PT Astra International Tbk Strengthens Desa Sejahtera Astra Program in Kemiren Village

PT Astra International Tbk is actively reinforcing community empowerment in Desa Kemiren, Banyuwangi, East Java, through its Desa Sejahtera Astra (DSA) program. Since its inception in 2024, the initiative has focused on enhancing the quality of life for approximately 300 residents by developing key sectors: health, education, environment, and entrepreneurship. This comprehensive approach not only aims to increase community income but also significantly strengthens the preservation of the unique Osing culture, a vital aspect of the village's identity and a draw for tourism.

The village has consistently maintained its Osing cultural heritage through traditions such as Barong Ider Bumi, Tumpeng Sewu, Gandrung dance, traditional music, local cuisine, and Osing traditional houses. Astra's empowerment programs are designed to support these cultural endeavors, ensuring that cultural preservation goes hand-in-hand with improved living standards. In healthcare, Astra supports community health services and provides basic health facilities and education. Educational initiatives include strengthening early childhood education (PAUD) with learning facilities and local cultural introductions. Environmental efforts involve waste management, converting livestock waste into organic fertilizer, developing biogas facilities, and forming environmental awareness groups.

Entrepreneurship development is a cornerstone of the DSA program in Kemiren. The village has seen growth in its tourism sector, with 50 homestays offering 92 rooms, 40 local businesses in culinary, craft, and coffee, and 40 members involved in the Pokdarwis (tourism awareness group) managing the village's tourism and cultural preservation. This focus has led to a notable increase in the average income for Pokdarwis members, rising by 33 percent from Rp1.5 million to Rp2 million per month. This demonstrates how sustained cultural heritage can become a source of livelihood and create new economic opportunities at the village level.

Boy Kelana Soebroto, Chief of Corporate Affairs at Astra, highlighted the synergy between cultural preservation and community development. "Desa Sejahtera Astra Kemiren shows that cultural preservation and community development can go hand in hand," he stated. He emphasized Astra's belief that the Osing cultural heritage will not only endure but also yield broader benefits through improved quality of life, business opportunities, and sustainable welfare. The village's dedication to its culture and development has earned it national and international accolades, including the Wonderful Indonesia Impact, Anugerah Desa Wisata Indonesia (ADWI), and the ASEAN Tourism Award 2025, underscoring its success as a model for integrated rural development.

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Desa Sejahtera Astra Kemiren shows that cultural preservation and community development can go hand in hand. Through strengthening health, education, environment, and entrepreneurship, Astra believes that the Osing cultural heritage will not only remain preserved but also provide broader benefits to the community through improved quality of life, business opportunities, and sustainable welfare.