Bank DBS Indonesia supports food security through urban farming initiative for vulnerable communities | Bahasa
Food security is no longer a future threat but a pressing crisis demanding immediate action. World Resources Institute data shows that around 800 million people worldwide still face hunger. Meanwhile, global food production still needs to be increased by 56 percent to feed the global population, which is expected to continue to grow until 2050. Findings of a survey by the Agricultural and Food Research Organisation (ORPP) of the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) show that 30-50 percent of food produced globally is lost or wasted before reaching consumers.
President Director of PT Bank DBS Indonesia Lim Chu Chong said, “Food security is a vital foundation for the sustainability of a nation because it ensures that people have access to sufficient, nutritious, safe, and affordable food. Through our urban farming initiative, we are not only striving to provide healthy and sustainable food sources but also empowering vulnerable communities to gain skills, independence, and economic opportunities. We believe that collaboration and innovation at the community level can be a real solution to deal with future food challenges.”
As a bank with aspirations to become the Best Bank for a Better World, Bank DBS Indonesia believes that every individual, including employees, has an important role to play in creating a positive impact on the environment and vulnerable communities. Bank DBS Indonesia employees, through the employee volunteering movement People of Purpose (PoP), are actively involved in gardening activities at the FoodCycle Farm managed by FoodCycle Indonesia in Cisauk, Tangerang. This is part of Bank DBS Indonesia's third sustainability pillar, Impact Beyond Banking, which creates a positive impact beyond banking. Through urban farming activities, employees actively participate in harvesting, planting, and processing organic waste into compost through a circular food system approach to support efforts to achieve zero food waste.
The following are the gardening activities at FoodCycle Farm in detail:
Harvesting vegetables and garden produce such as lettuce, mustard greens, water spinach, etc.
Cleaning and packing fresh produce before sorting and distribution to vulnerable communities around the farm.
Planting vegetable seeds such as lettuce, chili peppers, eggplants, and multiple types of herbs.
Preparing and fertilising raised garden beds (planting beds).
Composting garden waste (such as pineapple peel waste).
Converting agricultural waste into feed for maggots produced by black soldier flies (BSF). The maggots will be processed into high-protein livestock feed.
Processing organic waste and harvesting fermented enzymes.
FoodCycle Indonesia Founder Herman Andryanto said, “We are delighted to be collaborating with Bank DBS Indonesia that not only supports the FoodCycle Farm programme but also involves its employees. This collaboration is a tangible manifestation of our commitment to reducing food waste, creating sustainable food sources, and empowering communities to work together to protect the environment and ensure food security in Indonesia.”
On top of that, 450.7 kg of chili peppers, lettuce, kale, and pumpkin harvested from this activity were then distributed to the Maktabul Aitam Orphanage Foundation, a social institution supported by FoodCycle Indonesia that provides care, education, and guidance for orphans and underprivileged children. This distribution process is part of the holistic efforts of Bank DBS Indonesia and FoodCycle Indonesia to ensure that agricultural produce directly benefits those in need.
Bank DBS Indonesia and FoodCycle Indonesia collaborate to create a food ecosystem
Bank DBS Indonesia, together with the DBS Foundation, has continued to contribute to national food security efforts over the past few years. In collaboration with FoodCycle Indonesia, Bank DBS Indonesia has initiated multiple programmes that help reduce food waste while improving access to nutritious food for vulnerable communities. Started as the Food Rescue Warrior programme in 2024, it has now expanded into several programmes that have a real impact on vulnerable communities:
Food Rescue Warrior – F&B businesses collect surplus food from restaurants, hotels, bakeries, retailers, and FMCG companies, to be sorted and then distributed to those in need. As of July 2025, the programme has distributed 326,905 kg of food to vulnerable communities such as orphanages.
FoodCycle Farm – a one-stop solution to empower communities through vegetable farming, organic compost management, and catfish farming, utilising a circular food system approach. Currently, there are four urban farming locations (Cibubur, Jatiasih, Tanjung Barat, and Cisauk) that have yielded 1,364 kg in fresh produce as of July 2025.
For more information on Bank DBS Indonesia's sustainability efforts through DBS Foundation, visit Instagram @dbsfoundationid and www.dbs.com/dbsfoundation.
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About DBS Foundation
Established in 2014, DBS Foundation is committed to uplifting lives and livelihoods of those in need. It provides essential needs to the underprivileged, and fosters inclusion by equipping the underserved with financial and digital literacy skills. It also nurtures innovative social enterprises that create positive impact. It aims to bring hope to those with less today, so no one is left behind and we can all face the future with confidence.
In 2024, DBS committed up to SGD 1 billion dollars over the next decade to support vulnerable communities. It also pledged to contribute 1.5 million employee volunteer hours over the same period.
Together with an ecosystem of like-minded partners, DBS Foundation seeks to create impact that goes beyond banking, beyond borders, and beyond generations.
For more information, please visit: www.dbs.com/dbsfoundation.
About DBS
DBS is a leading financial services group in Asia with a presence in 19 markets. Headquartered and listed in Singapore, DBS is in the three key Asian axes of growth: Greater China, Southeast Asia and South Asia. The bank's "AA-" and "Aa1" credit ratings are among the highest in the world.
Recognised for its global leadership, DBS has been named “World’s Best Bank” by Global Finance, “World’s Best Bank” by Euromoney and “Global Bank of the Year” by The Banker. The bank is at the forefront of leveraging digital technology to shape the future of banking, having been named “World’s Best Digital Bank” by Euromoney and the world’s “Most Innovative in Digital Banking” by The Banker. In addition, DBS has been accorded the “Safest Bank in Asia” award by Global Finance for 16 consecutive years from 2009 to 2024.
DBS provides a full range of services in consumer, SME and corporate banking. As a bank born and bred in Asia, DBS understands the intricacies of doing business in the region’s most dynamic markets.
Established in 1989 as part of the Singapore-based DBS Group, PT Bank DBS Indonesia (Bank DBS Indonesia) is one of the banks with the longest history in Asia. Currently operating 1 Head Office, 13 Branch Offices, 16 Assistant Offices, 1 Functional Office and 3,011 active employees in 15 Major Cities in Indonesia, Bank DBS Indonesia provides comprehensive banking services that focus on the customer experience to 'Live more, Bank less'. We also see a purpose beyond banking and are committed to supporting our customers, employees, and the community towards a sustainable future.
PT Bank DBS Indonesia is licensed and supervised by The Indonesian Financial Services Authority (OJK), and an insured member of Indonesia Deposit Insurance Corporation (LPS).
DBS is committed to building lasting relationships with customers, as it banks the Asian way. Through the DBS Foundation, the bank creates impact beyond banking by uplifting lives and livelihoods of those in need. It provides essential needs to the underprivileged, and fosters inclusion by equipping the underserved with financial and digital literacy skills. It also nurtures innovative social enterprises that create positive impact.
With its extensive network of operations in Asia and emphasis on engaging and empowering its staff, DBS presents exciting career opportunities. For more information, please visit www.dbs.com.
DBS Foundation
