PT Kudeungoe Sugata Secures Grant from TRANSFORM to Drive Sustainable Cocoa Innovation

This article adapted from:

• https://industri.kontan.co.id/news/transform-mengucurkan-hibah-rp-68-miliar-ke-tiga-start-up-indonesia 

• https://www.beritasatu.com/network/inisumedang/407348/kudeungoe-sugata-pemasok-biji-kakao-fermentasi-raih-pendanaan-hibah-untuk-perkuat-rantai-pasok-berkelanjutan 

In October 2024, PT Kudeungoe Sugata, a subsidiary of KOLTIVA that focused on sustainable agriculture solutions and inclusive supply chains, was selected as one of three Indonesian startups to receive an IDR 6.8 billion grant from TRANSFORM. This initiative is a collaboration between Unilever, the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), and Ernst & Young (EY), aimed at supporting businesses that offer innovative solutions to social and environmental challenges. 

Gde Sukardi, Head of Single Origin Sourcing at Sugata, emphasized Sugata's commitment to traceability, sustainability, and ethical trade.

Gde said, “The recognition from TRANSFORM highlights our team's dedication to transforming the cocoa industry through more sustainable practices and community empowerment. We believe that by strengthening local communities, we can build a more resilient and responsible supply chain. Our focus on both social and environmental impact ensures that sustainable agriculture is not just a goal but the driving force behind long-lasting change for the people and the planet.” 

With the support of TRANSFORM, PT Kudeungoe Sugata is committed to empowering producers and increasing transparency in agricultural supply chains. The grant will be used to develop and expand solutions that help smallholder producers improve productivity, ensure compliance with sustainability standards, and gain broader access to global markets. 

Vivi Yulaswati, Deputy for Maritime Affairs and Natural Resources at the Ministry of National Development Planning (Bappenas), stated that the SDGs Financing Hub – the National SDGs Secretariat – plays a crucial role in strengthening the sustainable investment ecosystem, including through the curation and development of impact-driven projects to achieve the SDGs in Indonesia.

She added, “TRANSFORM serves as a strategic partner in addressing environmental challenges, improving public access to quality healthcare services, and promoting inclusive economic growth.” 

Dominic Jermey, the British Ambassador to Indonesia and Timor-Leste, emphasized the importance of catalytic funding, such as that provided by the UK government through TRANSFORM, in helping early-stage startups innovate and overcome business development barriers. “Our goal is to find innovative solutions that positively impact global challenges and enhance their potential for further growth and investment,” said Dominic. 

As the company moves forward, it remains committed to enhancing producers' livelihoods while prioritizing environmental sustainability and ethical trade practices. 

Mirza, Sustainable Sourcing Lead Sumatera at Sugata, emphasized,

“By investing in our smallholder producers, particularly women and youth, we are not only fostering economic growth but also shaping a future where sustainable practices are the foundation of the industry. Our commitment to transforming agriculture into a low-carbon, inclusive model is at the heart of everything we do. This innovation within the cocoa industry is groundbreaking, and we are embracing the challenge because it will create lasting benefits for the communities we serve.” 

This grant marks a significant milestone in PT Kudeungoe Sugata’s journey to build a more sustainable and ethical cocoa supply chain in Indonesia.