TBS Energi Utama Strategic Community Development Framework for Sustainable Impact

PT TBS Energi Utama Tbk (TBS) is undergoing a strategic transformation from its legacy in coal mining toward a diversified portfolio in renewable energy, waste management, electric vehicles, and carbon projects. This shift is embodied in the TBS2030 vision, which commits to carbon neutrality and a just, community-centered transition. To support this goal, a Columbia University SIPA capstone team was engaged to develop a unified Community Development Framework (CDF) that aligns with TBS’s sustainability goals and provides practical tools for its diverse business units.

TBS has long recognized the importance of community development, with over 100 CSR programs implemented in 2024 alone and more than USD 1.3 million allocated to social and environmental initiatives. These efforts have focused on education, infrastructure, livelihoods, and health, especially in mining-affected regions. The company is now exploring the establishment of a formal foundation to consolidate and scale its social impact work. As TBS moves into green business areas that lack legacy mandates for CSR, this institutional approach will help ensure continuity, strategic alignment, and lasting value creation for local communities.

The proposed framework builds on TBS’s strengths in traditional community engagement—particularly in East Kalimantan—and adapts them to newer sectors that lack government-mandated CSR requirements. The framework emphasizes flexibility, strategic alignment with TBS2030, and consistent monitoring and evaluation. It includes tailored activities for each stage of business development, from social mapping and stakeholder analysis to program execution and exit strategies. Importantly, the framework promotes cross-subsidiary collaboration and knowledge-sharing, enabling more effective, scalable community investments.