PTBA implements "EcoGrow Mom" to empower women through urban farming
Palembang — PT Bukit Asam (PTBA) Tbk has implemented the EcoGrow Mom programme to develop women’s empowerment through urban farming in Tanjung Karangan village, Muara Enim, South Sumatra.
Corporate Secretary Division Head Eko Prayitno stated in Palembang on Friday that the programme represents a development of tree nursery activities previously initiated by PTBA through Siba Pembibitan in Tanjung Karangan village.
By the end of 2025, PTBA will expand training through the EcoGrow Mom programme with a focus not only on cultivating trees for sale but also on growing kitchen vegetables to strengthen household food security.
The programme encourages the utilisation of household waste such as used sacks as planting media, as well as optimising home gardens and village land through urban farming and household agriculture approaches.
“This programme aims to increase the capacity of village women through active involvement of housewives, former PETI workers, and low-income community members in sustainable agricultural activities,” said Eko.
He added that the EcoGrow Mom programme also promotes household and village food security, optimises productive land, develops environmentally friendly tree nurseries, and builds a household-based circular economy through converting waste into agricultural resources.
Utun Makmur Tuti, chairwoman of the farmers’ group (KWT), expressed appreciation for PTBA’s support through the EcoGrow Mom programme.
“I am deeply grateful to PTBA for the EcoGrow Mom programme, which brings so many benefits. Through the formation of this farmers’ group, we have learned so much knowledge in both horticulture and social aspects,” she said.
According to Tuti, since the programme began, residents interact and learn together more frequently. This has been particularly entertaining amid her responsibilities as a housewife.
“We have also learned how to garden and utilise our home environments. Since joining, our home gardens are well-organised with vegetable plants. Beyond our own consumption, we can share with each other and even generate economic value that helps significantly. Thank you to the PTBA Sustainability Team, onwards and upwards for PTBA,” she said.