Astra Agro Shows Collaboration Commitment Through Action Plans

JAKARTA PT Astra Agro Lestari Tbk (Astra Agro) emphasized its commitment to realizing the 3 year action plan (3 Years Action Plan) which was created with all stakeholders.

The action plan is a follow-up to Astra Agro to answer issues that have become complaints from Wahana Lingkungan Indonesia (Walhi) and Friends of the Earth (FoE) against three AAL subsidiaries, namely PT Agro Nusa Abadi (ANA), PT Mamuang (MMG), and PT Lestari Tani Teladan (LTT).

Astra Agro cooperates with Cipta Rukun Upaya (CRU), EcoNusantara (ENS), Tani Center IPB, and Volunteers for People and Nature (ROA) to strengthen the Company's standards in implementing sustainability policies.

Director of Cipta Rukun Efforts Arief Wicaksono explained, in an achievement of resolution it takes a long time.

According to him, in resolving resolutions, it is necessary to have an in-depth assessment related to the subject and clarity of the object of conflict so that friction can be handled appropriately.

"For us, this is a step forward by Astra Agro, a very strong commitment to respect for Human Rights (HAM) through the provision of due diligence initiated not only for entities that are of concern, but also all business operations," said Arief.

Astra Agro is the pioneer or the first in the palm oil industry to start reviewing policies to avoid indications and who have the potential risk of violating human rights or Human Rights Due Diligence.

"Moreover, Astra Agro has added to the action plan, so it means Astra Agro is optimistic about this commitment," he said.

Together with CRU Indonesia, Astra Agro conducted a comprehensive training related to Human Rights Due Diligence (HRDD) in the implementation of the Action Plan which had been agreed with various parties.

The cooperation with the IPB Tani Center is to increase understanding and community empowerment.

In order to strengthen the capacity of women's groups, Astra Agro collaborates through partnerships with civil society organizations Volunteers for People and Nature (ROA).

Meanwhile, accompanied by ENS, Astra Agro again released a report on the latest development of the implementation of the first year of the 3 Year Action Plan which was prepared as a follow-up to the independent verification report by ENS.

In its preparation, this action plan integrates recommendations contained in the ENS report and involves active consultation with various major stakeholders. Among them are academics, local community communities, and village officials.

This is to ensure transparency and conformity with the principles of Approval on the Basis of Information at the Beginning without Force (FPIC).

Director of Astra Agro Lestari Bandung Sahari said that during the implementation of the Action Plan in the past year the company has faced several challenges.

The dynamics of overlapping land claims can trigger horizontal conflicts among communities, and the complexity of problems at the site level.

Sebab itu, Astra Agro mengharapkan kerjasama dari seluruh pihak yang terlibat untuk duduk bersama merumuskan upaya penyelesaikan yang konstruktif.

“Dalam mengimplementasikan rencana aksi, Astra Agro menekankan pada hasil yang terukur, keterlibatan yang inklusif, dan kolaborasi yang berkesinambungan, karena kami percaya bahwa kerjasama, dan berbagi data menjadi sangat penting untuk menyelesaikan keluhan,” tegas Bandung.

Kendati menghadapai tantangan, hal tersebut tidak menyurutkan komitmen Astra Agro untuk mencapai resolusi atas setiap keluhan yang diterima.

Bandung mengingatkan pentingnya bagi semua pihak untuk terlibat secara konstruktif dalam dialog terbuka dan berbagi bukti yang lebih konkrit dengan Astra Agro dan pihak-pihak berkepentingan.

Therefore, Astra Agro hopes for cooperation from all parties involved to sit together to formulate constructive settlement efforts.

"In implementing the action plan, Astra Agro emphasizes measurable results, inclusive engagement, and sustainable collaboration, because we believe that cooperation, and data sharing are very important to resolve complaints," said Bandung.

Despite facing challenges, this did not dampen Astra Agro's commitment to reach a resolution on any complaints received.

Bandung reminded the importance for all parties to engage constructively in open dialogue and share more concrete evidence with Astra Agro and interested parties.