Food security and farmer welfare are two crucial aspects of economic and social development in Indonesia, especially in regions with significant agricultural potential like Maluku. Achieving these aspects requires solid collaboration between various parties, both government and private. In this context, PT Ekosistim Bumi Lestari (KOBUMI) and Perum Bulog Maluku-Maluku Utara have taken significant steps by establishing a partnership aimed at strengthening logistics distribution and supporting food security in the Maluku Province.
On Thursday, July 11, 2024, in Ambon, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between KOBUMI and Bulog Maluku-Maluku Utara. This MoU marks the beginning of synergy between two institutions with aligned visions and missions in supporting farmer welfare and food security in Eastern Indonesia, particularly in Maluku. KOBUMI, acting as an off-taker in the agricultural business, collaborates with farmers who produce various superior commodities such as nutmeg, cloves, and cocoa. The membership of farmers in KOBUMI through cooperative members creates a business mechanism that supports the independence of local communities.
Developed by the EcoNusa Foundation, KOBUMI is strongly committed to improving farmer welfare and food security in Maluku and Papua. Through an innovative business model, KOBUMI focuses not only on commodity production but also on creating a sustainable economic cycle. Etik Mei Wati, Director of PT KOBUMI, explained that this business model is designed to support farmer welfare in a holistic manner.
In this scheme, farmers not only get a place to store their produce but also access to basic goods at affordable prices. This creates a beneficial cycle where farmers can sell their harvests, earn income, and buy basic needs without leaving their communities.
“EcoNusa-assisted farmers store their produce in KOBUMI warehouses. When they return to the warehouse, they can purchase basic goods, creating a good and mutually beneficial supply chain cycle. The warehouse also provides sorting and daily freelance workers, who also become consumers of Bulog’s rice and sugar,” said Etik.
On the other hand, Bulog sees the collaboration with KOBUMI as an opportunity to expand the market for local commodities such as cloves. Mara Kamin Siregar, Head of Bulog Maluku-Maluku Utara Division, stated that this cooperation opens new opportunities for Bulog in seeking markets for commodities produced by local farmers.
“Collaboration with KOBUMI opens new opportunities for Bulog in seeking markets for commodities like cloves, which will certainly benefit all parties,” said Mara.
With Bulog’s distribution network, commodities such as cloves produced by farmers in Maluku can reach wider markets, both nationally and internationally. This not only increases farmers’ income but also strengthens the position of local commodities in the global market.
Established in June 2022, PT Ekosistim Bumi Lestari (KOBUMI) aims to create a sustainable business for the commodities and unique products of Eastern Indonesia. With the tagline “Finest Goods of The Eastern Paradise,” KOBUMI is committed to enhancing the competitiveness of commodities while improving the welfare of indigenous and local communities. KOBUMI believes that the superior commodities in Eastern Indonesia can only thrive optimally in the hands of empowered local communities.
KOBUMI implements various programs aimed at empowering local farmers and increasing their capacity to manage agricultural enterprises. These programs include training in sustainable agricultural techniques, business management, and market access. Thus, farmers not only become producers but also entrepreneurs capable of managing their businesses independently.
The collaboration between KOBUMI and Bulog is expected to serve as a model for mutually beneficial and sustainable business models, supporting food security and community welfare in Maluku. Some positive impacts of this collaboration include:
- Strengthening Supply Chains: This partnership will streamline and enhance the efficiency of the supply chain from farmers to end consumers, reducing logistics costs and increasing farmers’ profits.
- Wider Market Access: Through Bulog’s distribution network, local commodities such as cloves can reach broader markets, both nationally and internationally, increasing farmers’ income and strengthening the position of local commodities in the global market.
- Improving Farmer Welfare: With a sustainable business model, farmers not only gain income from their harvests but also access basic goods at affordable prices, enhancing their welfare and creating a positive economic cycle in local communities.
- Supporting Food Security: This collaboration will strengthen the distribution of staple goods in Maluku, supporting food security in the region. With KOBUMI’s warehouses, farmers have a secure place to store their harvests, while Bulog can ensure a stable supply of staple goods in the market.
The collaboration between KOBUMI and Bulog Maluku-Maluku Utara is a strategic step in strengthening food security and improving farmer welfare in Maluku. With the synergy established, it is hoped that a sustainable and mutually beneficial business model will be created for all parties involved. The success of this collaboration can also inspire other regions in Indonesia to develop similar cooperation models for the advancement of the agricultural sector and the welfare of local communities.
