Launch of Training Program and Distribution of Rice Harvesting Machines for Farmers in Wonogiri and Ponorogo
Ponorogo, East Java, March 2, 2025 – The STAPA Center Foundation, supported by PT HM Sampoerna Tbk. (Sampoerna) through the "Sampoerna for Indonesia" Sustainability Program and the National Solidarity Movement (GSN), has implemented a continuation of the national food security support program through the modernization of harvesting tools for farmers. This initiative is part of a commitment to supporting national economic progress through the food agriculture sector in Ponorogo, East Java on Sunday (3/2/2025).
The program to strengthen Indonesia's food security includes the distribution and training on the operation of 80 paddy reapers to 80 farmer groups in Ponorogo Regency. The distribution was carried out during the "Harvest Festival and Mechanization Support for Farmers in Ponorogo and Wonogiri" event held in Bedi Wetan Village, Bungkal District.
Previously, the STAPA Center Foundation, together with Sampoerna and GSN, had distributed and provided training on the operation of 120 similar machines to 120 farmer groups in Wonogiri Regency, Central Java on Friday (2/28/2025). Overall, this program is estimated to benefit around 2,000 farmers with a cultivated land area of approximately 1,000 hectares.
Director of the STAPA Center Foundation, Agus Rohmatulloh, expressed optimism that this program would create a significant positive impact for farmers in carrying out their agricultural activities. "We hope and believe that this training and distribution program for paddy reapers will contribute to improving the welfare of farmers, along with increasing their harvest efficiency and productivity. STAPA is grateful for the support provided by Sampoerna, through the 'Sampoerna for Indonesia' Sustainability Program, and the National Solidarity Movement, which shows a strong commitment to food security in Indonesia," he said.
Agus added that the tool had been directly reviewed by the Agricultural Power and Machinery Laboratory Team of Brawijaya University in Malang during a demo conducted before the machines were distributed. "According to Mr. Darmanto, S.T., M.T., the Head of the Laboratory, the tools have advantages both ergonomically and economically compared to other tools and conventional manual harvesting. Additionally, the tools are also suitable for the agricultural land conditions in Indonesia, where farmers generally do not own large areas of land," he explained.
Sampoerna's Head of External Affairs, Arief Triastika, emphasized the importance of farmers' roles in supporting national food security. He hopes that the machines and training provided can support the utilization of appropriate technology in agriculture.
"This program is part of the 'Sampoerna for Indonesia' Sustainability Program's commitment to supporting national food security. Through appropriate technology, this program is expected to help farmers achieve efficiency and optimal profits from harvesting activities. Additionally, this program aligns with the government's efforts to increase food self-sufficiency by empowering farmers as the main pillars of Indonesia's agricultural ecosystem," said Arief.
Executive Director of the National Solidarity Movement, Sutrisno, stated that this assistance aligns with GSN's vision, which includes striving for prosperity and welfare. Its implementation includes efforts to strengthen national food security. "This assistance aims to increase the efficiency and profitability of farming businesses while strengthening food security programs. We hope this initiative can become a model of collaboration with GSN that can be emulated by other parties to improve community income and welfare," he said.
In his speech, Sutrisno stated, "With the support of the government, the private sector, and the community, we can create a productive and competitive agricultural environment. The spirit of mutual cooperation is the main foundation in building an independent and prosperous community," he emphasized.
The program launch event was also witnessed by the Head of the Ponorogo Agriculture, Food Security, and Fisheries Office, Drs. Supriyanto, M.M., who appreciated the assistance as it facilitated farmers in the harvesting process.
"I thank the STAPA Center Foundation, Sampoerna, and the National Solidarity Movement for providing support through training and distribution of paddy reapers for farmers in Ponorogo. We hope this assistance can be followed up with further guidance so that its benefits can be maximized by the farmers," he said.
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About STAPA Center
Social Transformation and Public Awareness Center (STAPA Center) is part of a civil society organization engaged in community empowerment. Striving to realize a just and prosperous Indonesian society is the vision of STAPA Center. STAPA programs always prioritize strengthening local potential and sustainable livelihoods.
About PT HM Sampoerna Tbk. (Sampoerna)
Founded in 1913, Sampoerna – an affiliate of Philip Morris International Inc. – is the leading tobacco company in Indonesia. The scope of activities of the Company consists of manufacturing and trading cigarettes as well as smoke-free tobacco and nicotine-containing products. Sampoerna produces several well-known kretek brands such as Sampoerna A, the legendary “King of Kretek” Dji Sam Soe, and Sampoerna Kretek. Sampoerna also distributes Marlboro, the leading international cigarette brand, throughout Indonesia through a long-term distribution agreement with PT Philip Morris Indonesia.
Sampoerna operates nine owned production facilities in Surabaya, Pasuruan, Probolinggo, Malang, Karawang, Blitar, and Tegal, including a production facility to manufacture innovative smoke-free tobacco products focusing on export to Asia Pacific and the domestic market. Sampoerna also partners with 43 Third Party Operators all over Java and employs – directly and indirectly – more than 90,000 employees, mostly in the production of hand-rolled kretek cigarettes. Sampoerna distributes the product through 109 sales and distribution offices throughout Indonesia.
Sampoerna is a publicly listed company on the Indonesia Stock Exchange (IDX). Sampoerna's stocks are traded with code “HMSP”.
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PT HM Sampoerna Tbk.
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