Dompu, March 10, 2025 — PT Sumbawa Timur Mining’s (STM) organic farming program not only contributes to sustainable and eco-friendly agriculture but has also successfully increased the harvest yields of its participating farmers. Some farmers reported yield increases of 25% to 100%, along with improved product quality. This growth has been achieved through STM’s intensive mentoring, which covers organic farming techniques, group management, and marketing strategies.
Organic farming is a cultivation system that focuses on using natural materials without synthetic chemicals such as artificial fertilizers, pesticides, growth hormones, or genetically modified organisms. The primary goal of organic farming is to maintain ecosystem balance, improve soil quality, and produce healthy, environmentally friendly products. STM’s organic farming program has been running since 2017 and currently has 96 members across seven villages in Hu’u District, Dompu Regency, West Nusa Tenggara Province.
One of STM’s mentored farmers from Cempi Jaya Village, Muhtar, shared that organic farming has significantly increased his long bean harvest per growing season. “With organic farming, I can harvest long beans up to 15 times per season, whereas with chemical fertilizers, I could only harvest around seven times. Now, I can earn a higher profit,” said Muhtar, who farms in Sigi Hamlet.
A similar experience was shared by Yasin, an organic rice farmer from Daha Barat Hamlet, Daha Village. The Mentik Susu rice variety he cultivated using organic methods produced a higher yield. “Previously, I could only harvest 16 sacks of rice, but with organic farming, that number increased to 20 sacks. This has significantly boosted my income,” Yasin explained.
Organic agricultural products are in high demand in Hu’u District. In addition to being consumed by local residents, these products are also favored by international tourists. Astuti, an STM-mentored farmer from Ncangga Hamlet, Hu’u Village, recognized this opportunity and joined STM’s organic farming program in 2021. She now cultivates a variety of vegetables such as celery, lettuce, chili, and tomatoes, as well as fruits like bananas and papayas.
According to Astuti, international tourists prefer organic produce because it is richer in nutrients, free from chemicals, and environmentally friendly. They often seek out restaurants that use organic ingredients. “Alhamdulillah, we can supply organic vegetables to restaurants in Lakey Beach and nearby areas. Many international tourists even visit our farm to buy fresh vegetables and fruits directly,” she said.
Although STM-mentored farmers are now capable of independently practicing organic farming, the company, through its Community Development Team, continues to provide support to help them achieve even better results. For instance, on February 26–27, STM organized an organic farming workshop in collaboration with Yayasan Aliksa Organik Indonesia. The event was attended by 35 STM-mentored farmers and resulted in program recommendations for the future development of organic farming businesses.
Vovia Witni, from STM’s Community Development Team, emphasized the company’s commitment to creating tangible impacts through this eight-year-long program. “We actively communicate with our mentored farmers, gather their feedback, and continuously improve our organic farming program. We hope this initiative brings real benefits in supporting the community’s economic development,” she stated. She also mentioned that STM’s Community Development Team is open to collaborations with various stakeholders.
The Head of the Agricultural Extension Center (BPP) of Hu’u District, Adi Nuryadin, expressed appreciation for STM’s intensive organic farming program for local farmers. According to him, transitioning from conventional to organic farming offers numerous benefits—not only for farmers but also for consumers and the environment. Organic farming is healthier, more profitable, and more sustainable due to its eco-friendly approach.
Adi also pointed out that chemical-dependent farming gradually reduces production yields and accelerates the growth of crop pests and diseases. “Excessive use of chemicals depletes the soil’s nutrients, disrupting environmental balance. It’s not surprising that this can also lead to health issues among the local population,” he explained.
Furthermore, Adi stated that the Agricultural and Plantation Office of Dompu Regency is ready to strengthen its collaboration with STM in developing organic farming and improving local food security. “We are fully prepared to enhance our partnership in creating healthier, more environmentally friendly, and sustainable agriculture that will ultimately generate economic benefits for farmers,” he concluded.
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About PT Sumbawa Timur Mining
PT Sumbawa Timur Mining (STM) is a joint venture between Eastern Star Resources Pty Ltd (80%), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Vale Base Metals, and PT Aneka Tambang Tbk (20%). STM owns the Hu’u Project, a copper exploration project operating under the 7th Generation Mineral Contract of Work (CoW) in Hu’u District, Dompu Regency, West Nusa Tenggara Province, Indonesia.
The CoW also holds geothermal resources. To explore this potential, the company has completed the Preliminary Survey and Geothermal Exploration Assignment. The CoW area spans 19,260 hectares across Dompu and Bima Regency. STM is continuing its journey to achieve its vision of becoming a world-class copper mining operation supported by renewable energy.
For further information, please contact STM Communications Team.
