The Luwu Regency Government, in collaboration with PT Masmindo Dwi Area (MDA), officially handed over a patchouli processing facility to the Koperasi Produsen Hasil Tani Masyarakat (Community Agricultural Producers Cooperative) in Bonelemo Village. This initiative forms part of a collaborative program between the regional government and the company to support local economic development through strengthening businesses based on regional potential. The handover ceremony was attended by the Head of the Office of Cooperatives, Small and Medium Enterprises, and Industry, Rahimullah; the Head of the Village Community Empowerment Office of Luwu Regency, Kasmaruddin; Working Group Secretary Zulkarnaim; West Bajo Subdistrict Head Imran Salang; representatives of the village government; cooperative management; and members of the local community. The handover marks the commencement of the cooperative’s management of the patchouli processing facility, which had been gradually developed and prepared since 2023. The facility is part of a broader patchouli business development initiative designed to be directly managed by the community through a cooperative institutional framework. In a separate statement, MDA’s Head of Mining Engineering, Mustafa Ibrahim, emphasized that MDA’s contribution extends beyond constructing physical infrastructure to establishing a comprehensive business ecosystem. The development program includes farmer assistance at the cultivation level, strengthening the cooperative as the facility operator, and preparing production management systems to ensure sustainable operations and added value generation. The facilities handed over include a raw material warehouse, a drying area, and a distillation unit, all designed to enhance the value of locally produced patchouli. The cooperative operates the facility with ongoing mentoring support to ensure stable and effective management. During Phase I of the program (2023–2025), MDA focused on establishing and strengthening the Community Agricultural Producers Cooperative. The cooperative has obtained legal status and is managed by community representatives from several villages within the program area. Cooperative administrators received foundational mentoring in organizational management, financial management, and business planning, preparing them to serve as the primary managers of the patchouli processing facility.Upstream, patchouli farmers were provided with training on demonstration plot (demplot) development and the implementation of Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) to improve productivity and product quality. Downstream, the processed output has secured buyers and clear market access, ensuring that the business operates within an integrated value chain. Through cooperative-based patchouli enterprise development, community members are positioned not merely as program beneficiaries but as active business actors. The initiative creates employment and business opportunities in both cultivation and processing sectors, thereby strengthening the local economy beyond reliance on formal employment within the company. Bonelemo Village Head, Baso, noted that the approach provides clarity and sustainability for the community, as the development is implemented comprehensively. “What we see is not merely the construction of a facility, but the preparation of a management system. Farmers are guided, the cooperative is given a clear role, and patchouli products have established processing and market channels,” he stated.With the official handover comple﻿ted, cooperative management of the patchouli enterprise will extend beyond the transfer of facilities. Phase II of the Patchouli Development Program, planned to commence in 2026, will focus on strengthening cooperative business management, enhancing farmers’ cultivation and post-harvest capacities, and developing nurseries and advanced demonstration plots.

Masmindo on News

Luwu Regency Government and Masmindo Dwi Area Hand Over Patchouli Processing Facility: Strengthening Community Enterprises and Employment Opportunities

Makassar, 6 February 2026 – PT Masmindo Dwi Area (MDA) attended the Working Visit invitation of Committee II of the Regional Representative Council of the Republic of Indonesia (DPD RI), held at the DPD RI Representative Office of South Sulawesi Province. The activity was conducted as part of a regional dialogue and advocacy effort concerning policy preparations for risk prevention and regional protection during the pre-mining stage. The working visit served as a forum for dialogue between Committee II of the DPD RI, regional governments, business actors, and other stakeholders to ensure that strategic investment activities can proceed in a measured manner, aligned with regional conditions and characteristics, while continuing to prioritize the interests of the community and the environment. The forum was also attended by representatives of the Luwu Regency Government, the South Sulawesi Regional Police, the Luwu Resort Police, the Ministry of Environment, the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM), the Ministry of Agrarian Affairs and Spatial Planning, village heads, as well as several community leaders from MDA’s operational area. During the session, Committee II of the DPD RI expressed its understanding of the challenges faced by the region, particularly areas with fragmented geographical conditions and disaster-prone vulnerabilities. Therefore, the acceleration of investment is considered necessary to be accompanied by strengthened risk mitigation from the planning stage, so that potential issues can be anticipated early and do not hinder development in the future.The Chair of Committee II of the DPD RI, A.A. Waris Halid, stated that the working visit was part of the DPD RI’s advocacy function to promote a conducive investment climate while ensuring the protection of regional and community interests. “We encourage investment processes to run smoothly while maintaining strong attention to risk mitigation, environmental protection, and the social interests of the community. Early-stage dialogue is essential to ensure that all parties share the same understanding,” he said. In response, Erlangga Gaffar, representing the management of PT Masmindo Dwi Area, expressed appreciation for the attention and support of Committee II of the DPD RI. He emphasized that MDA’s participation in the activity reflects the company’s commitment to continuously fostering open dialogue and collaboration with all stakeholders.“MDA highly appreciates and respects the role of the DPD RI in safeguarding regional interests. For us, investment is a long-term process that must align with applicable regulations while taking into account the needs and aspirations of stakeholders. An early mitigation approach is a key element in ensuring the sustainability of our operations,” he explained. During the discussion, Committee II of the DPD RI also highlighted the importance of cross-ministerial coordination, collaboration with regional governments, and engagement with business actors to anticipate various strategic issues, including spatial planning, environmental management, social matters, and local employment. This approach is expected to maintain investment continuity while maximizing benefits for the region.

MDA Attends Working Visit of Committee II of the DPD RI Regarding Pre-Mining Preparations in South Sulawesi

The Awak Mas Gold Project covers an area of 14,390 hectares, located in the Luwu Regency, of South Sulawesi, Indonesia.

Management is currently reviewing and optimizing the Project development strategy, and when it is final the Company plans to enter into construction.

Awak Mas Gold Project

The mining license is situated in land classified as Area Penggunaan Lain (APL) (land for other uses), a non-protected forest area. The Project has received regulatory approvals for both the AMDAL, Feasibility Study allowing the Company to enter into construction and operations.

Raising up with the communities

Awak Mas Gold Project

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