PALMOILMAGAZINE, JAKARTA – Local authorities in East Kutai Regency, East Kalimantan, are encouraging palm oil companies to strengthen gender equality by expanding leadership opportunities for women and promoting inclusive labor practices across plantation operations.
The initiative was reaffirmed during a Gender Mainstreaming (PUG) socialization program held at PT Dinamika Prima Artha and PT Kemilau Indah Nusantara in Bengalon District on July 21, 2026. The event followed similar outreach activities previously conducted at PT Indonesia Plantation Sinergi in Sangkulirang and PT Fairco Agro Mandiri in Kaliorang.
The program is a collaborative effort involving the East Kutai Office for Women’s Empowerment and Child Protection (DP3A), the East Kutai Manpower and Transmigration Office (Distrannaker), the East Kalimantan Provincial Manpower and Transmigration Office, and Solidaridad Network Indonesia. It aims to promote more inclusive and sustainable employment practices within the palm oil sector.
Carrying the theme “Expanding Women’s Leadership Opportunities in the Palm Oil Plantation Sector and Decent Work Standards for Female Workers and Workers’ Wives,” the program sought to improve awareness among plantation companies and employees about the importance of creating safe, non-discriminatory workplaces that provide equal opportunities for all workers.
According to information released by the East Kutai regional government, Head of the East Kutai Manpower and Transmigration Office, Sulisman, said the palm oil industry plays a strategic role in supporting regional economic growth. He emphasized that harmonious industrial relations, gender equality, and inclusive employment practices are essential to ensuring the sector’s long-term sustainability.
Sulisman noted that women have the same capacity as men to contribute to plantation development and encouraged companies to provide broader career advancement opportunities, including access to leadership and strategic management positions based on merit and professional competence.
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Echoing that view, Head of the East Kutai Office for Women’s Empowerment and Child Protection, Idham Cholid, said gender mainstreaming is a development strategy designed to ensure women and men have equal access, participation, control, and benefits in every stage of development.
He added that implementing gender mainstreaming within plantation companies is not only about protecting women’s labor rights but also about building fairer and more professional human resource management systems.
During the event, Ramli, Head of Industrial Relations and Employment Social Security at the East Kutai Manpower Office, highlighted the importance of complying with labor standards, including fulfilling workers’ rights under Indonesian labor regulations, strengthening protections for female employees, ensuring equal employment opportunities, and fostering harmonious industrial relations.
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Meanwhile, East Kalimantan labor inspector Andriansyah stressed the importance of implementing occupational safety and health (OSH) standards in accordance with Indonesia’s Occupational Safety Law. He said workplace safety should be a shared responsibility between employers and employees to create healthy, safe, and productive working environments.
Representatives from Solidaridad Network Indonesia, including Martinus Martin, also participated by sharing perspectives on strengthening sustainable labor practices in the plantation industry, particularly through the implementation of gender equality principles and improved worker protection.
The socialization program brought together management teams from PT Dinamika Prima Artha and PT Kemilau Indah Nusantara, along with employees from both companies. Discussions covered gender mainstreaming, women’s labor protection, occupational safety, and career development opportunities for female workers.
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Through continued collaboration among government agencies, industry stakeholders, and development partners, East Kutai authorities hope more palm oil companies will adopt inclusive, gender-responsive employment policies that strengthen industrial relations while enhancing the long-term competitiveness and sustainability of the region’s palm oil industry. (P2)
