PALMOILMAGAZINE, TANJUNG SELOR – The global discourse surrounding natural resource advantages, particularly palm oil plantations, remains a subject of controversy across numerous countries. Within the context of North Kalimantan Province, these palm oil plantation enterprises hold immense potential, not only as drivers of economic growth for the region, but also as sources of significant social benefits.
Yansen TP, the Vice Governor of North Kalimantan Province, has underscored the critical importance of harnessing the social responsibility of palm oil plantation companies to address the pressing issues of poverty and stunting within the locality. In his official statement, Yansen emphasized the pivotal role these companies play in enhancing the socio-economic well-being of the province’s residents.
He further advocates for a dual focus for these enterprises, urging them to not only prioritize economic gains but also to actively contribute to the reduction of poverty and stunting.
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While strides have been made in reducing the prevalence of poverty and stunting, Yansen acknowledges that sustained progress hinges on the collective social and moral responsibility shared by regional governments, as well as other stakeholders, including companies and investors. Ignoring this responsibility would be a mistake, given its significance in ensuring the continued advancement of the region.
“Do not let the problems exist but contribute to welfare the people of North Kalimantan,” Vice Governor said, as Palmoilmagazine.com quoted from the official page of North Kalimantan, Tuesday (8/8/2023).
Statistic data showed that there have been significant improvements in some key parameters. Numbers of poverty in the province decreased from 50,58 thousand in September 2022 to be 47,97 thousand in March 2023. This means, the decreasing poverty reached 2,6 thousand men or 0,41 percent in the period. Besides, it was positively running to minimize stunting numbers, from 27,5 percent in 2021 to be 22,1 in 2022. The province was the big third rank in Indonesia for decreasing stunting numbers for more than five percent.
Yansen TP also emphasized that palm oil plantation companies would have the big potential impacts to welfare the people’s social and economic issues. From what he knew, North Kalimantan is famous as the biggest palm oil producer province, has 20 mills. By these potentials, the companies would have the chance to actively involve in every program that minimizing poverty and decreasing stunting level. (T2)
