JEJAK SETAPAK, Pertamina EP's Efforts to Develop Quality Organic Agriculture

Karawang, October 13, 2022 - Seeing organic rice farming potential as an alternative to improve rice quality for the people of Karawang, Pertamina EP (PEP) Subang Field initiated the JEJAK SETAPAK CSR program. An acronym for Hard Work Karawang, The spirit of healthy farmers for increasing food security, the program takes place in Plawad village, East Karawang district.

Compared to non-organic agriculture, which relies on chemical fertilizers, organic agricultural products have economic and environmental advantages because they can naturally restore soil fertility and support long-term agriculture activities. The longer this type of fertilizer is used it affects the reduced soil's ability to regenerate.

From an economic aspect, organic farming has a higher price value than non-organic rice. It  is because nutritional and mineral content in organic rice products is considered better than non-organic rice. The increasing healthy lifestyles widely applied also increase the bargain organic rice value as a healthier product choice.

In addition to organic rice farming activities, the Setapak Trail Program seeks to explore the youth's potential to participate in agricultural sector activities. The application of agriculture with an aquaponic system provides opportunities for young people to farm even though they do not own land. The aquaponics system also allows young people to develop aquaculture along with their farming.

Ndirga Andri Sisworo, Senior Manager of PEP Subang Field, said that this Jejak Setapak is the company's contribution to maintaining the community's agricultural condition so it remains sustainable. "Following the company's commitment to run a sustainable oil and gas business based on the Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles while preserving the environment around the company's operational areas," Ndirga said.

Hendra, one of the activists in the Jejak Setapak program, said he was pleased to be involved in the activities. "I have gained much knowledge related to organic farming and aquaponics, which benefits myself and my family."

Through the Jejak Setapak program that seeks to improve the paddy fields' health structure through organic farming, PEP Subang Field supports the 15th Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) related to terrestrial ecosystems and the second SDGs in realizing conditions without hunger in determining sustainable agricultural areas amid the decreasing rice fields every year.**