PT Astra International Tbk: From Rumah Koran in Desa Sejahtera Astra Kanreapia to a Vegetable Hub in South Sulawesi

GOWA, SOUTH SULAWESI: Each morning, green vegetables cover the hillsides of Desa Sejahtera Astra Kanreapia in Gowa Regency. Trucks carrying fresh produce depart regularly for regional markets. Only a few decades ago, the village faced limited access to education and information. Change began with a simple initiative: newspapers pasted to the walls of a duck coop, which evolved into the Rumah Koran, or "Newspaper House."

Jamaluddin Daeng Abu, recipient of the 2017 SATU Indonesia Award in Education, founded Rumah Koran to address low literacy rates in the community. This modest learning space enabled residents to access information, from news articles to seed packaging instructions. Improved literacy paved the way for advancements in agriculture, environmental conservation, and economic empowerment. Today, Desa Sejahtera Astra Kanreapia hosts two Rumah Koran sites that serve as literacy hubs and educational tourism destinations.

"Astra believes lasting change starts with communities that have the chance to learn, grow, and make the most of their own potential. Through Desa Sejahtera Astra, we continue to walk alongside communities across health, education, environment, and entrepreneurship so that local potential can grow into a lasting source of benefit," said Astra Chief of Corporate Affairs Boy Kelana Soebroto.

Since joining the Desa Sejahtera Astra program in 2021, Desa Sejahtera Astra Kanreapia has expanded empowerment initiatives reaching approximately 1,000 beneficiaries. Support includes literacy development, organic farming, water spring preservation, retention pond construction, and horticulture and agricultural marketing. The Nature School further strengthens these efforts, graduating about 15 students annually to enhance community education.

These initiatives have produced tangible benefits for residents. Farmers now use data-driven methods to improve cultivation, resulting in increased agricultural output. Desa Sejahtera Astra Kanreapia has become one of South Sulawesi's largest vegetable centers and a key contributor to the local economy. Additionally, through the Sedekah Sayur, or "Vegetable Charity," program, harvests are shared with 100 orphanages and communities in need across South Sulawesi.

The transformation of Desa Sejahtera Astra Kanreapia demonstrates that meaningful change can begin with a simple step when communities have opportunities to learn and grow. Rumah Koran inspired efforts to protect the environment, strengthen agriculture, and build economic independence, benefits that continue to serve the community.

Astra's commitment to community empowerment and local development reflects its vision of Prosper with the Nation and supports Indonesia's progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

ALSO READ: PT Astra International Tbk Strengthens Desa Sejahtera Astra Bugisan as a Culture-Based Tourism Destination Around Candi Plaosan

 

For further information, please contact:
Windy Riswantyo
Head of Corporate Communications
PT Astra International Tbk
Phone. 021-508-43-888

 

About Astra:
Astra is one of Indonesia's largest public companies, comprising 324 subsidiaries, joint ventures, and associated entities, supported by more than 190,000 employees. The company's diversified business model creates synergies and opportunities across multiple industries, including Automotive, Financial Services, Heavy Equipment and Mining Solutions, and other sectors.
Astra has a sustainability framework that includes the Astra 2030 Sustainability Aspirations, which guide the Astra Group's transition toward becoming a more sustainable company by 2030 and beyond. Astra aspires to strengthen Indonesia's economic resilience in support of an inclusive and prosperous society.
Astra's sustainable social contributions are centered on developing and strengthening villages through the Desa Sejahtera Astra program, which has reached more than 1,500 Desa Sejahtera Astra sites across 35 provinces in Indonesia. The program covers four main areas, including health, education, environment, and entrepreneurship, supported by nine foundations that contribute to Indonesia's economic growth while advancing an inclusive and prosperous society.
In line with the Desa Sejahtera Astra program, the Semangat Astra Terpadu Untuk (SATU) Indonesia Awards was established to recognize young innovators as well as the best Desa Sejahtera Astra communities and village champions mentored by Astra. Since its launch in 2010, the SATU Indonesia Awards has honored 792 young Indonesians who actively collaborate with Desa Sejahtera Astra.
For more information, visit astra.co.id, and follow Astra's activities on Instagram @satu_indonesia, TikTok @satu_indonesia, YouTube SATU Indonesia, X (Twitter) @satu_indonesia, LinkedIn PT Astra International Tbk, and Facebook Semangat Astra Terpadu.