Sambu Group, a domestic investment company (PMDN), has been recognized as the top performer in the Riau Downstream Proposal Project Investment Challenge 2025. At the event held on June 14, 2025, Sambu Group proudly received awards in two categories: Best Domestic Investment Downstream Industry I and Best in Special Category: Product Diversification. The awards were presented directly by H. Helmi D., Head of the Riau Investment and One-Stop Integrated Services Department (DPM PTSP).
Initiated by the Riau DPM PTSP, the event saw participation from over 40 companies across Riau Province. The evaluation process spanned several stages, beginning in December 2024. In Phase I, each company submitted a presentation proposal detailing their investment projects and their ongoing, current, and future downstream programs. After evaluation by the judging panel, eight companies advanced to Phase II. This was followed by on-site assessments of the shortlisted companies. The final winners, deemed best, were then selected based on these field assessments.
The judging panel comprised various local government officials and academics, including representatives from DPM PTSP Riau, Bank Indonesia Riau Representative Office, Faculty of Economics and Business at Riau University, Riau Industry, Trade, and Cooperatives Office, Riau BAPPEDA, Riau Plantation Office, Riau Brida, and the Riau Forestry and Environmental Office.
The criteria for judging winners were comprehensive, including the quality of proposal writing, environmentally friendly production processes, product variety, technology used, commitment to developing partnerships with MSMEs, job creation, and overall benefits to the region and environment.
"We are very grateful for the recognition given to Sambu Group. Our long-standing coconut downstream program has received significant attention and appreciation from the government and stakeholders," said Dwianto Arif, Corporate Communication Manager, Sambu Group. "We are thankful that with so many evaluation criteria in this event, and participants from various excellent companies in Riau, we were chosen as the best."
Sambu Group was lauded for effectively implementing its coconut downstream program. Their investments have made tangible contributions to regional development, job creation, local economic growth, and environmental sustainability. Furthermore, Sambu Group was recognized for its clear roadmap for future investments, showcasing a concrete commitment to a sustainable coconut ecosystem.
In his remarks, H. Helmi D., Head of the Riau DPM PTSP, congratulated the winners and emphasized the Riau Provincial Government's strong commitment to supporting downstream programs. "Congratulations to all the winners! May this serve as an inspiration for other companies to invest and implement sustainable downstream programs," he stated. He added that Riau welcomes all investments and noted the successful development of downstream products from various plantations, including palm oil, coconut, sago, and others. "All of this will support regional economic growth, increase employment, and improve community welfare. Downstreaming provides tremendous added value to plantation products."
Sambu Group's achievement is a testament to the dedication of its entire management, employees, and workforce in implementing coconut derivative product downstreaming. "This award is also dedicated to the coconut farmers who provide the best coconuts for our products. The interdependence between the company and coconut farmers has forged a strong synergy for a sustainable coconut ecosystem," concluded Dwianto Arif.