Celebrate Green Achievements With Thousands Of Employees, BJA Group Encourages Welfare By Prioritizing Deforestation-Free Practices

JAKARTA - Biomasa Jaya Abadi (BJA) Group, a wood pellet manufacturer integrated with the largest production capacity permit in Indonesia, reaffirms its commitment to renewable energy development and a sustainable economy as well as improving people's welfare.

As a tangible manifestation of this commitment, BJA Group - consisting of PT Biomasa Jaya Abadi (BJA), PT Banyun Tumbuh Lestari (BTL), and PT Inti Global Laksana (IGL) - held a family gathering that gathered thousands of employees and their families to celebrate important achievements: the planting of the 20 millionth gamal trees, which became a milestone for the company's contribution to the development of sustainable and free renewable energy from deforestation.

The moment, which was held in an atmosphere full of togetherness and gratitude, became a strong symbol that the success of the biomass industry did not only come from innovation and sustainability. Moreover, the success in the development of the legal and sustainable biomass industry is also supported by the welfare of the people who work in it and the economic impact felt by the surrounding community.

The Family Gathering of the BJA Group extended family was held at the Proclamation Field of Popayato District, Pohuwato Regency, Gorontalo Province, on Saturday, November 22, 2025. The 20 Millionth Gamal Tree Planting Celebration was attended by more than 3,000 BJA Group employees and their families. The event, which was enlivened by various entertainment, competitions, and door prize distributions, also involved more than 78 MSME actors who used to sell along the Trans Sulawesi road in the Popayato area.

In addition to the management of the BJA Group, the Regent of Pohuwato Saipul A. Mbuinga and his staff were also present. Also attended were members of the Regional House of Representatives of Pohuwato Regency Rizal Pasuma and Yuliani Ralampak, Popayato Sub-district Head, Lemito Police Chief, as well as a number of community leaders such as Mr. Theo Mose and Mrs. Suharsi Igrisa, as well as village heads from 15 villages assisted by the BJA Group.

On this occasion, representatives of BJA Group employees expressed their hearts in front of the Regent of Saipul Mbuinga and community leaders. Representing the employees and the extended family of BJA Group employees, Bobi Dalantang, an employee of the Factory Division, expressed his gratitude for the presence of the BJA Group which has invested in large numbers in Popayato, Pohuwato Regency.

Thanks to the presence of BJA, Bobi said, local sons and daughters had the opportunity to work in their hometowns without having to go overseas with a better income to build the family economy.

Thank you to the Regent Saipul Mbuinga and the Pohuwato Regional Government for granting permission to establish a BJA Group, which is currently investing in our area, Pohuwato Regency. A large investment, green investment, and long-term investment so as to open up jobs in our area. I am very grateful to be allowed to work in our own area, near our family," said Bobi.

Apart from not having to travel outside the region, Bobi added, people who have the opportunity to work at BJA are now no longer worried about their family's life and future.

"We are grateful because we can have a better and clearer income to build the economy of our family. Some have been able to renovate the house, some can have their own vehicles," added Bobi.

Rahmatia Mutaliba, an employee of the BJA Group Administration Division who is the daughter of the Pohuwato area, added that she is one of thousands of employees who depend on the company. He has gained a lot from working at the BJA Group. The company not only feeds but also realizes the dreams of employees. Moreover, employees who have children can plan the best education for their children.

As a high school graduate, Rahmatia is grateful because she was given a great opportunity by the company. There are thousands of employees in charge of this company. Many of them are heads of families.

"I can't imagine if this company was closed just because of rumors that were not true and irresponsible. Where else do we have to complain? Can anyone guarantee that they will open up jobs for the thousands of employees who are here? Representing the employees, I ask for help and support from the ladies and gentlemen in front of me. Without the support of ladies and gentlemen, my voice will not change anything, "said Rahmatia voiced her heart to the Regent Saipul Mbuinga and the community leaders present.

Since operating in Gorontalo, BJA Group has continued to prove its commitment to improve people's welfare by absorbing large labor, especially labor from Gorontalo Province. As of September 2025, the number of workers in the BJA Group coupled with loading and unloading workers (TKBM) amounted to 1,501 people.

Of this number, 84.5% of the BJA Group's workers are the sons and daughters of the Gorontalo Province. Only 15.5% came from outside Gorontalo. Director of Biomasa Jaya Abadi (BJA) Group Zunaidi said this family gathering activity was not only a momentum for celebrating the achievement of planting a 2.5 million trees, but also a form of appreciation for employees who became the backbone of the progress of the BJA Group.

That's why, Zunaidi expressed his gratitude for the dedication and hard work of all employees. In addition, this achievement cannot be separated from the support of the government and the community.

"I am sure that the BJA Group with the support of the government and also the support from the community will not be impossible to achieve. Alhamdulillah, the achievement of the 20 millionth gamal planting is the Regent of Pohuwato Regency, the Member of the Pohuwato DPRD, and also the support of law enforcement officers, community leaders, as well as the community in Pohuwato Regency," said Zunaidi.

On this occasion, Zunaidi emphasized that the company in carrying out operations did not carry out deforestation, but did reforestation. After preparing the land, the company immediately planted it with gamal seeds. This is evidenced by the achievement of the 20 millionth grain planting on an area of around 4,000 hectares.

Our commitment to sustainability is realized through planting 20 million gamal trees in the context of developing a deforestation-free renewable energy industry. This is in line with the Government's program for renewable energy. What we are planting today is to green the future," said Zunaidi.

Zunaidi added that BJA's commitment to sustainability is also realized through efforts to bring real prosperity to employees and their families. BJA Group has become the focus of life for thousands of employees and their families. If calculated, there are at least 3,000 people whose lives depend on sources of income originating from the BJA Group. Every month, BJA Group pays employee salaries of Rp. 6.8 billion.

This is beyond operational costs. From the employee's salary, the circulation of money in Pohuwato continues to increase so as to move the regional economy.

'Customers are not just part of the company. They are the foundation that makes BJA Group able to grow and contribute to the region. We hope that companies together with the government and society can build Pohuwato Regency to be more advanced," said Zunaidi.

BJA Group also continues to contribute to the country from the export activities of wood pellets. As of November 18, 2025, BJA Group has exported wood pellets of US$530,461 worth US$74.17 million.

Regent Pohuwato Saipul A. Mbuinga in his speech expressed his appreciation to the BJA Group for achieving the 20 millionth investment in gamal trees. In the Regional Medium-Term Development Plan (RPJMD) of Pohuwato Regency 2025-2029, the government targets to plant 1 million trees.

"Alhamdulillah, BJA Group has reached 20 million trees. It means that our RPJMD has been achieved for that period. This is thanks to good cooperation," said Saipul.

Regent Saipul also thanked BJA for its contribution in employment, especially the workforce from Pohuwato. According to Saipul, the absorption of BJA Group's workforce has succeeded in reducing poverty in Pohuwato Regency.

The poverty rate of Pohuwato Regency in 2024 is at 17.11 percent. Alhamdulillah, this year the poverty rate has dropped in double digits to 15.25 percent. This is thanks to the investment climate that is so good, growing, and developing in our area, where BJA Group is a part of it," added Saipul.

Saipul emphasized that the Pohuwato Regency Regional Government will continue to provide support to the company. He asked the public to abandon misleading opinions from various parties regarding the presence of investment in Pohuwato.

Misleading opinions. Many regions expect investment to come to their regions. We are given blessings in the form of natural resources that we manage well and professionally," said Saipul.

Zunaidi emphasized that BJA Group will continue to maintain its operational sustainability in Pohuwato and strive to create more economic opportunities for the community. On this occasion, Zunaidi also thanked the local government and local communities who continue to provide support for the presence and smooth operation of the Company

"We will continue to consistently carry out legal, sustainable, and verified biomass practices. We want to ensure that the presence of the BJA Group provides the maximum benefit for the people of Gorontalo starting from jobs, improving the local economy, to restoring the environment through reforestation of energy trees. We believe, with strong synergy, Pohuwato can become a center of green energy that makes Indonesia proud," he concluded.