Transformasi Pendidikan Masyarakat Adat dan Daerah Terpencil Melalui Program Astra Cerdas di Wilayah Perkebunan Sawit

Ani Susanti (Universitas Tadulako)
Irwan Waris (Universitas Tadulako)

Jurnal Akademik Pengabdian Masyarakat
Vol. 4 No. 3 (2026): Mei

Disparities in educational quality and access in remote areas surrounding palm oil plantations present structural challenges that are often not fully addressed by conventional public services. The Astra Cerdas Program, an initiative under the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) framework of PT Astra Agro Lestari through PT Pasangkayu, serves as an alternative intervention to bridge this educational gap. This community service article aims to analyze and document the effectiveness of the Astra Cerdas program in enhancing educational capacity, particularly for the Suku Bunggu indigenous community in Martajaya Village, Pasangkayu Regency, West Sulawesi. This study employs a descriptive qualitative approach utilizing a program evaluation research design. Primary data were gathered through participant observation at coached schools and in-depth interviews with the CSR Manager of PT Pasangkayu, honorary teachers, Suku Bunggu traditional leaders, and representatives from the local Department of Education. Secondary data were sourced from CSR achievement reports, regional education profiles, and relevant literature.The results indicate that the Astra Cerdas Program provides a significant multidimensional contribution through various interventions. These include academic and inclusion scholarships, financial incentives for honorary teachers to address the acute shortage of educators, school infrastructure improvement, and non-formal functional literacy classes customized for the Suku Bunggu community. The success of this program is driven by the corporation's long-term social investment commitment and an adaptive, needs-based local approach. However, operational challenges such as geographical barriers, funding sustainability risks, and weak joint monitoring mechanisms with the local government still require resolution. A triple-helix collaboration among the corporation, government, and local community is recommended to ensure the sustainability of an inclusive educational ecosystem in plantation border areas.