PT Jamkrindo organized a series of activities at the Ciletuh Palabuhanratu UNESCO Global Geopark (CPUGGp) or commonly known as Ciletuh Geopark, in Sukabumi Regency, West Java, ahead of Indonesia’s 75th Independence Day celebrations. Through these activities, the credit guarantee company aimed to bring a sense of nationalism to all communities.
The events held at Ciletuh Geopark were also carried out to raise the optimism of the public in the midst of the impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic. From Friday to Sunday (August 14-16, 2020), PT Jamkrindo carried out various activities including the donation of two community reading parks, continuation of environmental preservation through tree planting, installation of 3M campaign banners (wearing masks, maintaining distance, washing hands), distribution of masks, and mango processing training.
Randi Anto, the President Director of PT Jamkrindo, explained that Jamkrindo continues to take an active role in various initiatives to develop the local economy. “Specifically, in the Ciletuh Geopark area, we are involved in the community empowerment process and have signed a joint agreement with the Sukabumi Regency Government for a three-year mentoring program, starting from 2019,” said Randi in a press release on Saturday, August 15, 2020.
The community reading parks were handed over by PT Jamkrindo to the people of Wangunsari Village, Cisolok District, and Ciwaru Village, Ciemas District. In addition, masks were distributed to the community and visitors at Palangpang Beach, Ciemas, as well as 400 masks for teachers and students at SDN Cipaku, Ciracap District. Meanwhile, dozens of 3M campaign banners were installed at several tourist destinations and strategic locations in Ciemas District. Environmental preservation activities at Palangpang Beach, Ciemas District, were carried out as a continuation of similar activities held in December 2019 and July 2020.
Through this initiative, Jamkrindo, in collaboration with the Ciwaru Village Government and the Ciletuh Homestay Association, added green spaces along Palangpang Beach.
The mango processing training was provided to the members of UKM Saluyu, a group of home-based entrepreneurs in Ciemas, to add value to mangoes, which are one of Ciemas’ main commodities. In Ciemas, there are approximately 200 hectares of mango orchards owned by the local community, with production reaching hundreds of tons.
This is not the first time PT Jamkrindo has empowered the local community through the optimization of local resources. Randi Anto added that previously, Jamkrindo also provided hydroponic cultivation training to members of the Ciletuh Homestay Association to add value and provide educational opportunities at the Ciletuh homestays. There are at least 100 homestays in Ciletuh Geopark that host tourists every week.
Yudi Mulyadi, the Chairperson of the Ciletuh Homestay Association, stated that in recent years, the local economy has relied on tourism and related activities in Ciletuh Geopark. This economic activity has successfully brought back people who had previously migrated.
“Many people from Ciletuh used to migrate because they felt there were not many opportunities here. Now, some of those who migrated, even Indonesian migrant workers abroad, have returned and started developing the economy here,” said Yudi.
The assistance provided by Jamkrindo has also been beneficial to the community. Saleh M., a teacher at SDN Cipaku, expressed gratitude for the fabric masks given to teachers and students. These masks are essential as teachers and students must conduct face-to-face classes during the Covid-19 pandemic. “In our area, the internet connection is not very good, and the cost of providing internet quotas for parents is quite heavy. Therefore, we form five groups in each class, and the teacher visits two or three groups each day to conduct teaching and learning activities. So, the masks are very important for us. We thank Jamkrindo for this support,” Saleh said.