PGN SAKA Collaborates to Realize Food Security in Tambakrejo, Semarang City
Semarang, April 2, 2023 - Muriah Work Area (WK), operated by Saka Energi Muriah Limited (SEML) as a subsidiary of PGN Saka, an affiliate of PGN Subholding Gas Pertamina, collaborated with LPPM Semarang State University (UNNES) and Semarang City Government in realizing resilience food through urban farming development by utilizing the Grace River banks in the Tambakrejo Village, Semarang City. The collaboration between parties is a concrete effort in providing alternative food sources in Semarang City.
One of the collaborations was carried out by symbolically handing over lemongrass plants by Hernowo Budi Luhur, Head of the Semarang City Agriculture Service, to Sukiswo, the Head of Tambakrejo Urban Village, on Friday (03/03). Through the Community Development and Empowerment Program (PPM), SEML with LPPM UNNES participated in fertilizer production training, program assistance, and facilitating urban farming supporting infrastructure in the form of catfish ponds, gardening, and greenhouses, managed by the Tambakrejo Farmers Group. Meanwhile, the Semarang City Government, through the PPL of the Agriculture Service, provided seed facilitation to assist vegetable nurseries. SKK Migas representatives also attended this event.
In his speech, Erry Affandi, Stakeholders Relations Manager of SEML, expressed his appreciation for all parties who have contributed to the urban farming development in Taman Pancasila while explaining that the PPM program is a form of the company's active role in building the nation. "SEML always collaborates with local actors so that the programs implemented do not overlap and complement each other," he said.
Dimas Pear, representative of SKK Migas Jabanusa, also conveyed a similar message.Regarding the collaboration carried out, hopefully, it can continue to benefit the community from the company's presence in the form of the PPM program that has been implemented so far. According to him, collaboration in utilizing vacant land on riverbanks to become urban agricultural land can help the community provide alternative food sources, even on a small scale. "Instead of being a slum building, the land on the banks of the river can be a source of food as well as a means of community gathering," he explained.
Cooperation between parties is the key to fulfilling alternative food sources for the Tambakrejo community. Prof. Nana Kariada, representative of LPPM UNNES, added that the Penta helix implementation collaboration carried out at Taman Pancasila, Tambakrejo Village, could help increase the urban farming program’s success, “All parties take their respective roles, both the private sector, universities, government, community and media,” she conveyed.
Hernowo Budi Luhur, Head of the Agriculture Office of Semarang City, positively welcomed the collaboration that was carried out to create food security for urban communities which could directly help reduce the inflation rate in the City of Semarang. "With alternative food sources like this, there will be no panic buying in the community. Thus, it can reduce the inflation rate," he added. According to him, this collaboration can support and succeed the government's program in providing alternative food to reduce inflation.
Since early 2023, the Semarang City Government has been carrying out innovations and releasing alternative food supply programs for the community, such as the Food Startup Challenge, Urban Farming Corner, Pelangi Nusantara Nutrition House, and Gardening School. The program that has been launched through the 2023 RKP is attended by various government agencies to state schools throughout Semarang.**