The BUMILOKA program developed by BUMDes Sejahtera Bersama Makarti Jaya has once again received recognition. After receiving awards in different categories for two consecutive years at the TOP CSR Awards 2025 and 2026, Muhammad Zul Masrikail, Director of BUMDes Sejahtera Bersama Makarti Jaya, received the 2026 CSR & PDB Award in the Mitra Binaan – Local Hero category for his role in developing BUMILOKA, which received a score of 93.5 and an Excellent rating in the judging process.
The award received by Muhammad Zul Masrikail reflects the impact generated by BUMILOKA for the people of Makarti Jaya Village. Since its development began in October 2024 through August 2026, BUMILOKA recorded Rp4.5 billion in turnover, absorbing 50–70% of agricultural production from Makarti Jaya Village, and generated Rp792 million in net profit. Of this net profit, 28% contributed to Village Original Revenue (PADes), which was then used to support the development of business units and community social activities.
This impact is also reflected in various efforts to improve agricultural production efficiency. The use of Internet of Things (IoT) technology has helped reduce fertilizer use by up to 50% and land testing costs by 40%. Meanwhile, a drip emitter irrigation system has reduced water use by 20% per month and cut the time required for watering and nutrient application by up to 50%. BUMILOKA also makes use of idle land to develop new demonstration plots, while agricultural residues and waste are used to prepare new land for vegetable and fruit cultivation.
BUMILOKA, which stands for BUMDes Penggerak Motor Ekonomi Lokal (BUMDes as a Driver of the Local Economy), was developed in Makarti Jaya Village, Bahodopi District, Morowali Regency, Central Sulawesi. The program is part of PT Merdeka Tsingshan Indonesia (MTI)’s commitment to carrying out its Social and Environmental Responsibility (TJSL) initiatives in areas surrounding its operations. As the operator of the AIM Plant (Acid, Iron, Metal), part of PT Merdeka Battery Materials Tbk, MTI processes pyrite into various products at its facility located in the Indonesia Morowali Industrial Park (IMIP), Central Sulawesi.
Before BUMILOKA was developed, the activities of BUMDes Sejahtera Bersama Makarti Jaya remained limited. At the same time, local MSME production was still low. Only 10% of the village’s vegetable and fruit needs were met through local production, while the remaining 90% came from outside the area. This situation presented an opportunity for BUMILOKA to strengthen the role of BUMDes as a driver of the local economy and connect the village’s potential with economic needs in surrounding areas.
Under the leadership of Muhammad Zul Masrikail and with support from MTI’s partnership, BUMDes began developing business units, including BUMI DAYA, or Bumi Makarti Digdaya Agro Tani, which focuses on vegetable and fruit cultivation. The business unit was developed to strengthen the local food supply chain while creating opportunities for community members to participate in economic activities. Produce from BUMDes primarily supplies the catering needs of MTI employees, with the remainder sold to the local community.
BUMILOKA operates through a participatory, practice-based approach involving the village government, young people, farmer groups, working-age community members, and the industrial sector. In addition to developing businesses, the program also builds community capacity through direct mentoring. Muhammad Zul Masrikail shares his knowledge and experience, while the agricultural area and Pondok BUMI DAYA serve as spaces for learning and sharing experiences about agriculture, business management, and village economic opportunities. Young people and working-age community members are also involved in business management as part of regeneration efforts.
This role has made Muhammad Zul Masrikail not only a BUMDes manager, but also a figure who connects knowledge, local potential, and partnership opportunities to develop economic activities that can be managed by community members. For his role in developing BUMILOKA, he received the award on September 28, 2026, in Jakarta. The event was organized through a collaboration between the Ministry of Villages and Development of Disadvantaged Regions (Ministry of Villages and PDT) and the Indonesian Social Sustainability Forum (ISSF).
“BUMILOKA demonstrates that villages have great potential to grow and become self-reliant when they receive the right and continuous support,” said Muhammad Zul Masrikail. “This award is not only for me personally, but also for the entire Makarti Jaya community, who have worked together to advance the village. This achievement motivates us to continue strengthening the local economy and creating broader benefits.”
Meanwhile, Novaludin, Act Supervisor Community Relation MTI, said that the success of TJSL should be measured not only by the support provided, but also by the extent to which a program can create self-reliance and sustainability. “BUMILOKA demonstrates that collaboration among the community, BUMDes, the village government, and the company can create tangible social and economic impact.”
*
