Press Releases Ahead of National Children’s Day, Corporates and Communities Come Together to Create a Brighter Future for Children and Caregivers in Dumai

In the run-up to National Children’s Day, residents of Lubuk Gaung, Dumai, now have another reason to believe in a brighter future of the next generation.

Over 160 children and caregivers in the city are set to benefit from revamped early childhood education facilities (PAUD) and training for caregivers, as part of a project launched by Sinar Mas Agribusiness & Food, Tzu Chi Indonesia, and ADM with the support of Dumai’s City Government.

This initiative was officially launched at the Sungai Sembilan Sub-district Office, Riau, on Wednesday, 16 July 2025. This milestone is the first step in implementing a two-year cooperation agreement that was signed in Jakarta on 14 April 2025, aimed at supporting communities in Sinar Mas Agribusiness & Food’s operational areas in Sungai Sembilan district.

Through this agreement, residents will benefit from a range of community empowerment programmes aiming to strengthen education, healthcare, and expand economic opportunities. Key components of the scheme include initiatives to reduce stunting through community health education and capacity building at integrated health posts (POSYANDU), while 100 local community members will be trained in hydroponic farming techniques to promote food security and generate alternative income streams.

Representatives from Indonesia’s national government joined the launch ceremony to show their support for the initiative, underscoring the importance of collaboration between local communities, industry, and government. Representative of the Deputy for Policy Support for Welfare Improvement and Human Resource Development from Vice Presidential Secretariat, Mariah Seliriana, celebrated the shared commitment to advancing social progress, particularly through investments in children’s education and health, which are vital to nurturing the next generation.

“The return on this investment is the future of our children and our nation. If we can carry out all these efforts, we will produce a productive generation,” said Seliriana.

Several city officials also lent their support, including Deputy Mayor of Dumai, Sugiyarto, and Dumai Regional Secretary, H. Indra Gunawan. Sugiyarto responded positively to the programme, as it targets crucial issues such as stunting prevention, education, and economic empowerment. This initiative is expected to serve as both an inspiration and a model.

“This breakthrough is hoped to encourage others to make their best contributions, particularly in Sungai Sembilan Sub-district,” he said.

Deputy General Manager of PT Ivo Mas Tunggal, Paulus Lidi, shared his vision for the positive impact this initiative could have on communities. PT Ivo Mas Tunggal is one of the subsidiaries of Sinar Mas Agribusiness & Food. He stated that the programme aligns with the local government’s initiatives. PT Ivo Mas Tunggal hopes to foster ongoing collaboration with both the government and the community.

“We sincerely hope this programme will be well received, as these children represent the next generation who will carry forward the future of Dumai in particular, and the nation as a whole,” said Lidi.

The collaboration builds on the partners’ previous success in Siak, Riau, where the programme focuses on strengthening day care centres (BPA) through the provision of facilities and training for BPA caregivers. It also includes support for MSMEs at Community Learning Centres (CLCs). This demonstrates the power of public–private partnerships to deliver sustainable, high-impact outcomes. Through this programme, Sinar Mas Agribusiness & Food, Tzu Chi, and ADM reaffirm their commitment to empowering local communities, especially children and mothers, to thrive.

For more information, please contact: communications@sinarmas-agri.com