Medco-mentored Watermelon Farmers Earn Rp90 Million per Year

A group of watermelon farmers in Desa Tampang Baru, Bayung Lincir District, Musi Banyuasin Regency, South Sumatra, has increased its income to around Rp90 million in 2025 after receiving community development programme support from PT Medco Energi Internasional Tbk (MedcoEnergi). The Sumpal Palawija Makmur group, which had previously faced losses, can now market 23 tonnes of watermelons beyond the district. The achievement was reached through MedcoEnergi’s Local Business Development (LBD) Programme via its subsidiary, Medco E&P Grissik Ltd. “Through the LBD Programme, MedcoEnergi continues to deliver empowerment that is not only aid, but also builds the community’s capacity to run an independent and sustainable business,” said Sudewo, Manager Field Relations & Community Enhancement Corridor Asset, during a discussion at the Indonesia Petroleum Association Convention & Exhibition 2026, in Tangerang, on Wednesday (20 May 2026). The LBD programme has been rolled out in phases since 2023 to address a range of challenges previously faced by the farmers. Those challenges ranged from limited capital, low productivity, limited technical cultivation knowledge, to a sub-optimal marketing network. As a Contractor Cooperation Agreement (KKKS) operator in the Corridor Block, Medco E&P Grissik Ltd. provides support through technical coaching, provision of production facilities, and facilitates market access. Representing the Sumpal Palawija Makmur group, Suyanto said the coaching had brought real changes for the farming group. “Previously we were in hardship because our harvests were not optimal,” said Suyanto. “After the guidance from MedcoEnergi, we better understood good cultivation practices, yields rose, and the market broadened. This programme has helped us recover and gain the confidence to grow the business,” he added. Through this coaching, the farmers’ group also began expanding the marketing reach of their harvests beyond the local area. This is seen as helping to sustain the farmers’ livelihoods after previous losses.