JAKARTA – In conjunction with the celebration of the International Woman’s Day, the Indonesian Palm Oil Association (GAPKI) has collaborated with the CNV International and the federation of forest, plantation and agriculture (Hukatan) labor unions to organize a public discussion and socialization of female worker protection guidelines in palm oil industries.
Held virtually on 8 March 2022, the public discussion was addressed by a number of speakers, including Sumarjono Saragih, Head of GAPKI Manpower Division; Nursanna Marpaung, Chairperson of the Hukatan Labor Union Federation; Yuli Adiratna, director of labor norms supervision at the manpower ministry; and Adhika Karuna, Head of Human Resources at PT. Austindo Nusantara Jaya Tbk (ANJ). The public discussion was moderated by Keumala Dewi from the Center for child protection and studies (PKPA). The discussion was participated by representatives of companies, regional and central government institutions, labor unions, academicians, industry players and media.
The palm oil industry cannot be separated from the very important involvement of women, who play an important role in the industrial sector. They assume various positions in plantation cleaning, nursery, seeding, spraying, maintenance, and collecting falling palm fruits. A well-organized synergy and collaboration among all stakeholders is needed to protect the woman rights in realizing the sustainable palm oil of Indonesia. Its sustainability is not only determined by its compliance with the economic and environmental principles, but also by its compliance with the principles of human rights, including the protection of woman rights.
GAPKI, in cooperation with CNV Internationaal and the Hukatan Labor Union Federation, has designed a practical guideline, which is expected to help the palm oil producers and corporate managements to devise policies at the level of companies, especially on woman rights, which are necessary for the realization of sustainable palm oil. The practical guideline was launched in 2021, and it has been socialized among the general public, especially the palm oil stakeholders, through a number of activities.
Adhika Karuna, a representative of PT. ANJ, stated that ANJ has been implementing all of the necessary steps in protecting the woman rights, which can be actually realized by all companies and people.
Nursanna Marpaung said that the celebration of the international woman’s day should encourage all stakeholders to always comply with the woman rights protection as a way to increase productivity and prosperity. “Such endeavor needs the supports of GAPKI, companies and the government,” she said.
Yuli Adiratna, director of labor norms supervision at the manpower ministry, concurred with other speakers regarding the woman rights protection, saying that the regulation will mean nothing if it is not well implemented according to the human rights principles.
Meanwhile, Sumarjono Saragih said in his presentation during the public discussion that GAPKI has taken various steps in improving governance in manpower, including protection of woman workers. “GAPKI welcomes all kinds of collaborations with other sides in implementing the human rights and woman rights,” he said.
“The efforts of realizing Indonesia’s palm oil sustainability is a long journey that can only be achieved through collaborations of all stakeholders. We’ve taken the first step to start the journey. We’re waiting for more partners in undertaking such efforts,” Sumarjono Saragih asserted. Eko Tamba. (*)
