Acting Governor of East Kalimantan, Akmal Malik, participated in planting cocoa seedlings at the OPD G5 Block 5-6 Site Binungan cocoa plantation of PT Berau Coal. Akmal emphasized that the planting marks the transformation of former mining land into areas for agriculture, fisheries, and livestock. He praised PT Berau Coal for their commitment to these sectors, highlighting that the company not only has its own factory but also exports its products outside of East Kalimantan.
Akmal planted the cocoa seedlings in the Kembang Mapan area, a former mining site prepared for food development. The entire Kembang Mapan area spans 709.9 hectares and is being used to support food security initiatives. The cocoa planted is a superior variety sourced from Jember, East Java. Akmal expressed hope that the 500,000 hectares of land returned by IUP holders can be collectively managed to bolster food security in East Kalimantan. He also commended Berau Coal’s collaborative approach with local communities in developing cocoa plantations, noting that their nucleus-plasma concept for cocoa could serve as a model for other regions.
