PALMOILMAGAZINE, JAKARTA – Gender discrimination and child labor exploitation are once again in the global spotlight, and Indonesia’s palm oil industry is taking proactive steps to address these concerns. Amid growing international scrutiny of labor practices, the sector is demonstrating a firm commitment to human rights and equality.
Sumarjono Saragih, Head of Human Resource Development at the Indonesian Palm Oil Association (GAPKI), affirmed the industry’s ongoing efforts. “Since 2020, GAPKI has developed guidelines and launched campaigns to protect women and children in the workforce. We are now expanding this initiative through GEBIE,” Sumarjono told Palmoilmagazine.com on Friday, May 30, 2025.
GEBIE, short for Gender Equality in Business Initiatives Enthusiast, is a collaborative program between GAPKI, the International Labour Organization (ILO), and the Government of Canada. The initiative aims to mainstream gender equality in the palm oil sector through community and company-based approaches.
Also Read:
“Our goal is to promote women’s active participation in the palm oil industry while ensuring children are kept out of the labor supply chain,” Sumarjono explained.
Globally, similar efforts are reflected in the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 5 on gender equality. The European Union has also passed the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD), requiring companies to ensure their supply chains are free from forced and child labor.
Indonesia faces significant challenges in this area. According to the World Economic Forum’s Global Gender Gap Index 2024, Indonesia dropped to 100th out of 146 countries—down from 87th in 2023. Discrimination against women persists across sectors, from households and public spaces to education and employment.
Despite these obstacles, the palm oil sector is making progress. Two women now hold strategic roles in the Council of Palm Oil Producing Countries (CPOPC): Izzana Salleh of Malaysia as Secretary-General, and Musdhalifah Machmud of Indonesia as Deputy. Both are expected to play key roles in driving the GEBIE initiative forward.
“Women in the palm oil industry are not just beneficiaries of protection; they are agents of change. They should be empowered as leaders and role models,” Sumarjono emphasized.
Through GEBIE and similar initiatives, Indonesia’s palm oil industry is reinforcing that gender equality and child protection are not just compliance measures, but vital components of a sustainable and dignified business future. (P2)
