Jakarta. From the eastern coastlines to the lush western highlands of the archipelago, the footsteps of Indonesia’s young generation are transforming their villages into centers of meaningful change. Their journey begins where their stories were born, on the land of their ancestors, and grows into initiatives that uplift rural communities across the nation. These earnest efforts intersect with Astra’s long-standing commitment to sustainable social development, forming a powerful synergy that strengthens the prosperity and resilience of Indonesia’s villages.

Through four pillars of social contribution—health, education, entrepreneurship, and environment -- aligned with Indonesia’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Astra supports local changemakers in improving quality of life, expanding access to education, opening economic opportunities, and protecting the environment around them.

“Indonesia is home to countless young people who work quietly without seeking recognition, yet they change the lives of many. They show that the nation’s determination is born in its villages, fueled by unwavering care for others. Astra is proud to be part of their journey, strengthening sustainable social development initiatives in rural areas and helping expand their impact on surrounding communities. We hope this spirit inspires more Indonesians to come together to build a brighter future for our nation,” said Astra President Director Djony Bunarto Tjondro.

Since 2010, Astra has organized the Semangat Astra Terpadu Untuk Indonesia (SATU) Awards to honor young Indonesians who make positive contributions to their environment and communities. The program has identified 792 inspiring youth figures and partnered with more than 1,500 Kampung Berseri (Smiling Villages) Astra and Desa Sejahtera (Prosperous Villages) Astra across 35 provinces.

The synergy between these three flagship initiatives has fostered collaborations among changemakers who drive transformation in their communities. By 2024, Astra’s social contribution initiatives will have reached 2.63 million beneficiaries across Indonesia.

Between 2020 and 2024, products from the Desa Sejahtera Astra program achieved export valuations of Rp 349 billion, reflecting the rising competitiveness of village industries in global markets. These achievements are inseparable from the dedication of local drivers of change who continue to empower their communities.

Changemakers From All Corners of the Nation

Behind every transformation are individuals who choose to return to their roots, nurture their homeland, and ignite hope for those around them.

1. Petronela Merauje – Guardian of the Women’s Forest, Enggros, Papua
   Known as Mama Nela, she protects the ancestral Women’s Forest with gentle yet firm leadership. She mobilizes women to clean waste, plant mangroves, restore traditional forests, and strengthen local food and income sources.

2. Bernard “Oday” Langoday – Builder of the Cikajang Coffee Ecosystem, Garut
   A coffee sociopreneur who built a complete coffee ecosystem from upstream to downstream. He has empowered more than 4,000 residents, raised farmers’ productivity, expanded markets, and transformed local coffee into a source of pride.

3. Priska Yeniriatno – Creator of Second Chances for Women and Youth, Singkawang
   Leaving her corporate career, she started a batik home industry using only savings and courage. She now manages three batik tourism villages, empowering housewives and school dropouts.

4. Zainal Abidin – Protector of the Rammang-Rammang Karst Landscape, South Sulawesi
   The first in his village to earn a doctoral degree, he returned home to develop eco-tourism by encouraging residents to showcase their karst landscapes online. Rammang-Rammang is now internationally recognized. He also produces eco-friendly organic fertilizers from bat guano and travels by boat with doctors to monitor community health.

5. Ritno Kurniawan – Pioneer of Nyarai Eco-Tourism, West Sumatra
   He transformed a former logging conservation forest into a world-renowned nature destination, now attracting hundreds of thousands of visitors. From just five guides, the operation has grown to 150 guides, including internationally certified experts.

6. Dian Banunu – A Teacher Who Breaks Barriers, Takari, Kupang
   Every morning, she rides a truck for two hours to teach children in Oesusu, Kupang. She has helped produce graduates who now thrive as professionals and entrepreneurs, creating a cycle of empowerment.

These stories are brought to life through documentary features available on the SATU Indonesia YouTube channel, serving as both a window of hope and an invitation for more Indonesians to take part in uplifting their communities.

Astra’s commitment to moving forward alongside local changemakers aligns with its aspiration to prosper with the nation, while supporting Indonesia’s broader Sustainable Development Goals.

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