PALMOILMAGAZINE, PONTIANAK — To cultivate a new generation of transformative leaders within palm oil plantation labor unions, Link-AR Borneo, in collaboration with the Palm Oil Labor Coalition (KBS) and Trade Union Rights Center (TURC), held a leadership training for young and female palm oil workers across Kalimantan. The training took place from 24–26 July 2025 at Hotel Neo, Pontianak.
Using the LISA approach—Learning, Influence, Sustainable-Alliance Building—the workshop was attended by 18 participants (8 women and 10 men) from the five Kalimantan provinces: North, East, Central, South, and West Kalimantan. Most were young union members, some already holding leadership positions in their respective unions.
Ahmad Syukri, Director of Link-AR Borneo, emphasized that the program aims to shape transformative union leaders—those who can unify a shared vision, inspire and motivate members, and encourage growth and innovation within their organizations.
“We hope these leaders will develop new strategies to advance their unions and achieve common goals,” he said in an official statement received by Palmoilmagazine.com on Wednesday (30/7/2025).
A key element of the training was “Theory U,” a leadership and social transformation framework developed by Otto Scharmer from MIT, USA. Mida Saragih, a facilitator from KBS, explained that Theory U guides participants through five core stages—Co-Initiating, Co-Sensing, Presencing, Co-Creating, and Co-Evolving—forming a journey of deep internal and collective transformation.
Over three days, participants engaged in interactive sessions, group discussions, and presentations covering vital topics such as labor conditions in the palm oil sector, the role of unions, challenges faced by youth and women workers, and principles of transformative leadership and communication.
According to Ismet Inoni, KBS Coordinator, the training was designed to not only transfer knowledge but also equip workers with the mindset and skills to lead with vision in their organizations.
At the close of the workshop, participants declared a joint commitment to transformative leadership, signaling their readiness to lead change in their respective unions.
One of their key pledges:
“To create competent future leaders, we commit to continued collaboration and open communication.”
Feedback from participants was overwhelmingly positive. Many said the training broadened their perspective on union work—not just as a technical role, but as a mission-driven effort to uphold labor rights and dignity.
This training marks a concrete step forward in strengthening the leadership capacity of palm oil labor unions across Kalimantan—addressing not only practical skills but also the deeper organizational transformation needed for sustainable impact. (P2)
