Simalungun, 1st July 2021 - Today, PT Suri Tani Pemuka (STP), a subsidiary of PT Japfa Comfeed Indonesia Tbk (JAPFA), inaugurated one of its CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) programs, namely the Toba Tilapia Micro, Small, Medium Enterprises (MSME) Development Program. The Toba Tilapia MSME Development Program is a form of STP's support for the tourism development in the Lake Toba area. The inauguration was marked by a ribbon cutting in the yard of Kedai Kopi Bintang Rizki - Tigaras by the Deputy Regent of Simalungun, H. Zonny Waldi and accompanied by Imam Santoso, Deputy Head of Tilapia Operation, STP.

Deputy Regent of Simalungun, H. Zonny Waldi said, "In realizing the acceleration of the Lake Toba development as a Super Priority Tourism Destination (DPSP), a strong synergy is needed between the government, business actors, and the community to be able to move forward together hand in hand. I appreciate STP's real action in supporting the successful development of Lake Toba tourism, also helping and assisting local communities to become the main actors in the revival of Lake Toba tourism. STP does not only carry out physical development, but also provides assistance for the development of the quality of its human resources. This is what we really hope for from companies operating around Lake Toba, to be able to provide as many benefits as possible for the welfare of the local citizen in Toba Lake area.”

The Toba Tilapia MSME Development Program is a sustainable social responsibility program that consists of a series of activities, ranging from improving the quality of shop cleanliness, coaching to supervision. The coaching includes training on hygiene to improve the cleanliness of the shop environment and the quality of cleanliness from the food and drinks served.

"With the establishment of Lake Toba as a Super Priority Tourism Destination, we need the support and synergy of all parties so that the target of Lake Toba to become a world-class tourism destination can be achieved immediately. Therefore, we are committed to helping the people of the Lake Toba area to prepare themselves as well as possible, especially in providing hygienic food and drinks, which are very much needed by tourists, both domestic and abroad when they visit Lake Toba.” said Imam Santoso, Deputy Head of Tilapia Operation, STP.

Currently, STP is starting the program around the company's operational area , which is Simalungun and starting from the Tigaras Port area with 3 shops that are pilot projects, namely the Kedai Kopi Bintang Rizki, Kedai Makan Sabila, and Kedai Makan Sangga Boi. Furthermore, STP will monitor and evaluate this program to continue to be developed and refined for the next stage of implementation.

Imam added, "We hope that these three MSME can be a start as an example for other MSME that we will develop next. Through the coaching, we hope that MSME owners will apply how to serve hygienic food & drinks from Lake Toba, so that tourists don't hesitate to eat food and drinks at the shop."

“Our shop, which has been around for more than seven years, is now more suitable and comfortable for visitors. We also received coaching in order to improve cleanliness in our shop. Through the Toba Tilapia-assisted MSME program, we hope that local culinary MSME like us can be a part and enjoy the success of the Lake Toba tourism development program," said Mak Nisa, owner of Kedai Kopi Bintang Rizki.

“STP has become part of Lake Toba, and continues to strive to provide the widest possible benefits to the surrounding community. Through the Toba Tilapia MSME Development Program, we help and assist local communities to become the main actors in realizing Lake Toba as a world class tourist destination," concluded Imam.