PALMOILMAGAZINE, PONTIANAK – The atmosphere at the Neo Hotel Pontianak was far from routine as stakeholders gathered for the Workshop on Standards, Norms, and Regulations (SNP) on Business and Human Rights. More than a technical meeting, the event sparked renewed energy for embedding justice into business practices—particularly in the palm oil sector, which is central to West Kalimantan’s economy.
Attended by palm oil companies, labor representatives, regional government, and the Indonesian Migrant Workers Protection Agency (BP2MI), the event opened with a clear message from Nelly Yusnita, Head of the West Kalimantan Office of Indonesia’s National Commission on Human Rights (Komnas HAM).
“Implementing business and human rights principles in the palm oil industry is not just about profit. It’s about protecting the environment, safeguarding workers’ rights, and preventing the exploitation of local communities,” Nelly emphasized, as reported by Palmoilmagazine.com via Komnas HAM on Wednesday (April 30, 2025).
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While human rights in the palm oil industry is not a new topic, the workshop stood out for bringing together a wide range of voices. Police Commissioner Yoan Febriawan from the West Kalimantan Police Department highlighted the new labor protection desk launched in early 2025. “This initiative helps us respond quickly to overlooked labor disputes. Many cases get delayed due to finger-pointing among authorities,” he said.
From legislation to policy, momentum is building. Rasmidi, Chair of Commission I of the West Kalimantan Provincial Parliament (DPRD), called for local regulations that uphold labor rights. “We can draft a regional law to ensure plantation workers are not left behind,” he stated.
Still, the challenges are stark. Agus Sutomo, Executive Director of Teraju Indonesia, listed enduring issues faced by workers. “Many laborers still have no formal contracts, earn below-standard wages, face hazardous work conditions, and lack social protection,” he said with concern.
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Despite the sobering realities, the forum produced a list of practical recommendations: reforming labor contracts, improving wages and incentives, enhancing occupational safety and health systems, and expanding social security coverage.
Nelly closed the event with a strong reminder of corporate accountability. “Companies must involve local communities in consultations and ensure that their operations don’t harm customary lands or destroy ecosystems,” she stressed.
From West Kalimantan, the call for human rights echoes loud and clear: sustainability isn’t just an economic issue—it’s a matter of justice. Here, small steps in policy and practice may pave the way for meaningful change in Indonesia’s palm oil industry. (P2)
