a training and mentoring institution, but also a platform for collaboration between the government, business actors, and the community. Its goal is to create an ecosystem that supports the sustainable growth of MSMEs," he said. Nasir explained that "Bakat" symbolizes the potential of the Berau community, while "Batiwakkal" is derived from the local language, meaning an endeavor carried out with God's blessing. "Combined, it means developing the community's potential with the spirit of batiwakkal for a better future," he added.
Ema Poedjiwati, Secretary of the Board of Yayasan Astra, Yayasan Dharma Bhakti Astra, stated that the inauguration of LPB PAMA Bakat Batiwakkal is a continuation of the close partnership that has existed between Yayasan Astra and PAMA for over two decades. This collaboration historically began in 2003 with the establishment of the first LPB in Kalimantan, the AdaroPama LPB in Tabalong Regency, South Kalimantan. By 2025, Yayasan Astra, together with PAMA, has established 10 LPBs, with an average of 220 MSMEs nurtured per LPB, and 72 MSMEs having achieved the level of self-reliance.
"LPB PAMA Bakat Batiwakkal becomes the 11th LPB we have established together with PAMA," said Ema. "Our presence in Berau, a strategic area close to the Nusantara Capital City (IKN), is tangible proof of Astra's contribution in Kalimantan and our support for the economic empowerment of the community in the ring 1 area of PAMA's site. This program also answers PAMA's invitation for collaboration, which was submitted last year".
The MSME development program in Berau will focus on 4 Assisted Sectors, namely forest honey (Madu kelulut), processed snacks, cocoa beans, and weaving centers. The results of the MSME Self-Reliance Assessment conducted by the Yayasan Astra team indicate that MSMEs in Berau are currently at the Medium level (Madya). Therefore, the program for the first 15 months will prioritize fundamental improvements, particularly in the pillars of marketing and finance.
Based on potential assessment, the Cocoa Bean MSME Sector has been confirmed to have the potential to become the Leading Sector of LPB PAMA Bakat Batiwakkal in agriculture, excelling in the criteria of farmer count, length of business, and market continuity. This leading sector has a long-term grand design until 2029, with gradual targets starting from building fundamental mentality and finance, achieving cultivation standards and product quality including Quality, Cost, and Delivery (QCD), and reaching the final goal of export and the formation of a Self-Reliant MSME community. The program involves collaboration with expertise partners such as the Nusantara Nature Conservation Foundation (Yayasan Konservasi Alam Nusantara - YKAN) and Poltek Simas Berau. Additionally, synergy with the Berau Regency government is also an important aspect to ensure alignment between the LPB program and the direction of regional development.
"We, from Diskoperindag (Cooperative, Industry, and Trade Agency), are delighted and grateful for the presence of LPB PAMA Bakat Batiwakkal in Berau Regency. Through this program, the LPB strives to transform MSMEs from the informal sector to the formal, from those who did not previously have business legality and were not recorded in the official database, to registered and competitive business actors. We hope the LPB can continue to explore the diversity of MSMEs in Berau and provide facilitation and mentoring to the community," said Nova Dwi Sapta, representative of the Cooperative, Industry, and Trade Agency (Diskoperindag) of Berau Regency, in her speech at the Kick-Off event for LPB PAMA Bakat Batiwakkal.
PAMA, together with Yayasan Astra, runs a systematic development program that requires a minimum of 3 years. The key to the program's success lies in instilling the foundation of MSME Basic Mentality before proceeding with technical and managerial training. The four pillars of basic mentality emphasized include the Spirit to Change, Compassion to Help, Commitment, and Consistency. This basic mentality will ensure MSMEs are ready to follow the guidance to meet the market's required QCD standards, as well as utilize the Yayasan Astra ecosystem, which facilitates mentoring and opens access to the Supply Chain of Large Industries.
Cumulatively, Yayasan Astra has recorded 1,425 MSMEs Upgraded to a Higher Class (Naik Kelas) and 384 Self-Reliant MSMEs (Mandiri) since the assessment was conducted in 2015. LPB PAMA Berau Batiwakkal targets to produce 20 Self-Reliant MSMEs by 2029.
