Record Harvest of Potassium Humate Rice Demonstrates Coal Downstream Processing Supporting National Food Security
Tanjung Karangan – PT Bukit Asam (Persero) Tbk (PTBA) held a Record Harvest celebration for agricultural implementation of potassium humate and coal downstream processing in Tanjung Karangan Village, Tanjung Agung District, Muara Enim Regency, on Monday 9 March 2026.
The event formed part of the celebrations marking PTBA’s 45th anniversary, embodying a spirit of transformation and sustained contribution to the community.
Chief Executive Director of PTBA, Arsal Ismail, revealed that the record harvest on 3.5 hectares represented the company’s commitment to improving the welfare of communities, particularly those surrounding Muara Enim.
The implementation of potassium humate on these agricultural lands constituted part of efforts to strengthen food security for surrounding communities and was expected to increase the incomes of local farmers.
“The rice, before using potassium humate, was said to produce 3.5 tonnes from 0.8 hectares. After using potassium humate, the estimated harvest could increase by approximately 1 tonne. We hope the farmers’ income will increase significantly. This is indeed a blessing,” he stated.
Through potassium humate implementation, PTBA sought to demonstrate its commitment to downstream processing that could deliver broad benefits, including for the agricultural sector. The programme was expected to increase land productivity whilst strengthening food security in communities surrounding the company’s operational areas.
Arsal added that the record harvest event also symbolised synergy between the company, local government, and communities in promoting sustainable development. According to him, the programme underscored that coal was not merely an energy source but also a source of latent livelihood.
“As a state-owned enterprise, we will continue to innovate and collaborate on research and development to increase the added value of coal,” he asserted.
On the same occasion, the Regent of Muara Enim, Edison, represented by the District’s Advisor on Community Affairs and Human Resources, Ulil Amri, expressed appreciation for PTBA’s efforts in developing coal downstream processing innovations with direct impact on the agricultural sector.
PTBA’s innovation through potassium humate utilisation represented a programme of significant importance for increasing agricultural productivity whilst promoting farmer welfare in Muara Enim Regency.
Synergy between local government and the business sector served as the key to strengthening regional economic development, particularly in agriculture, which constituted one of the main pillars of community livelihoods.
The record harvest event was attended by PTBA’s board of commissioners and management, local government representatives including the Muara Enim District Police Chief, Muara Enim Military Sub-District Commander, the Head of Tanjung Karangan Village, the Tanjung Agung District Head, the Agriculture Office, the Red and White Cooperative, farmer groups, and local communities involved in the potassium humate implementation programme in the Tanjung Karangan area.