PT Dairi Prima Mineral Strengthens Community Economy Through Craft and UMKM Training

SIDIKALANG | INDATANEWS.COM - PT Dairi Prima Mineral (PT DPM) has once again reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening the economic independence of communities surrounding its mining area through the Community Development and Empowerment Program (Program Pengembangan dan Pemberdayaan Masyarakat/PPM). The company has implemented two new training programs, namely woodcraft training and training on the production of chips and various traditional pastries for women's groups, aimed at creating sustainable business opportunities.

PT DPM carried out these programs based on a needs assessment conducted by the company's Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) team. Through this analysis, the company develops programs that are aligned with local economic potential, enabling communities to improve their skills according to market demands and produce products with economic value.

Training Programs Tailored to Community Needs

The woodcraft training was held on July 23, 2026, involving 12 participants from four villages surrounding the mining area, namely Tungtung Batu, Polling Anak-Anak, Longkotan, and Bongkaras. Most participants already had basic experience in carpentry and house construction. Therefore, the training focused on improving their technical skills while expanding their entrepreneurial knowledge.

In addition, PT DPM organized training on chip and pastry production from July 27 to 28, 2026. The program was attended by around 26 women from communities located within the company's operational area. During the implementation, PT DPM collaborated with instructors who are partners of the Dairi Regency Government's Industry, Trade, Cooperatives, and Small and Medium Enterprises (UKM) Office to provide participants with practical skills.

Through this training, participants learned production techniques for cassava chips, banana chips, cakes, brownies, and tape cakes. The company hopes these skills can become a foundation for women's groups to establish home-based businesses in the Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (UMKM) sector while increasing family income.

PT DPM not only provided theoretical knowledge but also involved local entrepreneurs with practical experience, allowing participants to gain directly applicable knowledge.

For the woodcraft training, PT DPM collaborated with Dalihan Natolu Furniture in Parongil, operated by PT Karya Total Mandiri. The company provided Dayan as an instructor, sharing his experience in the local furniture industry, ranging from basic craftsmanship techniques to strategies for building stable and growing businesses.

During the training, participants learned various topics, including identifying business opportunities, operating manual and electric tools, understanding different wood characteristics, and producing various furniture products. They were also introduced to the manufacturing of chairs, tables, cabinets, door and window frames, roofing structures, and other woodcraft products.

Meanwhile, women's groups received training on production techniques for processed food products with high market value. Participants not only practiced making various products but also learned about quality standards to ensure their products remain competitive in the market.

These activities represent the first step in the development program for business groups supported by PT DPM. In addition to improving technical capabilities, the training also provides a platform for knowledge exchange between community members and local entrepreneurs who have successfully developed their businesses.

Participants Gain Business Strategy Knowledge

PT DPM complemented the training programs with business development materials, ensuring participants not only understand production processes but also gain knowledge of professional business management.

The materials provided included marketing strategies, market potential analysis, and business management. Through this support, the company hopes that supported business groups will be able to develop their enterprises independently, competitively, and sustainably.

Chief Legal and External Relations of PT Dairi Prima Mineral, Radianto Arifin, stated that the program represents a concrete form of the company's commitment to improving the welfare of communities around its operational area.

"This CSR program innovation is provided so that communities can acquire practical skills with economic value. We hope the woodcraft and pastry production training will open new business opportunities and eventually become sustainable sources of income for families," Radianto said.

Radianto assessed that community enthusiasm during the training sessions was very high. In his view, direct interaction with local entrepreneurs provided participants with additional motivation and inspiration to seriously develop their businesses.

"We see very high enthusiasm from the participants. Through this training, a space has been created for knowledge sharing with local entrepreneurs. We hope community skills will continue to improve so they can produce value-added and highly competitive products, thereby encouraging economic independence," Radianto added.

Participants Experience Benefits of Training Programs

Participants of the training programs expressed their appreciation for the empowerment initiatives conducted by PT DPM. They considered the programs valuable opportunities to gain new knowledge and develop business opportunities in their respective communities.

Sahmin Bako, a woodcraft training participant from Sopokomil Hamlet, said he gained many new experiences during the training.

"Previously, we only relied on basic skills. Through this training, we gained many new insights, exchanged experiences with successful entrepreneurs, and received additional motivation to continue developing the craft business in our community," Sahmin said.

A similar opinion was expressed by Vivi Aprianti, a participant in the pastry production training from Tungtung Batu Village. She said the program provided significant benefits, particularly for women's groups seeking to start home-based businesses.

"We now have new skills to build a home business and increase family income. Thank you to PT DPM for providing an empowerment program that truly meets the needs of the community," Vivi said.

Through various empowerment programs, PT DPM continues to strengthen its role in improving the skills and capacities of communities surrounding the mining area. The company hopes the acquired competencies can be developed into productive business activities that create new employment opportunities, improve family welfare, and sustainably strengthen the local economy. (IDNC)

REPORTER: Budi Hermansyah | EDITOR: Fik Sagala

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