PLN Strengthens Local Food Security in North Sulawesi

State-owned electricity company PT PLN (Persero) is strengthening local food security in North Sulawesi Province by empowering the community through spirulina cultivation. General Manager of PLN’s Distribution Unit for North Sulawesi, Central Sulawesi and Gorontalo (UID Suluttenggo), Usman Bangun, stated in Manado on Thursday that the company observed the community in Tarabitan Village, North Minahasa, cultivating spirulina and decided to support the development of this food source. PLN remains committed to driving community empowerment through its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programme. The company is implementing a Spirulina Cultivation and Processing Development Programme as a local food security initiative supporting Electrifying Agriculture. This programme is part of PLN’s efforts to support sustainable development through community economic empowerment based on local potential. Spirulina was chosen as a superior commodity due to its high nutritional content, economic value, and potential to be developed into various processed products that can increase community incomes. The application of the Electrifying Agriculture concept is expected to boost cultivation productivity through the use of reliable, efficient, and environmentally friendly electrical energy. Usman emphasised that the CSR programme is oriented towards Creating Shared Value (CSV), integrating modern energy needs with community self-reliance. He stated that PLN is present not only to provide lighting but also to drive the economy and community welfare. Through the Electrifying Agriculture programme, the company aims to prove that utilising reliable and modern electricity can transform local commodities like spirulina to achieve much higher added value. He expressed hope that Tarabitan Village would become a successful example of how integrating appropriate electrical technology and community innovation can sustainably strengthen national food security. Manager of PLN UP3 Manado, Revi Aldrian, added that the field programme focuses on sustainability and strengthening the capacity of the cultivation groups. He said PLN is committed to delivering tangible benefits through a sustainability-oriented CSR programme, and that the development of spirulina cultivation and processing is a step to strengthen local food security while opening new business opportunities for the Tarabitan Village community. Assistant I for Government and People’s Welfare of North Minahasa Regency, Umbase Mayuntu, expressed appreciation for PLN’s continuous efforts to deliver community empowerment programmes based on local potential. He noted that the programme serves as a good example of collaboration between the business sector, government, and the community in strengthening food security, improving welfare, and fostering new entrepreneurs. Through this programme, PLN is also encouraging the capacity building of the Spirulina Farm Group in technical cultivation aspects, processing, and marketing strategies to achieve higher economic value. Besides supporting food security, the programme is expected to create new jobs, increase community incomes, and strengthen the role of Village-Owned Enterprises (BUMDes) in village economic development. This initiative aligns with PLN’s commitment to supporting the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly in aspects of poverty alleviation, food security, inclusive economic growth, and strategic partnerships for development. Looking ahead, PLN UID Suluttenggo, through UP3 Manado, hopes the spirulina cultivation and processing development programme will continue to grow and become a pioneer in empowering coastal communities based on clean energy and environmentally friendly technological innovation.