Tanjung, S Kalimantan (ANTARA) - PT Adaro Indonesia keeps striving to improve the welfare of the community by helping to explore the various potentials of its fostered villages while maintaining local wisdom and culture.
One of which is by collaborating the potentials of culture, crafts, agriculture, and other economic potentials that are put together through Racah Mampulang Cultural Market.
The cultural market was a collaboration between PT Adaro Indonesia and the Balida Village Government, started through the 2018 BUMDes (village-owned enterprise) Camp activity then strengthened by 2019 BUMDes Berani School to continue to this day.
The idea in developing the activity came from the village's chief initiative to collaborate with farmers, MSMEs, and to empower women in the village.
Through this idea, the Racah Mampulang Cultural Market was realized completely, not only presenting traditional art performance, but local food preparation, MSME products, and natural products as well.
Through these activities, PT Adaro succeeded in empowering 54 residents to partner with 12 local MSMEs and engaging 37 artists in each activity.
Balida village Chief Syahridin said that the village has a lot of potentials to improve the welfare of the community if it is worked optimally.
"We have a lot of potentials that can be developed, such as art and traditional culinary, because many women in the village can cook ancient cuisine," said Syahridin.
According to him, the market turnover may not be much for the village, but the extraordinary empowerment can be realized.
"We can empower the community's potential in developing the cultural market and it certainly can improve the people's economy," he said.
Read also: PT Adaro hands over emergency ventilator for Tabalong
Read also: Adaro begins to vaccinate 2,194 employees
Unfortunately, the activities of the cultural market have been temporarily suspended due to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the residents did not want to just give up, after what they have done and fought for.
People were determined to continue to seek efforts to be able to rise and develop against COVID-19, in accordance with the current technological development.
"We will continue to work, maintaining the culture that is now being eroded by modernization, along with efforts to revive the local economy and potential," he said.
Read also: Acting governor visits HSU's tourist village
