PT Vale Indonesia Tbk (PT Vale), through its Indonesia Growth Project (IGP) Pomalaa, is reaffirming its commitment to supporting Indonesia’s food security agenda. Under its Sustainable Environmentally Friendly Agriculture Program (PSLRB), the company has launched an intensive training program on organic agricultural ecosystem management involving 30 soldiers from Yonif 869 Taawu. The training is scheduled to run for five days.
This collaboration represents a strategic effort to strengthen partnerships between the company, local communities, regional government, and the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) in Kolaka Regency, Southeast Sulawesi. Through this initiative, participating soldiers are expected to become champions of sustainable agriculture, both within their military unit and in future assignments across other regions.
Transforming Mindsets and Building Agricultural Knowledge from the Ground Up
Although most participants began the program with little to no prior agricultural experience, they demonstrated remarkable enthusiasm and engagement throughout the training.
Koko Komamin, an Organic Agriculture Consultant from Aliksa Organic SRI Consultant, explained that the first day of the program focused on helping participants identify some of the key challenges associated with modern agricultural practices.
Among the issues highlighted were the heavy reliance on synthetic fertilizers and chemical pesticides, which can contribute to declining productivity and increasing vulnerability to pest infestations over time.
“We are encouraging participants to shift their perspective toward soil ecology,” said Koko Komamin. “They are learning to understand the physical, biological, and chemical properties of soil in a comprehensive way. By maximizing the use of organic matter, soils can naturally provide many of the nutrients plants need, reducing dependence on external agricultural inputs.”
Over the five-day program, participants will receive a combination of theoretical and practical instruction. Following foundational lessons on soil ecology, soldiers will take part in hands-on training in organic crop cultivation. The program will conclude with a collaborative discussion aimed at developing long-term action plans that can be implemented within Yonif 869 Taawu.
Strengthening Partnerships for Food Security and Sustainable Development
Charles Cristian, Senior Coordinator of External Relations at PT Vale IGP Pomalaa, noted that the involvement of Yonif 869 Taawu adds a valuable new partner to the company’s network of stakeholders working to advance sustainable regional development in Kolaka.
According to Charles, the collaboration offers mutual benefits. While the military unit continues to fulfill its primary responsibility of maintaining security and stability, its personnel are also being equipped to contribute actively to community empowerment and sustainable development initiatives.
“This is a very positive step, with PT Vale acting as a catalyst and motivator for our colleagues in the military,” Charles said. “While their role is traditionally associated with defense and security, through the PSLRB program we are channeling that same dedication and discipline toward strengthening food security and supporting national food resilience.”
Through this pilot initiative, PT Vale hopes the participating soldiers will gain the knowledge and practical skills needed to apply organic farming methods independently. In the long term, the company expects the program to generate lasting economic, social, and environmental benefits for the soldiers, their unit, and the broader community.
