PALMOILMAGAZINE, PALEMBANG — The movement for palm oil plantations that are fairer to women workers is expanding across Indonesia’s key palm oil regions, promoting gender equality and social protection. In South Sumatra, this effort has taken shape with the launch of Gender Equity in Business Initiatives Enthusiast (GEBIE), marked by the provision of BPJS Employment (BPJS Ketenagakerjaan) coverage for 1,000 informal women workers in the palm oil sector.
“This initiative reflects a strong commitment from the business community toward women in the workplace. The good practices already established in palm oil will be shared with other industries,” said Sumarjono Saragih, Head of National Human Resources Development at GAPKI and Chair of APINDO South Sumatra, in a statement received by Palmoilmagazine.com on Tuesday (August 12, 2025).
As the inaugural figure of GEBIE in South Sumatra, Sumarjono appointed Dr. Ratu Tenny Leriva — a young physician and senator representing the province in Indonesia’s Regional Representative Council (DPD RI) — to lead the movement. Following her appointment, GEBIE immediately initiated the registration and financing of BPJS Employment contributions for 1,000 informal women workers in local palm plantations.
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“Women are the driving force behind South Sumatra’s progress. Informal workers, especially women, are often excluded from social security. That is why GEBIE prioritizes expanding access to this protection,” Sumarjono emphasized.
GEBIE is designed as a flexible movement, open to individuals, communities, and institutions, with the goal of encouraging inclusive and safe working practices across genders. While it has started in the palm oil industry, GEBIE is envisioned as a model that can be adopted by other economic sectors.
For Dr. Ratu Tenny, her role as GEBIE Ambassador is more than symbolic. “This is not just a title — it is a real commitment. Registering 1,000 women workers is only the beginning. We aim to expand this effort so more women in palm plantations gain proper protection,” she said.
With this concrete step in South Sumatra, GEBIE is expected to act as a catalyst for workplace transformation — starting from palm oil, toward broader gender equality across Indonesia. (P2)
