Batang Toru, June 10, 2025 — A total of 23 top participants from Batang Toru and Muara Batang Toru, South Tapanuli, showcased their creativity in the Martabe Food Court Cooking Competition held by PT Agincourt Resources on Monday (June 2, 2025). The competition offered total prizes of IDR 22.5 million as well as the opportunity to become stall operators and head chefs at the culinary center that is soon to be developed. This initiative was well received by the South Tapanuli Regency Government, as it is considered to encourage economic self-sufficiency among local communities.
General Manager Operations & Deputy Director Operations of PT Agincourt Resources, Rahmat Lubis, emphasized that PTAR aims to create an independent and sustainable business model, in line with the spirit of Living in Harmony, which balances the company’s operations with social development within the community.
“We are committed to building a sustainable business model that can be passed down, independently managed, and deliver meaningful impact to the community. This initiative is intended to serve as a platform for the growth and development of local entrepreneurs,” he said.
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In 2024, PTAR recorded partnerships with 56 local businesses from South Tapanuli, with total transactions reaching USD 9.2 million. Programs such as the cooking competition and air conditioning technician training are concrete examples of how PT Agincourt Resources (PTAR), operator of the Martabe Gold Mine, has been able to foster the growth of new entrepreneurs beyond the mining sector.
Head of the South Tapanuli Industry Office, Zulfahmi, stated that the Martabe Food Court Cooking Competition could strengthen the competitiveness of local UMKM (Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises) by enhancing the capacity of business actors. Meanwhile, Head of the South Tapanuli Trade and Cooperatives and UKM (Small and Medium Enterprises) Office, Novita Sari Wahyuni, expressed hope that the participants would share their knowledge with the surrounding community.
“Imagine if these local chefs could train members of PKK (Family Welfare Empowerment) community group, young women, or other UMKM actors. The impact would be tremendous,” said Novita.
The first-place winner in the Chef category, who is also a resident of Aek Pining Village, Adrian Saputra, said this competition is an important leap for local culinary entrepreneurs to continue learning.
“Thank you to PTAR for this opportunity. Hopefully, events like this will be held more often so that more UMKM can grow,” he said.
As the winner, Adrian will become the head chef at the Main Kitchen of Martabe Food Court, while the first to third place winners in the Dessert and Snack categories will operate stalls in the culinary area.
Vocational Training for Young Workforce
Alongside strengthening the culinary sector, PTAR also organizes vocational training in collaboration with Medan Vocational Training and Productivity Center (BBPVP).
Senior Community Manager of PT Agincourt Resources, Christine Pepah, explained that 32 participants from 15 villages surrounding the mine in Batang Toru and Muara Batang Toru districts have been attending training on household electrical installation and air conditioning (AC) maintenance in Medan from April 21 to May 23, 2025, including competency tests from the National Professional Certification Agency (BNSP) to ensure the quality of graduates.
“This training is part of our broader strategy to develop a skilled younger workforce equipped to compete in the job market. Our objective is not only to prepare them for employment but also to empower them to become entrepreneurs who generate new job opportunities for others,” she said.
The Head of BBPVP Medan, Faried Abdurahman Nur Yuliono, mentioned this program as a concrete example of collaboration between the industrial sector and the government in improving human resource quality.
“In addition to learning technical skills, participants are also equipped with soft skills and work ethics as preparation for entering the professional world,” he said.
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