Pupuk Indonesia, through the Tani Maju Makmur Sejahtera (Tajumase) Program, is making efforts to improve the welfare and health of the Manggarai community in East Nusa Tenggara (NTT). This initiative began with the “Inaugural Planting of Horticultural Commodities” in Belang Turi and Meler Villages, Ruteng District, on Wednesday (July 16, 2025).

Tina T. Kemala Intan, Director of Human Resources & General Affairs of PT Pupuk Indonesia (Persero), stated that the Tajumase program is part of Pupuk Indonesia's Corporate Social and Environmental Responsibility (CSER) program. Tajumase is implemented in Manggarai in collaboration with the Sejahtera Muda Indonesia Foundation, focusing on tackling malnutrition and stunting.

“The Tajumase program is being implemented in Ruteng District to support the eradication of extreme poverty and stunting through food security initiatives. It is expected to support the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs),” Tina explained.

She added that the Tajumase initiative in Manggarai begins with assistance and guidance in developing horticultural demonstration plots (demplots) and enhancing capabilities related to balanced fertilization. The program is also supported by training for healthy family support cadres to increase health awareness within the community.

Various types of vegetables are being planted in the demonstration plots. Tina emphasized that vegetables are one of the most nutritious foods and part of the “four healthy, five perfect” diet concept. “We hope that parents will teach their children to eat vegetables, as they are nutritious and very beneficial for children’s health,” she said.

Tina further explained that the purpose of the demplots is to improve farmers’ welfare and encourage regeneration in the agricultural sector. Through comprehensive support, it is hoped to foster sustainable agriculture as a form of social responsibility.

“This is the beginning of efforts to tackle the prevalence of stunting through locally produced food in the land of Manggarai. Improving the health of the younger generation in Manggarai is inseparable from the efforts of parents, who are key figures in their children’s development and the primary actors in producing nutritious horticultural crops,” said Intan.

Meanwhile, the Vice Regent of Manggarai, Fabianus Abu, who was also present, said that this program reflects the concern of Pupuk Indonesia and the Government for the people of Manggarai. He stated that the region has a relatively high rate of stunting cases.

“Stunting is a concern for many stakeholders—not only health-related ones but also Pupuk Indonesia, which has shown care in reducing stunting in Manggarai,” he said.

He expressed hope that this program would inspire the people of Manggarai and encourage parents to pay more attention to their children's health, starting from pregnancy to raise a superior future generation.

“We express our gratitude to Pupuk Indonesia. They have provided full support and agricultural education in modern horticulture. May it bring great benefit,” said the Vice Regent.

In addition, Pupuk Indonesia through its CSER program also provided support to the St. Damian Cancar Foundation. The assistance included sewing machines, 500 kilograms of rice, school and library revitalization, and the construction of a reading garden to promote literacy.