PT Pertamina Geothermal Energy Tbk (PGE) (IDX: PGEO) Lahendong Area continues to strengthen its commitment to encouraging sustainable development and corporate social responsibility through the Bapiara Babi Peternak Geothermal Lahendong (BIAPONG) program. Launched since 2021, this initiative is a collaboration between PGE and the Village-Owned Enterprise (BUMDes) Esa Waya Sendangan Village, Tomohon, North Sulawesi, which aims to foster and empower local pig farmers with an approach based on renewable energy and environmentally friendly technology.
The challenge began with the remote location of the BIAPONG farm making conventional electricity access impossible. This is where innovation comes in. PGE built a Solar Power Plant (PLTS) to supply the farm's energy needs. This solar energy not only lights up the pen, but also drives operations such as water pumps, night lighting, and even surveillance cameras (CCTV) to improve security. All of this is pollution-free, solar-free, and with significant savings for farmers.
But the challenges don't stop there, the problem becomes more complex when in 2023, the African Swine Fever (ASF) outbreak swept the pig farming sector in North Sulawesi and caused a drastic decline in the pig population, from 130,000 to only around 60,000-70,000. This decline has an impact on food availability and has caused market prices to triple and the loss of livelihoods for farmers. BIAPONG is PGE's strategic social intervention to respond to the crisis currently being experienced by Tomohon residents.
One of the key innovations developed in the BIAPONG program is the production of eco-atsiri, a natural disinfectant based on eco-enzymes from the "Setor Jo" Waste Bank program and citronella essential oil. This solution is used to maintain the cleanliness of the pen and suppress the spread of the virus without relying on synthetic chemicals. Not only does it function as a preventive measure against ASF, the production of eco-atsiri also provides added economic value because it can be used or marketed by farmers.
The BIAPONG program has had a real positive impact on dozens of pig farmers from the BIAPONG group and 85 elderly pig farmers who have participated in eco-atsiri disinfectant production training. In addition, this innovation has helped more than 1,200 pig farmers in Minahasa and has succeeded in avoiding exposure to the ASF virus. The increase in income of pig farmers has also been felt up to IDR 60 million per year as a result of operational efficiency and successful disease control.
"BIAPONG is real evidence of the synergy between renewable energy technology, local innovation, and community empowerment. We hope that this program will not only be a local solution, but also a model for replication of sustainable livestock development in various other regions," said General Manager of PGE Area Lahendong Novi Purwono.
Based on data from the Central Statistics Agency in 2024, North Sulawesi is the second highest pork producer in Indonesia with an average production of 27,402 tons per year. The high consumption of pork by the Minahasa community, which has high social and cultural value, makes this sector very important in the local economic structure. However, the ASF outbreak that has reduced production and weakened food security has posed serious challenges to the community.
PGE Area Lahendong through BIAPONG is committed to continuing to work with local governments, local communities, and livestock groups in building economic resilience and a healthy and sustainable livestock ecosystem. This program not only presents technological solutions, but also upholds local wisdom and addresses the real needs of the community.
