Semen Gresik Edupark Program Encourages VOEs Quality Improvement
Rembang - Edupark Program of PT Semen Gresik encouraged the quality improvement of Village-Owned Enterprises (VOEs) around the company. The end of this process would also boost the welfare of the local community.
Edupark is part of P4T Program of PT Semen Gresik that consists of Integrated Plantation, Agriculture, Fisheries, and Livestock. It was officially inaugurated by the Regent of Rembang Abdul Hafidz, in February 2020. After being inaugurated, the management of Edupark was handed over to "Mbangun Deso", the VOEs of Kajar Village, Gunem District, Rembang Regency.
The director of "Mbangun Deso" VOEs, Sadikun, said due to the Edupark program, Edupark's activities continued to run normally in the Covid-19 pandemic as it is now. The average monthly income earned by "Mbangun Deso" VOEs from Edupark was around IDR 4 million. Sadikun estimated that VOEs income would increase gradually along with the increased productivity of livestock, fish and various vegetables obtained on the Edupark area, spreading 1.6 hectares-wide.
"The graph shows the tendency to be more productive. VOEs income will also be deposited to villages to support the community welfare," Sadikun said on Monday (06/08/2020).
Edupark area is filled with various livestock, fish and vegetables. This is a multi-purpose program where Silver and Gold Arabian chickens (gallus turcicus) and quails eggs can be consumed. Then, the meat of the catfish and other freshwater fish could also be consumed. On the plant side, bananas and papaya fruit were maximized.
In addition, mushrooms, water spinach, mustard greens, lettuce, long beans, eggplants to lemongrass and other horticultural crops could be used both for self-consumption and for sale as well. In terms of livestock, Beef, Merino lamb and wool can be also utilized. Cow, sheep, chicken and quail could be also be maximized for various things. Starting from fertilizer, livestock feed, biogas and even electrical energy for household needs.
According to Sadikun, the community were enthusiastic and responded positively to Edupark's program. Recently, there have been around 700 people from various backgrounds ranging from elementary, VOEs managers, youth organizations, community organizations, SOEs representatives, private and government institutions who visit Edupark. They are not only come from the Rembang area, but also from Blora, Pati and others.
They wanted to directly observe and learn the management of the P4T program initiated by PT Semen Gresik. Some of them were interested in implementing the efforts to develop food, economic and even energy independence similar to Edupark in their regions.
However, along with this Covid-19 pandemic, the visit to Edupark are limited or even postponed in case of there are too many visitors.
"We implement health protocols in various activities at Edupark. When conditions back to normal, the visit will be opened as usual," he said.
Head of Communication and Community Development Unit of PT Semen Gresik Syaichul Amin said that Edupark was indeed projected as a means of knowledge transfer for community around the company and other areas. Through this program, the community can develop food, economy and even small scale energy independence in their environment.
Moreover, through Edupark, the village is also expected to have an excellent product based on local potential. The result of this process will enhance the welfare of the local community.
"Edupark is one of Semen Gresik commitment to grow and develop with the community and contribute positively to the progress of the region," he said.
