Tackling Drought and Pests: Badak LNG’s CSR Innovations Promote Sustainable Agricultural Productivity

Badak LNG’s commitment to growing and progressing alongside the community continues to be realized through various CSR initiatives that promote self-reliance and provide sustainable benefits for the community and the environment. One such initiative is the Semai Bumi Program, carried out in collaboration with the Karya Bersama Farmers’ Group in the HOP 7 area of Bontang City.

This community empowerment program, which focuses on horticultural development, has received direct attention from Badak LNG’s management. On Saturday, August 8, 2026, Feri Sulistyo Nugroho, Director & COO of Badak LNG, along with his delegation, visited the site to review the program’s progress. Accompanied by Hadi, Chair of the Karya Bersama Farmers’ Group, the management team had the opportunity to harvest various crops, such as gambas, bitter melon, and eggplant, while also observing various innovations developed to support agricultural activities—including boreholes to meet irrigation needs and light traps to help control pests.

The visit also featured a warm dialogue between management and the farmers, during which they shared stories about the program’s progress, the challenges faced, and the potential for further development. This moment served as an opportunity for management to hear firsthand about the community’s experiences and to witness the benefits of the various forms of support that have been provided.

These developments are all the more significant given that the farming groups previously faced a number of obstacles, particularly water shortages and pest infestations that impacted crop yields. The Semai Bumi program was launched to address these needs while promoting more efficient and sustainable agricultural practices. One such initiative is the construction of boreholes. These facilities enable farmers to continue their farming activities, especially during the dry season, allowing for year-round planting and harvesting. The irrigation system is also supported by solar panels to power the generator for the boreholes, thereby reducing fuel consumption and operational costs for irrigation.

Meanwhile, light traps installed at 17 locations help control pest infestations in a more environmentally friendly way. Equipped with solar panels as a renewable energy source, this innovation effectively captures insect pests while reducing the use of chemicals. As a result, crops that were previously affected by pest infestations are beginning to recover, and agricultural productivity is on the rise.

Efforts to build a more environmentally friendly agricultural system are also being made through the utilization of waste. Agricultural and livestock byproducts are processed into compost, while fishery waste from the Berkah Lautan Berjaya Group (a Badak LNG partner) is converted into an amino acid product (Amigrow) for plants. Calcium silicate from the company’s internal waste is also used to neutralize soil pH, provide calcium nutrients, and strengthen plant tissues so that stems become sturdier.

Various innovations have been implemented to support productivity on the 8.8-hectare plot managed by 17 members of the Karya Bersama Farmers’ Group. Today, the land has become increasingly productive with a variety of horticultural crops. This demonstrates that support for agricultural infrastructure goes hand in hand with mentoring and capacity building for farmers.

The progress of the Semai Bumi Program has been commended by Badak LNG’s Director & COO, Feri Sulistyo Nugroho. He admitted to being surprised by the transformation of the HOP 7 agricultural area since his last visit.

“Honestly, I’m really, really surprised. It hasn’t even been a year since I was here, and the progress is extraordinary—the variety of crops being grown is so extensive. And today, I was able to harvest horticultural produce from the farmers who are cultivating this area.”

Feri also highlighted the use of solar panels on light traps and boreholes, which are expected to help control pests and reduce irrigation costs. He also noted that land optimization and horticultural development at HOP 7 can increase farmers’ income and well-being, while also helping to provide more affordable food for the people of Bontang.

Furthermore, Feri emphasized that Badak LNG will continue to provide support by developing social innovations and leveraging the company’s core competencies to deliver broader benefits to communities near its operational areas.

Hadi, a representative of the Karya Bersama Farmers’ Group, also expressed his appreciation. He noted that Badak LNG’s guidance has been very helpful to the farmers, particularly in terms of facility support and monitoring.

“We are very grateful because, ever since we started farming here, we’ve received support and a great deal of assistance from Badak LNG’s CSR program, which consistently monitors us and encourages the farmers in HOP 7. Throughout this mentorship from Badak LNG, we’ve been greatly assisted—whether it’s addressing challenges, figuring out how to increase production, or receiving support for facilities that were previously lacking.”

Through ongoing visits and monitoring, Badak LNG hopes that its CSR program can continue to evolve in line with community needs. More than just providing agricultural resources, the Semai Bumi Program is part of an effort to boost farmers’ productivity and self-reliance while also benefiting the environment and communities surrounding the Company’s operational areas.