MEKAR Supports Simultaneous Corn Planting in West Sumatra, Reviving 30-Year Idle Land into Productive Farmland

Padang Pariaman, March 7, 2026 – The Simultaneous Corn Planting Program for the first quarter of 2026, initiated by the West Sumatra Regional Police, was held at the Paten Mekar Tani Farm Post in Tapakis, Ulakan Tapakis District, Padang Pariaman Regency.

The initiative was supported by MEKAR in collaboration with Paten Mekar Tani as part of a concrete contribution to strengthening national food security.

This program is part of a nationwide initiative led by the Indonesian National Police (Mabes Polri), implemented simultaneously across various regions in Indonesia.

The event was attended by representatives of the Governor of West Sumatra, West Sumatra Police Chief Inspector General Gatot Tri Suryanta and his team, Padang Pariaman Regent John Kenedy Azis, members of the Regional Leadership Coordination Forum (Forkopimda), relevant institutions, as well as local farmers and communities.

MEKAR’s Chief Executive Officer, Pandu Aditya Kristy, stated that MEKAR’s involvement alongside Paten Mekar Tani reflects the company’s commitment to strengthening the agricultural sector and supporting national food security.

“Food security is one of the key foundations of a nation’s strength and independence. Through collaboration between government, law enforcement, businesses, and communities, we can collectively strengthen the agricultural sector and improve community welfare,” said Pandu.

He also highlighted that the land used for corn planting had previously been abandoned for decades.

“This land had been idle for more than 30 years, covered with shrubs and unproductive. Through collective efforts, it is now being revived into productive farmland that is expected to generate economic benefits for the local community,” he added.

According to him, agricultural development should not only focus on increasing production but also consider social and environmental impacts.

“We aim to improve community welfare, especially for farmers, while ensuring that agricultural development remains environmentally sustainable,” he explained.

Previously known for supporting MSMEs, particularly women-led businesses, MEKAR is now expanding its contribution to the agricultural sector, recognizing its strategic role in supporting national food security.

Through Paten Mekar Tani, MEKAR continues to develop initiatives that optimize agricultural potential while driving real-sector economic growth, creating job opportunities, and increasing employment absorption in local communities.

This effort is further strengthened through the development of the MEKAR Ecosystem, which connects various stakeholders to support and enhance growth across sectors, including agriculture

“Going forward, we aim not only to increase agricultural production but also to build a sustainable economic ecosystem where all parties can support and strengthen one another,” Pandu concluded.

Through these initiatives, MEKAR hopes that the agricultural sector will continue to grow as a key pillar in strengthening food security and improving community welfare across Indonesia.