Ramadan People's Market Distributes 5,600 Subsidised Staple Packages in Three Regions

As the Eid al-Fitr holiday approaches, the Ramadan People’s Market programme has been held. A total of 5,600 subsidised staple food packages were distributed in an event organised by PT Agrinas Palma Nusantara across their three operational regions: Rokan Hulu Regency (Riau), North Padang Lawas (North Sumatra), and Bengkayang (West Kalimantan). This initiative serves as a practical solution for plantation workers and surrounding communities facing the usual surge in prices of basic necessities during the holy month. General Manager of the TJSL & ESG Division at Agrinas Palma Nusantara, Gatut Mukti, stated that the programme is not merely social assistance but part of the company’s long-term commitment to fulfilling its Social and Environmental Responsibility (TJSL). “Ramadan is a moment for sharing and strengthening togetherness. Through this People’s Market programme, we aim to ensure that workers and local communities can obtain basic necessities more easily and affordably. This is a form of our care so that the benefits of the company’s presence can be felt directly,” Gatut said while attending the event in Rokan Hulu. The activities, running from mid-to-late Ramadan, received special attention from leadership in each region. Regional Heads personally handed over the staple packages symbolically to the community. The presence of these leaders reinforces the company’s closeness to local society and ensures that aid distribution reaches the intended targets. Enthusiasm was evident on the ground. For the community and workers, this price subsidy provides financial relief amid rising household consumption. “We are greatly helped by this people’s market, especially during Ramadan when needs increase. The prices offered are much more affordable, thus easing family expenses,” said one resident in Rokan Hulu. A similar sentiment was echoed by a plantation worker in Bengkayang, who hopes the programme becomes a regular agenda. “Programmes like this are truly beneficial to us. We hope it can continue because it really helps us meet daily needs,” he said. The Ramadan People’s Market not only seeks to provide economic solutions but also to weave harmony and inclusive social development.