ANJ AND GAPKI HOLD DISCUSSION AND SOCIALIZATION OF WOMEN WORKERS PROTECTION IN THE PALM OIL INDUSTRY

08 Mar 2022

 

Jakarta, 8 March 2022 – In commemorating International Women's Day, PT Austindo Nusantara Jaya Tbk. (ANJ) together with the Indonesian Palm Oil Association (GAPKI), CNV International, and the Hukatan Federation of Labor Unions, a discussion and socialization of the Practical Guide for the Protection of Women Workers in Oil Palm Plantations was held. The discussion was held online on Tuesday (8/3) and was attended by representatives of companies, central and local government agencies, trade union representatives, academics, practitioners, and the media. 

The event was moderated by Keumala Dewi from the Center for Child Protection Studies (PKPA) and was attended by several speakers, including Sumarjono Saragih, Head of Labor Division of GAPKI, Nursanna Marpaung, General Chair of FSB Hukatan, Yuli Adiratna, Director of Development of Labor Inspection Norms at the Ministry of Manpower and Adhika Karuna, Head of Human Resource ANJ.

Since 2022, ANJ has collaborated with GAPKI to share experiences and practices on the protection of female employees and gender equality. 
Adhika Karuna said that there is a risk of discrimination, harassment, and sexual violence against women, both in the company's environment and in the supplier's environment. This is because the palm oil industry is a labor-intensive industry dominated by men and often operates in remote areas.

 

"All of our subsidiaries have a Gender Committee consisting of employee representatives and management members. The committee is tasked with encouraging the improvement of women's working conditions and developing knowledge about women's empowerment, protection of women and children, and childcare," explained Adhika. 

A practical guide has been developed by GAPKI, CNV International, and the Hukatan Federation of Labor Unions and was launched in 2021. The guide aims to assist entrepreneurs and management in the palm oil industry in making policies at the company level. This guide is also expected to be a reference for all palm oil industry players in realizing a sustainable palm oil industry that is friendly to female workers. In addition, this guide is also expected to encourage and improve practices that support the rights of women workers. Currently, the socialization and follow-up of the guide continue to be carried out through various activities.

 

Sumarjono Saragih, in his presentation, said that GAPKI has taken various steps to improve labor governance, including protecting female workers. Collaboration is continuously carried out, and GAPKI is open to cooperating with all parties. 

"Realizing sustainable Indonesian palm oil is a long and joint journey. We have taken the first step to start the journey. We are waiting for travel companions who can join," said Sumarjono. 

 

Other Articles