Transformation of Corporate Social Responsibility Toward Community Empowerment: A Study at PT. Bumi Palma Lestari Persada

Abstract

This study examines whether Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) at PT. Bumi Palma Lestari Persada in Bagan Jaya Village has moved beyond short-term assistance toward sustainable community empowerment. A descriptive qualitative design was used with seven core informants representing company management and CSR implementation, village government, neighbourhood leadership, a household beneficiary, and a farmer who had participated in an agricultural support activity. Data were obtained through interviews, observation, and documentation during October 2025-February 2026. The analysis integrates Wibisono's CSR implementation stages, Edwards III's implementation factors, and seven empowerment outcomes: participation in decision-making, skills development, access to or control over productive resources, income improvement, market access, institutional strengthening, and reduced dependence through program continuity. The findings show a partial transformation. Procedurally, CSR has become institutionalized through Social Impact Assessment (SIA), internal implementation teams, annual evaluation, and reporting to government agencies. Some programs provide useful social, infrastructural, and capacity-building benefits. However, participation in planning remains limited, follow-up mentoring is inconsistent, and the available evidence does not demonstrate sustained income growth, broad market access, stronger community institutions, or reduced dependence on company assistance. The company reported having used Social Return on Investment (SROI), but the study found no accessible SROI results that could verify how the assessment informed program decisions. Thus, procedural institutionalization has advanced further than outcome-level empowerment. The study highlights the need for collaborative planning, transparent impact reporting, multi-year productive programs, and outcome-based evaluation to strengthen CSR governance in village development.