Fostering Harmony Through Places of Worship

In the diverse communities surrounding PT Mayawana Persada’s concession, places of worship serve as vital spaces for social solidarity, cultural identity, and communal gathering.

Petrus Litang, Assistant for Social, Security, and Licensing (SSL), describes religious engagement as a foundational "social fortress" for building authentic relationships with rural residents.

"Community dialogue is deeply rooted in faith, tradition, and local culture. By respecting and supporting local places of worship, we establish a foundation of trust that transcends operational boundaries," Litang explains.

Inclusive Support: From Belinsak to Bagan Kapas

This commitment is reflected in long-term community projects. In Belinsak hamlet, residents previously conducted weekly services inside a local school building. Support began in 2013 with songbooks and devotional materials, culminating in 2019 with the construction of a permanent church building as the congregation expanded.

Similarly in Bagan Kapas, field teams observed overcrowding during major holiday services. Following community proposals and site assessments, the company supported facility expansions to accommodate local worshippers comfortably.

Assistant CSR Manager Veronika Bella Cynthia emphasizes that religious CSR initiatives are strictly non-discriminatory and inclusive.

"Our concession borders diverse communities. Assistance is provided equally to Christian, Catholic, and Muslim congregations, from structural renovations like tiling and masonry to holiday contributions for Christmas, Ramadan, and Eid al-Adha," Bella notes.

A Shared Home: Youth Empowerment and Cultural Centers

Field teams view interfaith tolerance as an ongoing commitment to community harmony rather than a one-time donation. Litang compares corporate-community relations to maintaining a shared household.

"We view PT Mayawana Persada and the local community as a shared home. If there is a leak in the roof, we fix it together," he shares.

Looking ahead, the company plans to integrate faith-based support with youth empowerment centers (sanggar). These spaces will offer cultural workshops, educational activities, and micro-economic programs, ensuring that interfaith harmony drives long-term community development.