Sijuk, Belitung, 29 July 2026 – Mangrove ecosystems play a vital role as a natural shield for coastal areas against abrasion, while also serving as habitat for numerous species and sustaining the livelihoods of surrounding communities. Protecting mangroves therefore calls for sustained care and involvement from all parties.

That spirit was on full display at the World Mangrove Day 2026 commemoration held at Batu Bedil Beach, Sungai Padang Village, Sijuk Subdistrict, Belitung Regency. Carrying the theme “Protecting Mangroves, Securing Future Generations,” the event saw 1,000 mangrove seedlings planted with the involvement of government bodies, local communities, businesses and a wide range of stakeholders.

PT Forestalestari Dwikarya and PT Palmindo Billiton Berjaya, subsidiaries of Sinar Mas Agribusiness and Food, supported the initiative by providing the mangrove seedlings. The contribution forms part of the company’s broader effort to protect the environment while strengthening the resilience of coastal areas.

Syamsir, Deputy Regent of Belitung, praised the involvement of the many parties supporting the mangrove planting effort. He expressed hope that similar initiatives would continue to grow, including through independent seedling cultivation by Community Forest groups, so that mangrove rehabilitation can carry on as an ongoing, sustained effort.

“Mangrove rehabilitation must not stop at being a ceremonial activity. The mangroves that have been planted need continued care as they grow, given their vital role in protecting coastal areas from abrasion while maintaining ecological balance,” he said.

Meanwhile, Hari Sandi, Secretary of the Belitung Regency Environment Agency, said World Mangrove Day aims to boost community participation while strengthening cross sector collaboration in preserving mangrove ecosystems. He noted the effort reflects a shared commitment to protecting and managing mangrove areas sustainably.

“World Mangrove Day is a moment to reinforce our shared commitment to conserving and managing mangrove ecosystems sustainably. We also want to encourage broader community participation so that more people take part in protecting our coastal areas,” Hari explained.

Following the planting, ongoing monitoring and care are needed to ensure the seedlings grow well, a step that matters if the initiative’s benefits are to be felt over the long run.

Imam Munandar, Estate Manager of PT Forestalestari Dwikarya, said environmental conservation delivers greater impact when it is backed by shared care and commitment.

“Through this activity, we hope to contribute to protecting the coastal ecosystem while reinforcing the spirit of mutual cooperation among government, communities and businesses, so that we can pass on a better environment to future generations. Belitung is an archipelagic region with an extensive coastline, so preserving the coastal ecosystem is a responsibility we all share. We hope the mangrove seedlings planted today will continue to grow and become part of a better environment for generations to come,” said Imam.

More than just an annual commemoration, this activity positions mangrove conservation as an integral part of managing Belitung’s coastline. Its impact will be measured not simply by the number of seedlings planted, but by the consistency of care given to those plants and the ecosystem they support over time.

The post Mangrove Planting Strengthens Commitment to Coastal Conservation in Belitung appeared first on PT Sinar Mas Agro Resources and Technology Tbk (PT SMART Tbk).

Meet the Golden-Agri Maritime team. Every month, the team manages 30 to 40 vessels, moving 95% of GAR’s total shipping volume to customers in more than 110 countries.

The post Behind Every Shipment: Meet the Golden-⁠Agri Maritime Team appeared first on PT Sinar Mas Agro Resources and Technology Tbk (PT SMART Tbk).

Seruyan, Central Kalimantan (24 /07) – As part of its commitment to creating positive social impact in communities surrounding its operational areas, PT Binasawit Abadipratama (BAP), a subsidiary of Sinar Mas Agribusiness and Food, distributed food aid packages to underprivileged residents and elderly people in Selunuk Village, Seruyan District.

Mulkan Nasution, Regional Controller for Central Kalimantan 3, said the initiative forms part of the company’s ongoing social responsibility towards communities in its operational areas. “We hope this assistance will help meet the essential needs of the beneficiaries, particularly underprivileged residents and the elderly. This initiative also reflects our commitment to maintaining strong and positive relationships with local communities and government stakeholders,” said Mulkan.

A total of 42 residents received food aid packages, each containing 10 kilograms of rice, 2 kilograms of sugar and one tray of eggs. The distribution was attended by representatives from the local government and security authorities, including the Head of Seruyan District, the Acting Head of Selunuk Village, the Head of the Seruyan Police Subsector Post, and the Commander of the Telaga Pulang Military Rayon. Their presence reflected the strong collaboration between the company, local government and security agencies in supporting community welfare.

Zainal Arifin, Head of Seruyan District, expressed his appreciation for PT BAP’s support for local residents in need. “We sincerely appreciate PT BAP for providing assistance to underprivileged residents and elderly people in our district. We hope this partnership will continue through various initiatives that bring lasting benefits to the community,” said Arif.

Through this initiative, PT BAP aims to help ease the burden on surrounding communities while strengthening collaboration with local stakeholders and fostering harmonious relationships across its operational areas.

The post Supporting Local Communities’ Essential Needs, Food Aid Distributed in Selunuk Village appeared first on PT Sinar Mas Agro Resources and Technology Tbk (PT SMART Tbk).

For many Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprise (MSME) bakeries, rising ingredient costs have made it harder to maintain product quality whilst managing production costs. Finding the right balance between quality, consistency and profitability has become more important than ever.

The good news is that increasing the value of your products doesn’t always mean spending more. By making smarter decisions, from choosing the right ingredients and planning production carefully to building your technical skills, you can manage costs more effectively. At the same time, you can deliver products that customers value and keep coming back for.

Make every ingredient count

One of the biggest contributors to production costs is ingredient waste. Making better use of every ingredient helps reduce unnecessary costs without compromising quality. It also frees up more of your budget to invest in the areas that add value for your customers.

Chef Nicholas, Technical Services Executive at Golden Agri-Resources, encourages bakery MSMEs to look beyond the purchase price of their ingredients.

“Make the most of every ingredient. Set prices that reflect the quality of your products, and work with suppliers who can offer consistent quality at competitive prices,” he said.

Managing costs also means looking at how your business operates day to day. Using technology to simply and speed up routine tasks, running creative promotions, and building a distinctive product identity can help your bakery stand out whilst improving productivity and supporting long-term growth.

Building value into your bakes

Ingredients do more than shape the flavour of your baked goods. They also influence texture, appearance, freshness and consistency, all qualities that customers recognise and value.

According to Chef Nicholas, consistent quality begins long before the baking starts. It starts with selecting the right ingredients for each recipe, planning production based on demand and managing inventory carefully to reduce waste.

“The right ingredient can make a big difference to the quality and consistency of your products. For example, it can help bread stay fluffy for longer. Pair that with careful production planning and good inventory control, and you can reduce waste whilst getting the most from every batch,” said Chef Nicholas.

Good ingredients deserve good handling. Properly storing raw materials and finished products helps maintain quality, minimise spoilage and ensure every product reaches customers at its best.

Choosing ingredients that deliver more

The right ingredients do more than help you bake great products. They also help you control costs, reduce waste and deliver consistent quality batch after batch.

That is the thinking behind the PALMVITA® range, which includes PALMVITA® Margarine, PALMVITA® Butter Oil Substitute and PALMVITA® Deep Frying Fat. Developed for professional kitchens, they are formulated to deliver reliable performance while helping businesses navigate rising ingredient costs.

“PALMVITA® offers the quality that bakery and restaurant MSMEs need at a competitive price. It helps businesses maintain consistent results across both baking and frying applications,” said Chef Nicholas.

For Christina Liem, Assistant Brand Manager at GAR, supporting MSMEs means more than supplying ingredients.

“We understand the challenges bakery MSMEs face as ingredient costs continue to rise. PALMVITA® is designed to deliver consistent quality at a competitive price, helping businesses produce baked goods that customers enjoy whilst managing production costs. Our goal is to be a trusted partner that supports the long-term growth of MSMEs,” she said.

Helping your business grow

Running a successful bakery takes more than great ingredients. It requires the skills to refine your products, respond to evolving customer preferences, and grow your business with confidence.

That’s why PALMVITA® supports bakery MSMEs with practical training and ongoing educational materials.

Christina explains: ” We cover everything from hands-on baking techniques and recipe development support to market insights. Technical knowledge and the ability to adapt to changing market trends help businesses create products with greater value and remain competitive over the long term.”

Our programmes include:

• Practical baking demonstrations and technical training to improve baking skills and deliver consistent product quality
• Hands-on workshops and recipe development sessions to help you make the most of your ingredients without compromising taste or performance
• Product inspiration and market insights to empower you to stay ahead of consumer trends and identify new opportunities for growth

Whether you’re perfecting a signature recipe or developing your next best-selling product, PALMVITA® is here to support your journey with trusted ingredients, practical expertise, and technical guidance.

Looking for more bakery ideas? Follow the SMART Food Solutions WhatsApp Channel. Sign up for our programmes and receive expert baking tips, recipe inspiration, and the latest product insights.

The post MSME Bakery Production Efficiency: How to Increase the Value of Your Products while Managing Costs appeared first on PT Sinar Mas Agro Resources and Technology Tbk (PT SMART Tbk).

Ketapang, West Kalimantan (20 July) – Community-based layer farming continues to create new economic opportunities for residents of Siantau Raya Village, Ketapang Regency, West Kalimantan. Through the Integrated Ecological Agriculture (PET) Programme, PT Agrolestari Mandiri (AMNL), in collaboration with the Siantau Raya Joint Business Group (KUB) and the Integrated Ecological Agriculture Facilitators Communication Forum (FKPPET), is strengthening community empowerment by promoting agribusiness development across the entire value chain. This includes training on value-added product diversification using outputs from layer farming.

The training, attended by members of KUB Siantau Raya, the Family Welfare Movement (PKK), and the Dharma Wanita association of Sungai Kelik Estate, aims to enhance community skills in processing poultry products into higher-value goods. The initiative is expected to strengthen local enterprises, increase household incomes, and support greater economic self-reliance within the village.

One of the programme’s key achievements has been the emergence of four young farmers who now manage the layer farming enterprise and serve as pioneers in fostering the next generation of agribusiness entrepreneurs in Siantau Raya Village. Their involvement demonstrates that livestock farming can provide a promising livelihood for young people when supported through mentoring, capacity building, and multi-stakeholder collaboration.

According to Kaswadi, Estate Manager of Sungai Kelik Estate, the initiative builds on the Integrated Ecological Agriculture (PET) Programme first introduced by AMNL in 2016, which has continued to evolve in response to the community’s needs and local potential.

“Since 2024, the programme has focused on developing alternative sources of income through layer farming, covering the entire value chain from production to downstream activities. Beyond increasing egg production, we are encouraging the community to develop value-added products so that the economic benefits generated are greater and more sustainable. We hope more people, particularly younger generations, will recognise agribusiness as a viable and attractive business opportunity,” said Kaswadi.

The programme adopts a community-based agribusiness model that integrates economic, social, environmental, and welfare objectives. Alongside increasing egg production, it also promotes the productive use of livestock by-products, creating a circular economy system that delivers additional value to the community.

The initiative has also been welcomed by Norrahman, a representative of Siantau Village and an active participant in the programme. “Through this product diversification training, we have learned that livestock farming is not limited to selling eggs. The products can also be processed into a range of higher-value goods. We hope the knowledge we have gained will encourage us to continue innovating and enable more locally produced products to contribute to increasing community incomes,” said Norrahman.

Since the programme was introduced, monthly egg production has increased from 13,410 to 36,125 eggs, with peak production reaching 37,755 eggs per month. In addition to higher production, the community has successfully developed a range of value-added products, including salted eggs, egg crackers, chicken amplang crackers, chicken meatballs, organic compost, and independently produced day-old chicks (DOC). The conversion of livestock waste into organic compost further supports the circular economy approach while reducing waste generation.

Looking ahead, PT AMNL will continue strengthening collaboration with its partners to enhance the capacity of community groups, expand product diversification, and further develop a circular economy-based agribusiness model that delivers sustainable economic, social, and environmental benefits. The experience of KUB Siantau Raya demonstrates that youth regeneration in agriculture, women’s empowerment, rural economic development, and strengthened food security can progress simultaneously, providing a model with strong potential for replication in other regions.

The post Community-Based Layer Farming Strengthens Rural Economic Independence appeared first on PT Sinar Mas Agro Resources and Technology Tbk (PT SMART Tbk).

Ingredients A:

• 200 g PALMVITA^® Margarine
• 75 g Palm sugar
• 75 g Icing sugar
• 50 g Egg (One whole egg)

Ingredients B:

• 250 g Gluten-free flour
• 2 g Baking powder

Ingredients C:

• 200 g Rolled oats (or a mixture of rolled oats and oatmeal)
• 200 g Mini chocolate chips

Instructions:

• Combine ingredients A and beat with a mixer until light and creamy
• Add ingredients B and mix until well combined
• Fold in ingredients C until evenly mixed
• Place a sheet of baking paper on the baking tray, then divide the dough into small pieces (approximately 4–5 g each), and arrange them evenly on the tray
• Bake in a preheated oven at 160°C for 20–25 minutes, or until lightly golden

Watch the recipe video here!

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Churros’ dough and coating

Ingredients A (Dough):

• 100 g Liquid milk
• 100 g Water
• 100 g PALMVITA^® Margarine
• 15 g Granulated sugar
• 135 g Plain flour
• 3 g Baking powder
• 150 g Eggs (3 whole eggs)
• 1 kg PALMVITA^® Deep Frying Fat

Ingredients B (Coating):

• 100 g Granulated sugar
• ¾ tsp Cinnamon ground

Instructions:

• Combine the PALMVITA^® Margarine, liquid milk, water, and granulated sugar in a pan. Bring to a boil
• Reduce the heat, then add the plain flour. Stir continuously until the dough forms a smooth ball and pulls away from the sides of the pan
• Set aside the dough mixture, allowing it to cool to room temperature
• Once cooled, add the baking powder and eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition until the dough is smooth
• Transfer the dough into a piping bag
• In another pan, heat the PALMVITA^® Deep Frying Fat
• Once the deep-frying fat is hot, squeeze long lengths of dough (from piping bag) directly into the hot oil and fry until golden brown
• Lift out the churros and drain off any excess oil
• While still hot, toss the churros in the ingredients B mixture, so the coating sticks well

Churros’ dip

Ingredients C (Chocolate ganache):

• 80 g Dark compound chocolate
• 120 g Liquid whipping cream

Instructions:

• Mix ingredients C in a pan, then cook over a medium heat, while stirring until fully melted and smooth
• Pour the sauce over the churros or use it as a dip, according to preference

Watch the recipe video here!

The post PALMVITA® Churros appeared first on PT Sinar Mas Agro Resources and Technology Tbk (PT SMART Tbk).

Ingredients A:

• 150 g Eggs (Three whole eggs)
• 120 g Granulated sugar
• 5 g Cake emulsifier
• 3 g Vanilla paste
• 5 g Pandan paste
• 100 g Rice flour
• 120 g PALMVITA^® Margarine (melted)

Ingredient B (Filling):

• 200 g Palm sugar (roughly chopped)

Ingredient C (Topping):

• 50 g Dried grated coconut

Instructions:

• Mix and beat the eggs, granulated sugar, cake emulsifier, vanilla paste and pandan paste until thick and fluffy
• Add the rice flour and mix again until well combined
• Add the melted PALMVITA^® Margarine and mix until the batter is smooth
• Grease your mould with cake release/oil
• Pour a thin layer of batter into each mould, just enough to cover the base
• Steam over medium heat for 5 minutes
• Fill each moulds to about 2/3 full, then place some palm sugar in the centre
• Top up with more batter until the moulds are nearly full
• Steam again for 12 minutes or until fully cooked
• Remove from the moulds while still warm, loosening the sides if necessary

Watch the recipe video here!

The post Pandan Putu Sponge Cake appeared first on PT Sinar Mas Agro Resources and Technology Tbk (PT SMART Tbk).

Siak, Riau, 17 July 2026 – Feed costs, which make up the largest share of expenses in freshwater fish farming, remain a persistent challenge for many farmers in Kandis Subdistrict, Siak Regency. Meanwhile, most of the harvest is still sold as fresh fish, leaving considerable potential for added value untapped.

To address these challenges, PT Ivo Mas Tunggal, a subsidiary of Sinar Mas Agribusiness and Food, together with Sentra Kreatif Lestari Siak (SKELAS), held a Community Learning Centre (CLC) session titled “Alternative Feed Production and Diversification of Processed Freshwater Fish Products.” The training gave farmers hands-on experience in producing alternative feed from local raw materials, as well as turning their harvests into a range of value-added products.

The session drew 36 participants from farming groups and fish farmers across Kandis Subdistrict, alongside representatives from local government, fisheries extension officers, and members of the Siak Freshwater Fisheries Business Space Association (ARUNA) ecosystem. Initiated by PT Ivo Mas Tunggal, this ecosystem brings together players across the fisheries value chain – from input suppliers and farmers to those handling the marketing of harvests – within a single collaborative network designed to sustain their businesses over the long term.

Throughout the training, participants were introduced to a range of alternatives that can help lower production costs while opening up new market opportunities through processed products. Armed with these skills, farmers now have the option to reduce their reliance on commercial feed while boosting the economic value of their harvests.

Selamat Risky Tarigan, Head of the Brothers Farm Group, said the training offered fresh insights that could be put into practice straightaway, particularly in making use of local raw materials for alternative feed and developing processed products.

“This training opened our eyes to the fact that local raw materials we’d never thought to use can actually be turned into alternative feed. Beyond helping us cut production costs, it also gave us new ideas for developing processed products with higher market value. We hope this kind of mentoring continues, so that farmers’ businesses can keep growing,” he said.

Said Irwan, Head of Kandis Subdistrict, described the capacity-building effort as an important step towards strengthening food security while boosting the competitiveness of local businesses. He noted that collaboration between government, the private sector, and the community is key to advancing fisheries businesses built on local potential.

“We deeply appreciate PT Ivo Mas Tunggal’s role in organising this activity to strengthen fish farming groups in Kandis Subdistrict. This programme not only helps farmers produce goods with greater added value, but also drives business efficiency through the use of alternative feed. Collaboration like this is essential to strengthening food security while boosting the community’s competitiveness,” he explained.

Yolanda Ica, Chair of the Organising Committee, explained that the training forms part of the Inclusive Closed Loop model, which links farmers, processors, collectors, cooperatives, and companies within a single, mutually supportive value chain.

“Through this model, the community’s harvests gain market certainty and more efficient distribution, while delivering sustainable economic benefits to every player across the value chain,” she said.

This training marks the start of an ongoing mentoring effort. PT Ivo Mas Tunggal, together with the Aruna Siak ecosystem, has drawn up plans for developing alternative feed production, sourcing materials for replication, testing formulations, and making use of production facilities – all aimed at helping farmers put these innovations to work in their day-to-day businesses.

This community empowerment programme forms part of the Bright Future Initiative, Sinar Mas Agribusiness and Food’s network for accelerating Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), which has so far supported 163 MSMEs in realising and developing 280 projects across the company’s operational areas in Indonesia.

Through this training, PT Ivo Mas Tunggal hopes to see freshwater fish farming businesses become more independent, efficient, and sustainable, while strengthening food security and the economic wellbeing of communities living alongside the company. “We believe that strengthening community capacity must go hand in hand with building a mutually supportive business ecosystem – one that covers everything from fish-rearing and feed production techniques through to promotion and product management. That’s why we don’t stop at training; we also foster collaboration, so that the innovations we introduce can be sustained and continue to deliver economic benefits for the community,” said Berthin Efranta Pinem, Estate Manager of Nenggala, PT Ivo Mas Tunggal.

Through continued mentoring and collaboration across the fisheries ecosystem, this initiative aims to encourage more farmers to put these innovations into practice. In doing so, freshwater fish farming in Kandis Subdistrict is expected to become more efficient, generate greater added value, and deliver lasting economic benefits for the community.

The post Alternative Feed Bolsters Fish Farmers’ Livelihoods in Kandis appeared first on PT Sinar Mas Agro Resources and Technology Tbk (PT SMART Tbk).

Kotawaringin Timur, 16 July 2026 – PT Tapian Nadenggan, a subsidiary of Sinar Mas Agribusiness and Food, has officially launched a Layer Farming Programme in Pantap Village, Mentaya Hulu District, Kotawaringin Timur Regency, as part of the Company’s commitment to strengthening food security while improving community livelihoods through its economic empowerment initiatives.

As an initial contribution, PT Tapian Nadenggan provided a complete layer farming support package to the Pantap Village Government. The assistance includes a 4 x 30 metre poultry house, 450 layer chicks, 36 sacks of feed for production-ready hens, and ongoing technical assistance until the birds reach laying age. The poultry house has been designed to be easy to clean, cost-efficient to operate, and environmentally friendly, enabling the community to manage the enterprise more efficiently.

Mulkan Nasution, Regional Controller for Central Kalimantan 3, said the programme was developed based on an existing livelihood with strong local potential. “Layer farming has already been practised by some members of the community and offers promising market prospects. For us, sustainability is not only about protecting the environment, but also about ensuring that communities surrounding our operational areas have the opportunity to grow and prosper independently through initiatives such as this layer farming programme,” said Mulkan.

With its relatively short production cycle and stable market demand, layer farming has the potential to provide a reliable source of daily income while increasing the availability of eggs as an affordable source of protein for local communities.

Juhaeni, Chair of the Pantap Village Cooperative, welcomed the initiative. “We are grateful for the support provided by PT Tapian Nadenggan. This programme opens up opportunities for us to develop a productive business. We hope it will help increase household incomes while delivering wider benefits to the surrounding community,” she said.

The Mentaya Hulu District Government also welcomed the initiative, recognising its contribution to strengthening food security while supporting local economic development. “This initiative delivers tangible benefits for the community. It not only supports food security but also creates opportunities to improve livelihoods through productive enterprises. We hope the collaboration between the government, the Company, and the community will continue to strengthen in support of sustainable development,” said H. M. Edison, Head of Mentaya Hulu District.

To ensure the long-term sustainability of the programme, PT Tapian Nadenggan is providing ongoing technical and operational support, including guidance on flock management, feeding practices, animal health management, and business administration. This comprehensive assistance is intended to enable the community to manage the layer farming enterprise independently and sustainably.

Through initiatives such as this, the Company aims to further strengthen partnerships with local governments and communities in delivering programmes that generate lasting social, economic, and environmental benefits.

The post Layer Farming Strengthens Food Security and Creates Economic Opportunities for Local Communities appeared first on PT Sinar Mas Agro Resources and Technology Tbk (PT SMART Tbk).