Success story of the bokashi compost fertilizer producer, good fortune since shedding activities as illegal gold miner

The door of repentance has opened good fortune. That is probably the right words to describe the life of Juardi, an illegal gold miner from Tanjung Enim, who has found success in his bokashi compost fertilizer business which has provided an income of millions of Rupiah.

The turning point for Juardi began in 2013, when he decided to stop his illegal mining activities and begin the bokashi compost fertilizer production. It seems so far different from working with coal to working with manure.

There were many reasons which prompted Juardi to stop his illegal mining activities, from health risk and other factors. If there are other opportunities to improve his livelihood and under safer circumstances, why not do it?

Juardi, who is a resident of Talang Jawa Tanjung Enim, Muara Enim Regency, began his business by using the partnership fund assistance of PT Bukit Asam Tbk – PTBA’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) program.

He not only received capital assistance, he was also trained in the production of bokashi compost fertilizer production by PTBA’s CSR team, which he followed diligently.

Moreover, PTBA’s CSR also assisted in the marketing of 1000 tons of bokashi compost fertilizer which was sold to several companies around Muara Enim Regency.

Juardi’s efforts paid off, his many years of dealing with manure have now made him a businessman with 12 employees. This meant that the bokashi compost fertilizer not only brought him prosperity, but also provided jobs for his surrounding neighbors.

Bokashi compost fertilizer consists of 60% manure, 25% grass and 15% rice husk ash as well as the addition of E4 as bacteria activator.

This is fermented between 7-14 days in an air-tight room. During fermentation, it is mixed regularly every three days for the compost mixture to be evenly distributed and soft.

“Thank goodness, now my economic situation has improved and with much blessing in return. I can also help the surrounding environment with this business. I would like to extend my appreciation to PTBA who was concerned and responded quickly to the communities in ring 1. I hope that in future, specifically the bokashi compost fertilizer businesses receive continued counselling and will be able to expands the business even more,” said Juardi.

Meanwhile, PTBA’s CSR Senior manager through CSR AM Partnership Assistance, Mustafa Kamal, also wants the local community, specifically those living in the surrounding areas of the company, to be independent. One of the programs conducted by PTBA is to promote the UMKM or Micro small Medium Entrepreneurs in accordance with the regulations from the Ministry of State-Owned Enterprises.

The promotion of UMKMs has also expanded job opportunities, specifically in Muara Enim Regency. “Thank you to Mitra CSR PTBA, who has optimized the assistance given,” said Mustafa.

PTBA is a member of the MIND ID or Mining Industry Indonesia, the Holding State-Owned Enterprise for the Mining Industry, who has the noble purpose of exploring natural resources for civilization, prosperity and a brighter future.

This noble purpose is manifested in the social activities of the company, one of which is through the development of surrounding communities to promote and raise their skills in order to seek a brighter future.