Jakarta. Conglomerate Astra has made a series of sustainability-linked efforts as a means to help create a better future for Indonesia.

The company also has what it calls the “Astra 2030 Sustainability Aspirations”. Astra’s sustainability initiatives are also widespread across 7 of its business lines, including property and automotive. 

"Astra has stated its commitment to consistently make a transition, both in terms of business portfolio, developing quality human capital, as well as contributing to social progress in Indonesia so that we can become more sustainable. That is why we have established the Astra 2030 Sustainability Aspirations as a guide for the transition journey for today and the future of Indonesia," Astra’s chief of corporate affairs Riza Deliansyah was quoted as saying in a recent press statement.

The following are the sustainability initiatives that Astra has made across its 7 business lines:

Automotive

Astra is seeking to help Indonesia cut its carbon emissions by accelerating the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs). Astra is now selling three battery EV (BEV) car models, two plug-in hybrid EV (PHEV) car models, and 14 hybrid EV (HEV) car models under the Toyota, Lexus brands, as well as five BEV models and one PHEV model under the BMW brand. Meanwhile, for two-wheelers, Astra Honda Motor has two BEV motorbike models, namely the EM1 e: and EM1 e: PLUS.

Astra Otoparts has also launched the Astra Otopower as an electric vehicle charging network. Astra Otopower has 31 charging machines for use by the public spread across 28 locations on the island of Java, such as office buildings, residences, toll road rest areas, and many more.

Financial Services

Astra Financial --which boasts 14 subsidiaries-- is expanding its tree-planting program. Throughout 2023, Astra Financial has planted more than 58,000 trees in 29 provinces in Indonesia to absorb carbon dioxide, strengthen local ecosystems, maintain biodiversity and mitigate disasters.

Heavy Equipment, Mining, Construction & Energy

United Tractors and its subsidiaries are developing a future business strategy that will adopt the use of solar power plants and mini hydro power plants to increase their renewable energy mix. Astra has also vowed to not invest in new coal mines and coal-fired power plants. This will enable the company to focus on unlocking new investment opportunities in the non-coal mining sector and other minerals such as nickel and gold.

Agribusiness

Astra Agro has made some climate resilience efforts, including building methane capture facilities. These facilities will capture methane gas produced in the processing of liquid waste or palm oil mill effluent (POME) and reuse it to power the company’s factories.

Infrastructure and Logistics

Astra Infra is also trying to increase its renewable energy mix by installing solar panels for lighting public roads and operational offices in Tangerang-Merak, Cikopo-Palimanan, Jombang-Mojokerto, and Penajam Banua Taka Port. Other initiatives include the use of biofuel and implementation of eco driving. It has also installed EV charging stations at 8 rest area points on the Tangerang-Merak toll road, Cikopo -Palimanan, Jombang-Mojokerto, and Rest Area KM 456 Semarang-Solo.

Information Technology

Astragraphia’s products in the market use environmentally friendly raw materials. This includes the SUPER EA-ECO toner and smart energy management whose function is to reduce power consumption and carbon dioxide emissions on the Fujifilm Business Innovation printing machines. This state-of-the-art technology enables the printing process to take place at a lower temperature of 30-35 degrees celsius, compared to conventional toner which reaches 200-250 degrees celsius.

Property

Astra Property is pursuing initiatives that prioritize water and electricity efficiency as well as environmentally friendly building certification. The company has installed solar panels at the Astra Tower. It is also implementing water-sensitive urban designs on one of its portfolio Ammaia Ecoforest.

Astra's commitment to becoming a company with a more sustainable business for today and the future of Indonesia is in line with Astra's ideals to prosper with the nation and support the country’s sustainable development goals (SDGs), according to Riza.