Terbanggi Besar, Central Lampung – PT Great Giant Pineapple (GGP) welcomed a visit from PT Bukit Muria Jaya (BMJ), a cigarette paper manufacturer based in West Karawang, on Friday (25/8). The visit aimed to explore collaboration opportunities in developing banana stem (gedebok) fiber as an innovative and sustainable raw material for paper products.

The BMJ delegation was received by GGP Director of External Affairs, Welly Soegiono, together with Hendri Tanujaya, Corporate Affairs Lampung Subdivision Head, at the Great Giant Foods (GGF) Training Center.

David Gunawan, BMJ’s Government & External Relations Manager, explained that nearly every part of the banana tree holds economic potential. “Banana stems are especially suitable as paper-making material. They are abundant, easy to process, and can produce paper with diverse textures and thicknesses,” he said.

Currently, GGP utilizes banana stems (ares) as supplementary cattle feed within its Pisang Mas partnership program in Tanggamus. “This practice has proven effective in supporting beef cattle fattening programs by contributing to weight gain,” added Welly.

The discussion also addressed safety concerns related to pesticide exposure on banana stems. David assured that the processing stages — including drying and thorough cleaning — ensure the material is safe before being transformed into cigarette paper.

The visit concluded with a field tour of GGP’s banana plantation in Estate Plantation Group 1, where BMJ representatives observed sustainable plantation management practices.