Collaboration Brings Ramadan Joy to Orphaned Children
The Indonesian Agricultural Journalists Forum (Forwatan), in collaboration with the palm oil industry, conducted educational outreach for orphanage children regarding the benefits of palm oil whilst distributing food assistance through the “Palm Oil Sharing, Meaningful Ramadan” programme in Depok recently. The initiative was supported by the Indonesian Palm Oil Producers Association (GAPKI), PT Astra Agro Lestari Tbk, Apical, and Wilmar Group, demonstrating the sector’s commitment to social responsibility whilst countering negative narratives about the industry.
Mochamad Husni, Media Relations Officer at GAPKI, explained that palm oil companies actively conduct corporate social responsibility activities to support surrounding communities. “We do not simply process palm oil into cooking oil, soap, margarine, or toothpaste, but also distribute portions of our profits through social activities to benefit the broader public,” Husni stated.
He added that corporate CSR programmes encompass four main sectors: education, economic development, health, and environmental conservation. According to Husni, palm oil enterprise profits are not retained solely by companies but shared to benefit numerous people as a manifestation of gratitude for blessings received.
“At numerous palm oil companies, particularly at plantations outside Java, such social activities are conducted regularly. This reflects our principle that income earned should not be kept solely for ourselves but must be shared with the community,” he explained.
Through such activities, palm oil companies endeavour to support schools, boost community economies, facilitate health infrastructure, and preserve the environment, thereby distributing benefits widely.
Beledug Bantolo, General Chairman of Forwatan, stated that “Palm Oil Sharing, Meaningful Ramadan” constitutes an annual agenda for Forwatan and the palm oil industry as a demonstration of concern for others. “Not only here, we will also distribute food assistance and small gifts of gratitude from ourselves to several other orphanages,” he said.
According to Bantolo, palm oil represents a strategic Indonesian commodity benefiting daily life, from cooking oil and soap to chocolate, ice cream, and biodiesel fuel. “Palm oil products are used almost throughout the day in our lives. From soap and cooking oil to chocolate and ice cream, everything is made from refined palm oil,” Bantolo stated.
Additionally, he continued, palm oil contributes substantially to the national economy. According to data from the Ministry of Industry, the economic value of the downstream palm oil sector is estimated to reach approximately 750 trillion rupiah, equivalent to approximately 3.5% of Indonesia’s gross domestic product, including export value and derivative products. Consequently, he emphasised the importance of preserving palm oil whilst rectifying various negative campaigns frequently directed at the commodity.
“Through this activity, we wish to build understanding that palm oil must be preserved and its benefits maintained, lest its existence in our nation be forgotten,” he asserted.
KH Bahrudin, mentor of the Riyadhush Sholihin Islamic boarding school and orphanage in Kebayunan Tapos, Depok, expressed appreciation for the concern demonstrated by Forwatan and palm oil companies toward orphaned children. He stated that Ramadan serves as an opportunity to strengthen familial bonds and share joy with others.
“We offer thanks for your presence and assistance provided. May this become a blessing for all of you, and may all your affairs be facilitated,” he said.
He also hoped that the prayers and support offered would encourage orphaned children to continue learning and pursue their aspirations. According to him, just as palm oil benefits many people, orphanage children are expected to eventually develop into individuals beneficial to society.
Riyadhus Shalihin Orphanage, located in Tapos, Depok, is an independently established institution founded by KH. Moh. Yasin to care for orphaned and disadvantaged children. The orphanage accommodates and provides care for 98 orphaned, semi-orphaned, and economically disadvantaged children.