PALMOILMAGAZINE, PONTIANAK – The palm oil industry in Indonesia contributes not only to the economy but also plays a strategic role in shaping the nation’s future. Sumarjono Saragih, Chairman of the Indonesian Palm Oil Association (IPOA) and Founder of WISPO (Worker Initiatives for Sustainable Palm Oil), highlighted the importance of developing qualified human resources to achieve the vision of “Indonesia Emas 2045.” In this vision, empowered women will play a crucial role as mothers of the nation’s future golden generation, raising individuals of superior character and morals.
In West Kalimantan Province, the palm oil industry employs over 700,000 people across the supply chain, contributing 13.56% to the region’s gross domestic product in 2023. “Women play a significant role in the industry, and sustainable practices must ensure their well-being as well as that of children,” Saragih stated in an official release to Palmoilmagazine.com on Thursday (29/8/2024).
Addressing the challenges faced by rural communities, particularly the lack of infrastructure, Saragih stressed the need for collaborative efforts to maximize the industry’s role in achieving the goals of Indonesia Emas 2045.
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As part of the efforts, IPOA launched some initiatives, such as, publishing Buku Panduan Perlindungan Pekerja Perempuan dan Anak. Governor in duty of West Kalimantan, dr. Harisson, M. Kes., appreciated it. “The guidance book would be very significant and should be socialized for every planter. Let us be better together, protect female, and prepare the children asa the golden generation, smart and in noble morals,” Harisson said in his speech at a seminar and workshop about female and children protection in Pontianak.
Back to Saragih, as a doctor, the governor really understood what the female and children’s roles and what they faced in palm oil plantation sectors. He did full support to every effort that would protect the female and children. “It would be the first time a governor physically attended to discuss female and children protection in palm oil sector. His presence and real support would be a lot for us,” Saragih said..
Buku Panduan Perlindungan Perempuan that was firstly launched in 2021 by Minister of Female and Children Protection, Bintang Puspayoga would be the significant guidelines to protect female in this sector. One strategic thing propsed in the book was the establishment of female committee in every unit (of company) or palm oil plantation.
The event was running on 28 – 29 August in Pontianak. It was part of series of activity in palm oil centers. It was the collaboration among IPOA, International Labor Organization, and labors’ organization – JAPBUSI with fund supports from Palm Oil Plantation Fund Management Agency and joined by 110 participants from many representatives. (P2)
