Pertamina trains disabled people in Bitung to turn coconut waste into business

PT Pertamina Patra Niaga Regional Sulawesi is running the Pusat Ajar Disabilitas Unggul (PADU) program in Bitung, North Sulawesi, to train people with disabilities to turn coconut waste into handicrafts with economic value. The program, carried out through the Integrated Terminal Bitung with KALEB Community, began with a trainers of trainer session for tutors, followed by production practice involving deaf participants and people with physical disabilities. Materials used include coconut wood, coconut shells and coconut fiber. Roles are assigned based on skills and accessibility needs, including in marketing and product communication. The fostered group now uses about 20 kilograms of coconut waste per month, in line with demand, while introducing circular economy principles in community business.