Singapore – Olam Agri, a leading food, feed, and fibre agri-business, has launched SAHABAT, an initiative designed to reward rubber growers in Indonesia. SAHABAT, which means “Friend” in Bahasa Indonesia, aims to foster a more equitable, resilient, and sustainable rubber value chain. Implemented in collaboration with PT Rubber Jaya Lampung (RJL), the programme recognises and rewards growers twice a year for exceptional performance in the quality, consistency, and volume of natural rubber delivered. It builds on the strong success of a similar initiative rolled out by Olam Agri’s rubber business in Cote d’Ivoire in 2017, known as Gouassou.

The launch ceremony brought together more than 550 participants, including smallholder rubber growers, sub-agents, suppliers, Olam Agri partners, and local government officials. The Guest of Honour, Busyairi Aftoni, S.E., M.M., Head of Agribusiness Institutions and Extensions Division, Agriculture Department of Lampung Province, added that continuous support for farmers through the SAHABAT programme will enhance rubber productivity in Lampung, making it more competitive and sustainable.

As a gesture of immediate support for farmers, tapping tools and safety boots were distributed directly to smallholders to improve both productivity and personal safety in the field. Many attendees shared that this was “the first event of its kind in their lives,” and expressed renewed motivation and pride in remaining part of the rubber commodity sector.

Olam Agri also recognised its top nine suppliers for their dedication and achievements. Widiyanto received first place for exceptional reliability, commitment, and leadership in natural rubber production. The rewards presented — including one tricycle, two motorbikes, 17 smartphones, 1,600 tapping tools, and 1,600 pairs of safety boots — represent both appreciation and empowerment, supporting beneficiaries to strengthen their operations and improve their livelihoods.

“Every drop of effort from Indonesia’s rubber farmers and suppliers matters. Through SAHABAT, we celebrate their contributions and provide the support needed to strengthen the entire value chain. Together we are not only cultivating rubber, but we are also cultivating innovation, growth and a stronger future for Indonesia’s rubber sector,” said Gaurav Gupta, Vice President and Business Head for Rubber SEA, Olam Agri.

Eric Hadisurya, Owner of Rubber Jaya Lampung (RJL), said, “We are proud to stand alongside Olam Agri and our partners in celebrating the achievements of our suppliers and smallholders. Their hard work drives the success of Indonesia’s rubber industry, and SAHABAT gives us a meaningful way to give back to the community that sustains us.”

The loyalty programme forms part of Olam Agri’s partnership with Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) under the Sustainable Agriculture for Forest Ecosystems initiative, which promotes sustainable natural rubber production and improves international market access for rubber growers in Lampung. This collaboration reinforces Olam Agri’s vision of creating a future where every stakeholder, from smallholders to industrial partners, contributes actively to responsible and inclusive agriculture.

Indonesia is rapidly emerging as a strategic natural rubber producer, with Lampung standing out as a province of significant potential. The first edition of SAHABAT reflects a strong, collective commitment across the supply chain to support rubber growers and suppliers, recognise their vital contributions and build a more equitable and resilient sector,” said Robi Ramdani, Responsible Sourcing Supervisor, Olam Agri. 

About Olam Agri

Olam Agri is a market-leading, differentiated food, feed, and fibre agri-business with a global origination footprint, processing capabilities, and a deep understanding of market needs built over 35 years. With a strong presence in high-growth emerging markets and products across grains & oilseeds, wheat milling & pasta, rice, edible oils, specialty grains & seeds, animal feed & protein, cotton, wood products, rubber, sugar & bioenergy and risk management solutions, Olam Agri is at the heart of global food and agri-trade flows with 45.1 million MT in volume handled in 2024. Focused on transforming food, feed and fibre for a more sustainable future, it aims at creating value for customers, enable farming communities to prosper sustainably and strive for a food-secure future. Olam Agri Holdings Limited, which holds the Olam Agri business, is a 64.6% owned subsidiary of Olam Group. 35.4% of Olam Agri Holdings is owned by SALIC International Investment Company, a wholly owned subsidiary of Olam Agri’s strategic partner The Saudi Agricultural and Livestock Company.

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About Olam Group

Olam Group is a leading food and agri-business supplying food, ingredients, feed and fibre to 22,000 customers worldwide. Our value chain spans over 60 countries and includes farming, processing and distribution operations, as well as a global network of farmers. Through our purpose to ‘Re-imagine Global Agriculture and Food Systems’, Olam Group aims to address the many challenges involved in meeting the needs of a growing global population, while achieving positive impact for farming communities, our planet and all our stakeholders. Headquartered and listed in Singapore, Olam Group currently ranks among the top 30 largest primary listed companies in terms of market capitalisation on SGX-ST. Since June 2020, Olam Group has been included in the FTSE4Good Index Series, a global sustainable investment index series developed by FTSE Russell, following a rigorous assessment of Olam’s supply chain activities, impact on the environment and governance transparency.

More information on Olam can be found at www.olamgroup.com