World Water Day, Jejak PalmCo from Kalimantan to Disaster Areas

JAKARTA - PTPN IV PalmCo Sub Holding from the Nusantara Plantation Holding PTPN III (Persero), continues to strengthen its commitment in providing access to clean water that is suitable for the community in various corners of Indonesia.

Marking the World Water Day, PalmCo has recorded its track record of concern ranging from providing sanitation infrastructure in remote areas of Sumatra and Kalimantan, to distributing emergency clean water in disaster-affected areas.

This step is a manifestation of the implementation of the Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles and the company's commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially SDG 6 on Clean Water and Sanitation.

PTPN IV PalmCo President Director, Jatmiko K. Santosa, emphasized that this clean water procurement initiative is an important pillar in the company's Social and Environmental Responsibility (TJSL) program. The construction of this facility specifically targets areas that have been experiencing a clean water crisis, both due to difficult geographical conditions and inadequate infrastructure.

"Access to clean water is not only a basic need, but also the right of every citizen. This clean water sanitation program is a manifestation of the sustainability and commitment of PalmCo to always be present and have a direct impact on humanity, especially for people who are around our operational areas," said Jatmiko.

Build dozens of sanitation points, support efforts to reduce stunting

In its long-term implementation, PalmCo has so far managed to build more than 40 clean water sanitation facilities spread across various regions, stretching from Sumatra Island to Kalimantan.

More than just meeting basic needs, the clean water sanitation infrastructure built by PalmCo carries an essential public health mission.

The existence of these dozens of sanitation points is expected to contribute directly to the prevalence or suppressing the stunting rate in remote areas. This is in line with the medical findings that the availability of clean water and proper sanitation is crucial to prevent repeated infections in toddlers, which is one of the main factors causing stunting.

Provide 200 Thousand Liter of Clean Water in the Middle of Hydrological Disaster

Not only focusing on permanent infrastructure, Jatmiko also highlights the role of a responsive company when a crisis occurs.

"At the end of last year, when hydrological disasters in the form of flash floods and landslides hit Sumatra and Aceh, we distributed more than 200,000 liters of clean water. This quick step is crucial to ensure that the needs for drinking, cooking, and sanitation in the refugee camps are still met in order to prevent post-disaster disease outbreaks," he added.

End the Water Crisis in Jambi and Kalimantan

One of the villages that benefited was Pondok Meja Village, Mestong District in Muaro Jambi Regency, Jambi Province, which was included in the working area of PTPN IV PalmCo. This area is known as an area that faces a difficult supply of clean water. Local residents have been relying on the need for water to traditional wells and rainwater that often dries up when the dry season arrives.

The head of Pondok Meja Village, Martoyo, expressed his appreciation for the initiative taken by the company. He said the construction of boreholes and water tanks from PalmCo was a solution for his people who had long lived in limited access to clean water.

"We are very grateful to PTPN IV for being concerned about the difficulties experienced by residents. With the existence of this boreholes and water tanks, it is hoped that the community's clean water needs can be met, especially during the dry season," said Martoyo.

In line with Martoyo, Wati, a local resident, also expressed his gratitude. He said that previously the community had to rely on rainwater and traditional wells which were often not enough for family needs.

"Our area is high. So, during the dry season, traditional wells often experience drought. Thank God, Insyaallah in the future this problem can be resolved," continued Wati.

A similar story comes from Gunung Ulin Village in South Kalimantan, which is one of the target locations for sanitation development in the working area of PTPN IV Regional V. This village is known as an area that is always constrained in meeting the needs of clean water every year. In addition to being near the plateau, the water supply from the mountains is also several times not suitable for consumption.

The head of Gunung Ulin Village, Sunarto, welcomed the construction of clean water sanitation carried out by PalmCo. He revealed that this initiative was very targeted, because the location was always experiencing water difficulties, especially during the prolonged dry season.

"We are very grateful that our village has been chosen as the location for the construction. The PTPN has paid close attention to the areas that really need it. In fact, this assistance is in line with our village program which is also developing clean water," said Sunarto.

Through this ongoing commitment, PalmCo hopes to continue to strengthen initiatives to provide clean water and preserve the environment in Indonesia.