03 March 2025
That morning, dozens of Soligi villagers visited Salam Kawasi, an integrated agricultural learning center established by Harita Nickel for surrounding communities on Obi Island, South Halmahera. Organized by the Community Development team, this Edugathering aimed to share knowledge and practical insights on integrated agriculture directly with residents.
Mohammad Mona Putra, Agriculture & Fishery Superintendent at Harita Nickel, explained that this event specifically invited the Women Farmers Group (KWT) and the Soligi United Fishermen Group (KNSB). Apart from knowledge transfer, the gathering was intended to strengthen relationships between the company and the community, fostering a more solid partnership moving forward.
He highlighted that the company offers numerous opportunities for local communities to fulfill food supply demands for more than 20,000 Harita Nickel employees. Many food needs are currently sourced from outside Obi Island due to limited local suppliers.
Participants toured the five-hectare Salam Kawasi area, seeing the demonstration plots planted with vegetables such as mustard greens, cayenne peppers, and fruits like California papayas and golden melons grown in a greenhouse. The area also features freshwater fish ponds, compost houses, and goat barns.
Guided by Albertus Darukumara and Lukmanul Hakim, facilitators from Harita Nickel's agriculture and fisheries programs, residents enthusiastically engaged in interactive discussions, particularly regarding the transformation of organic waste, such as goat manure and vegetable scraps, into compost to improve soil fertility.
Albertus explained that Salam Kawasi was previously barren, but the integrated farming techniques have significantly improved its fertility. He hoped this model would inspire local villagers to adopt similar practices.
Ibrahim, head of KNSB, said the visit provided valuable insights, particularly on freshwater aquaculture—a new concept for most fishermen in Obi. Similarly, Nur Kasim, a new KWT member, expressed interest in intensively cultivating her land for horticulture to meet local food needs independently.
Children attending the event also enjoyed learning through play, supervised by Harita Nickel’s education team. “We are grateful for the company's warm welcome. We can learn about agriculture while our children and grandchildren enjoy playing and learning together,” said Nur Kasim.
The Edugathering is part of Harita Nickel's Community Development and Empowerment (PPM) initiative, which fosters local economic independence while preserving the community’s traditional knowledge. Through this approach, Harita Nickel reaffirms its ongoing commitment to delivering sustainable positive impacts for local communities.
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