The project provides financial literacy and access to affordable daily goods, helping to foster a self-reliant and prosperous community in Southwest Papua.
Socioeconomic challenge
Remote locations and poor access pose significant economic challenges for the Kais & Metamani district in Southwest Papua. High prices of daily necessities, limited financial service facilities and a lack of financial literacy make it difficult for locals to save and manage their earnings.
Purpose and strategy
Recognising these challenges, ANJ launched the Koperasi Simpan (Savings Cooperative) initiative to address financial exclusion and empower employees and local communities through economic growth, financial access and self-reliance.
The cooperative's purpose is to improve community welfare, aligning with its operations in Southwest Papua. In addition to money transfers and savings accounts, the cooperative's other services include convenience stores that make daily necessities more affordable. These stores allow locals to reduce reliance on expensive "Jolor" stores. Opening a convenience store (Toserba) through the cooperative also ensures that locals can purchase basic necessities at fair prices. The programme aligns with the company’s commitment to Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) principles and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 1 (No Poverty), SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).
Impact and innovation
Through partnerships with Bank BRI and other stakeholders, ANJ has streamlined the financial services available to the community, allowing for seamless savings and money transfer services. Many locals now regularly set aside part of their income. By 2023, the community's overall savings had significantly increased, reflecting a growing understanding of financial management and future planning.
In 2023, saving cooperatives made more than USD 2.1 million in transfer transactions and facilitated more than 10,000 beneficiaries.
This activity has reduced more than USD 84,000 in community spending from direct fee transactions compared to the traditional method. The convenience stores have also reduced their spending for basic needs by up to 17%. The cooperative reinvests profits to support further community development, ensuring that the programme remains sustainable in the long term. Overall, Koperasi Simpan has profoundly impacted the Kais & Metamani community, improving financial literacy and economic well-being and helping workers and locals make more informed decisions about their money. This approach has helped to foster a more self-reliant and prosperous community.
Future outlook
Looking ahead, ANJ plans to expand the Koperasi Simpan initiative, increasing access to financial services and goods across more communities in Southwest Papua. The company is exploring opportunities to collaborate with the local government for access to finance to support community business development further, aiming to strengthen the role of cooperatives as engines of sustainable economic growth.
The long-term vision is to build a self-reliant, financially literate community that thrives while preserving the natural environment. By continuing to invest in financial inclusion and community development, ANJ hopes to create lasting, positive change in the region.
PT Austindo Nusantara Jaya Tbk. (ANJ) is an Indonesian agribusiness company committed to improving community welfare and environmental sustainability. Through initiatives like Koperasi Simpan, ANJ works to foster economic growth and social progress in remote communities, aligning its operations with ESG principles and global sustainability goals.
