Danone Signs Memorandum of Understanding with PBNU, Expands Strategic Partnership in Health, Social Welfare, and Economic Development Sectors
Jakarta, March 22, 2025. Danone proudly announces the expansion of its collaboration with the Executive Board of Nahdlatul Ulama or Pengurus Besar Nahdlatul Ulama (PBNU) in the health, education, social, and economic sectors to drive innovation, global competitiveness, and environmental sustainability measures through the Indonesia – MENA (Middle East and North Africa) Expert Exchange Program.
This collaboration was marked by the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) by Christian Stammkoetter, President of Danone Asia, Middle East, and Africa (AMEA), and Dr. (H.C.) K.H. Yahya Cholil Staquf, Chairman of PBNU. K.H. Amin Said Husni, Deputy Chairman of PBNU; Alissa Wahid, Chair of PBNU; as well as leaders from Danone Indonesia, including Laurent Boissier, President Director of Danone Indonesia, and Vera Galuh Sugijanto, VP General Secretary of Danone Indonesia, also attended the signing ceremony that took place at the PBNU Office in Kramat, Jakarta.
Arising from a shared vision, Danone is forming a strategic partnership with PBNU to support environmental sustainability and the development of human resources in the areas of health and economic welfare. This investment aligns with Danone’s global commitment to making a positive impact on health, the economy, and sustainability through local brands in various countries.
Chairman of the Executive Board of Nahdlatul Ulama (PBNU), Dr. (H.C.) K.H. Yahya Cholil Staquf (Gus Yahya), stated, “Alhamdulillah, PBNU has signed an MoU with Danone. NU has a wide reach within Indonesian society, which gives us the instruments and capacity to create a broad impact among the public. This is the capacity that NU offers to any party seeking collaboration, be it the government, non-governmental entities, businesses, or other NGOs in various programs. We welcome Danone and its various agendas with open arms, particularly with regard to halal certification. We have the instruments, along with other economic and social welfare programs developed by Danone. NU’s instruments are fully prepared to provide full support with consolidated operationalization.”
Christian Stammkoetter, President of Danone Asia, Middle East, and Africa (AMEA), stated, “We are truly grateful for the warm welcome from PBNU. We are proud and honored to expand our collaboration with PBNU in the Health, Education, Social, and Economic sectors through the Indonesia – MENA Expert Exchange Program. This partnership is an important step in our efforts to make a tangible contribution to society. We believe we can move forward together to drive progress and prosperity in Indonesia.”
Indonesia – MENA Expert Exchange Program
The Indonesia – MENA Expert Exchange is a two-way global exchange program designed to promote mutual understanding, enhance leadership and professional skills, as well as build sustainable partnerships between young leaders from Indonesia and countries in the Middle East, such as Egypt and Turkey.
In Indonesia, the program focuses on strengthening Danone Indonesia’s health initiatives related to addressing IDA (Iron Deficiency Anemia) and Stunting. In Turkey, the program focuses on best practices and knowledge-sharing with Danone Turkey regarding Halal Certification. Meanwhile, in Egypt, the program includes visits to Danone Egypt to exchange knowledge on Regenerative Agriculture supported by Danone Ecosystem.
This strategic initiative aligns with Danone’s core principle of collaborating and supporting various parties for the common good. “In carrying out its commitment to continuously spreading positive impact for the people of Indonesia, Danone is always open to forming partnerships with various parties. We recognize that good health supports productivity, excellent human resources drive innovation, and environmental sustainability ensures the well-being of future generations. We are therefore thankful for the opportunity to expand this collaboration between PBNU and Danone. Together, we are driving economic and social development,” Christian concluded.
Maximizing Indonesia’s Growth Momentum
As the country with the world’s largest Muslim population, Indonesia has the potential to become a developed nation. This potential is supported by its large productive-age population, reaching nearly 70% of the total population as of 2020, and its abundant natural resources, including agricultural products, energy, and mineral wealth. Nevertheless, Indonesia continues to face various challenges in the health, economic development, and environmental sustainability sectors. Thus, strategic cross-sector collaboration, involving the government, private sector, academia, and the public, is essential to support Indonesia’s growth optimally.
