PTBA-PPA Launch Three Greenhouses, Developing Modern Hydroponic Farming in Lingga Village

PT Bukit Asam Tbk (BA) and PT Putra Perkasa Abadi (PPA) launched three greenhouses applying digital farming technology through the Lingga Smart Greenhouse for Resilient Optimized Welfare (GROW) programme. The programme was initiated by PT Bukit Asam Tbk in Lingga Village, Lawang Kidul District, Muara Enim Regency, applying digital farming based on the Internet of Things (IoT).

Through the programme, BA & PPA are encouraging the cultivation of local melons using a Smart Greenhouse with a hydroponic method integrated with IoT technology. The system allows a range of cultivation needs — from nutrient dosing and irrigation to controlling acidity (pH) — to be handled automatically and more precisely. The greenhouse itself helps protect the plants from extreme weather and pests, making the quality of the harvest more uniform and optimal.

The programme, involving the Lingga Modern Youth Farmers Group, is expected to make Lingga Village the first producer of quality hydroponic melons in the village. The GROW programme funded the construction of three greenhouses with a capacity of 860 planting holes each. At that capacity, Lingga Village could produce 16 to 20 tonnes of melon a year, or around 4 to 6 tonnes per growing season.

That production potential opens the way for Lingga Village to become one of South Sumatra's premium melon centres. The area is already known for agroclimatic conditions that support the development of a range of leading fruit commodities. Through this programme, South Sumatra is expected to further strengthen its position as a producer of high-quality fruit. The melon varieties grown are Sunny, Petra Funny and The Blues.

PPA Division Head HCGA & External Relations Sunaryo said the programme delivers benefits not only economically but also as a means of raising the community's ability to adopt modern agricultural technology.

"Kami melihat program ini bukan sekadar menghasilkan produk pertanian, tetapi juga menjadi sarana membangun kemampuan masyarakat, khususnya generasi muda, agar memiliki keterampilan yang relevan dengan perkembangan teknologi pertanian saat ini," said Sunaryo.

BA Mining Sub-Division Head Suratman explained that the programme provides three greenhouses to optimise community empowerment.

"Fasilitas ini dibangun untuk mengoptimalkan kesejahteraan masyarakat melalui teknologi dan inovasi pertanian yang berkelanjutan," said Suratman.

PPA's involvement in the programme is an expression of the company's commitment to supporting the local economy while strengthening the capacity of local human resources through the development of modern, sustainable agriculture.

Acting Department Head HCGA of PPA, Novan Herdianto, affirmed that PPA also provides support at every stage of the programme, making sure it can be carried on independently by the community.

"Pembinaan dan pendampingan dilakukan sejak pembangunan greenhouse, pembibitan hingga hari ini bisa melaksanakan panen bersama. Ke depan kami akan terus mendampingi agar program ini berkelanjutan dan mampu meningkatkan kompetensi serta perekonomian masyarakat," he said.

PPA is committed to keep supporting programmes that drive community empowerment through sustainable innovation and collaboration.