On March 16 2016 Cargill, Semarang Branch as the second planting project of Cargill, planted 1000 Albazia trees. This is part of the company’s Corporate Social Responsibility efforts which means that the company should care not only for the environment but for the local community as well.

Albazia trees were chosen because they are relatively easy to grow, fast growing, and have economical value at the time of harvest. Albazia is also good for capturing water.

Regional Manager of Cargill Indonesia, Mr Sugeng Boniran, says “Since the start of Cargill Indonesia our pledge is to always do good because it is part of our values. We hope we can conserve this area and give something meaningful to the farmers through this activity”.

Sobirin, one of the farmers who received the donated trees, says “We are happy for the trees. Farmers and trees are inseparable; they are our lives. We hope there will be more trees coming for us.”

Ms Yetty, an agricultural officer at the Central Java Provincial office, said “Gondoriyo lies on a hill that is used as a water catchment area. I hope that more trees will be coming to this area in the future and save the water collection of the area.”

Cargill Indonesia, Purwodadi Branch joins Trees4Trees in turning Ketitang village green.

Ketitang is close to Cargill factory buildings and is a rather desolate area. It is hot and uncomfortable all day long and it almost calls for something to be done about it. The mahogany trees were chosen because of their capacity for providing some shade and cool to the area.

On March 15 2016 1000 trees were planted by the villagers and the Cargill team with foresters from Trees4Trees as supervisors. It is the first time Cargill engages in work of a social nature, and they are naturally anxious to make a positive impact. It seems they are successful: Mr. Wage , leader of Ketitang village, says : “This is useful for everybody in the village. Because the planting is not just for today, but will last many years into the future, its impact is long term.”  

Mr Lataebo of the Forestry Department continues: “ It is good that Cargill is involved in this kind of activity which is not easy. Planting is not just planting. It also means taking care of the seedlings and doing maintenance of the trees.”

Spirits were high as 50 local villagers were joined staff from the military and the police from Gedong district, the Ketitang village officials and the Head of the Forestry Department in planting the 1000 trees which everybody hope will be the beginning of turning Ketipang green.