AGAM, West Sumatera — In conjunction with the celebration of the World Day Against Child Labor (WDACL) 2025, the Indonesian Palm Oil Association (GAPKI) launched an anti-child labor campaign with the theme of “CHEERFUL WITH PALM Plantation CHILDREN” in AMP Plantation, Palembayan district of Agam regency in West Sumatera province on Saturday (28/06/2025).
The activities are parts of the global campaigns to negate child labor and promote the Child-friendly Indonesian Palm Oil (SIRA) movement, which has been pursued by GAPKI and its partners during the last few years. The activities were supported by the oil palm plantation fund management board (BPDPKS), PAACLA Indonesia, and Wilmar International Indonesia.
The event was formally opened by Surya Wendri, head of woman empowerment, child protection, population control, and family planning (DPPPAPPKB) services of Agam regency. Addressing the event, Wendri noted the importance of creating conducive environment for the growth of children as part of the future of Indonesia.
“The child protection is not only the responsibility of the government, but also the business players. We thank GAPKI member companies and other non-member companies in the palm oil industries for supporting the program of no-child labor and for giving opportunities for children of palm plantations to pursue creativity,” said Wendri.
She also said that the palm oil industries have helped Agam regency to prepare itself to reach the condition of child-friendly regency at national level.
“The program of Child-friendly Indonesian Palm Oil is a realization of collaboration between the government, business players, and the general public to ensure that children are given their rights to study, play and dream,” she said.
More than 300 children and their companions from palm plantation areas took part in activities that included children’s creation stage, children’s fairy tales, screening of SIRA documentary films and orations from stakeholders.
The orations were presented by a representative of the ministry of woman empowerment and child protection (Kemen PPPA), GAPKI, Agam Children Forum, and representatives Suara Anak Kebun from PT AMP Plantation.
During the same occasion, GAPKI West Sumatra Branch Office Head Bambang Wiguritno emphasized the commitment of palm oil sector to protect children.
“The business world has a moral and social responsibility to ensure that the oil palm plantation sector is free from child labor and becomes a safe place for children to learn, grow, and dream,” he said.
The event also featured various art and cultural performances by plantation children from various ethnicities in West Sumatra, including ethnic dances from Minang, Batak, Nias, and Malay. There were also solo and group vocals, pantomime, and other creative performances, which were performed by the plantation communities.
Through those activities, the Indonesian palm oil industries demonstrated their contribution in supporting global efforts to eliminate child labor and create a child-friendly plantation environment.
GAPKI, BPDPKS, PAACLA, and other partners hope that the Child-Friendly Indonesian Palm Oil (SIRA) movement will continue and become a national inspiration, and encourage sustainable business practices that respect children’s rights throughout Indonesia. (*)
