Corporate-Community Synergy: Empowering Traditional Essential Oil Production in Wayame Village, Ambon City

This article examines the collaboration between PT Pertamina Patra Niaga Integrated Terminal Wayame (IT Wayame) and the traditional community of essential oil distillers, Bunga Tani, in Wayame village, Ambon City, Maluku Province. The study uses the Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA) method to analyze how corporate involvement can transform traditional production methods, improve product quality, and create new market opportunities for rural communities. Through a five-year empowerment program, IT Wayame provided critical support, including the introduction of modern machinery, construction of permanent production facilities, and assistance with legal certifications, which enabled Bunga Tani to meet broader market demands. The partnership resulted in a 35% increase in production capacity and income within the first year, demonstrating the potential of business-community synergy to promote economic growth while preserving cultural heritage. This case study highlights the effectiveness of a bottom-up approach to community empowerment, ensuring that development initiatives are aligned with local needs and potential, ultimately contributing to sustainable economic development in rural areas.