Rantauprapat, 7 November 2024 – Asian Agri and the Tanoto Foundation, in collaboration with the Labuhanbatu Regency Government, have once again organized a community health event at the Kota Rantauprapat Community Health Center in Labuhanbatu Regency, North Sumatra. The two-day event, held on November 6-7, 2024, aimed to raise public awareness about the importance of a healthy lifestyle.
The event was officially opened by Sarimpunan Ritonga, Assistant I of the Labuhanbatu Regency Government, who was accompanied by the Head of the Health Department, Friska E Simanjuntak
“Before taking up the position of Assistant I of the Labuhanbatu Regency Government, I served as the Head of the Education Department for over five years and have collaborated with Tanoto Foundation, a philanthropic organization. I recall the three pillars they taught us: be healthy, educated, and free from hunger. Health checks are crucial. After the check-up, we consult with doctors and receive treatment according to our ailments. This is an opportunity for us to screen for diseases. Health is an investment, so knowing what to avoid for our health is also a source of happiness. The principle of better and cheaper prevention than cure should always be our guiding principle,” said Sarimpunan.
During the two-day event, the Tanoto Foundation, Asian Agri, and the Labuhanbatu Regency Government provided health screenings, including blood pressure, blood sugar, and tuberculosis checks. Health education and lifestyle advice were also provided. Approximately 400 people participated in the health screenings.
Estate Manager of PT Rantau Sinar Karsa (PT RSK), one of Asian Agri’s business units in North Sumatra, Rizal Sianipar, explained that this event is a tangible manifestation of the company’s commitment to the community in its operational areas. He added, “We need to realize that prevention and a healthy lifestyle are key to preventing diseases and improving quality of life. Therefore, we must commit to maintaining our health through simple yet effective means. By prioritizing health, we not only improve our quality of life but also set a good example for those around us. We must ensure that we are healthy so that we can work for ourselves and our families, play with our children and grandchildren, and ensure that they grow up healthy as well.”
Meanwhile, the Regional Lead of Tanoto Foundation North Sumatra, Jeffrey Jeo, expressed the foundation’s commitment to improving the quality of life of Indonesian people. “To fulfil our commitment to improving the quality of life of the community, we collaborate with the government and partners to enhance healthcare services for the public. The health screening and education program in Labuhanbatu Regency is a concrete step towards realizing this commitment.”
Throughout 2024, Asian Agri and the Tanoto Foundation have held similar health events in several areas of North Sumatra. In addition to Rantauprapat, the companies have visited Medan, Pematangsiantar, and Binjai.
About Asian Agri
Asian Agri is one of Indonesia’s leading national private companies producing crude palm oil (CPO) since 1979. To date, Asian Agri manages 100,000 hectares of oil palm plantations and employs over 20,000 people.
As a pioneer of the Indonesian Government’s Smallholder Transmigration Core Plantation Program (PIR-Trans), Asian Agri has partnered with 30,000 plasma smallholders in Riau and Jambi who manage 60,000 hectares of oil palm plantations. Additionally, the company fosters partnerships with independent smallholders to bring positive impacts on their welfare and economic improvement.
By implementing a zero-burning policy and sustainable plantation management practices, Asian Agri helps smallholders increase productivity, crop yields, supply chain traceability and supports them in obtaining certifications. Asian Agri’s factories utilize state-of-the-art technology harnessing self-generated green energy to minimize greenhouse gas emissions.
All business units under the umbrella of Asian Agri have obtained ISPO (Indonesian Sustainable Palm Oil) certification. Currently, Asian Agri’s core plantations in North Sumatra, Riau, and Jambi provinces, as well as plasma smallholders plantations in Riau and Jambi provinces, are 100% RSPO (Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil) certified. Simultaneously, ISCC (International Sustainability & Carbon Certification) has been achieved for all plantations owned by Asian Agri and its partner farmers.
Asian Agri’s success as one of the leading CPO producers has been internationally recognized with ISO 14001 certification for all its operations. The Learning Institute in Pelalawan, Riau, and the seedling center in Kampar, Riau, are also ISO 9001 certified. Furthermore, Asian Agri’s research and development center in Tebing Tinggi has been certified by the International Plant-Analytical Exchange at the WEPAL lab at Wageningen University in the Netherlands, ensuring high standards.
For further information, please contact:
Lidya Veronica, Media Relation Asian Agri
E-mail: lidya_veronica@asianagri.com
