PALMOILMAGAZINE, JAKARTA – Sinar Mas Agribusiness and Food has received the Partnership for Action Against Child Labour in Agriculture (PAACLA) Award 2026 in the National Company with Multinational Affiliation category, recognizing the company’s commitment to protecting children’s rights through its Sawit Indonesia Ramah Anak (SIRA) initiative.
The award acknowledges the company’s efforts to create safe, child-friendly plantation environments while preventing children from becoming involved in plantation work. Through SIRA, Sinar Mas Agribusiness and Food has strengthened preventive measures and promoted a broader culture of child protection across its operations.
The company maintains a strict zero-tolerance policy against child labour, prohibiting the employment of anyone under the age of 18. This commitment is reinforced through employee identity verification, supply chain monitoring, and awareness programs designed to help business partners recognize and mitigate the risks of child labour. These measures reflect the company’s broader commitment to responsible labour practices, respect for human rights, and sustainable business operations.
Beyond preventing child labour, the company also works to improve the welfare of employees’ families by supporting children’s fundamental rights. Its initiatives include providing access to primary healthcare, supporting education in communities surrounding its operations, protecting the rights of pregnant and breastfeeding employees, and operating childcare facilities for workers’ families. Together, these programs contribute to building a more inclusive and sustainable palm oil industry.
“This award motivates us to further strengthen collaboration in supporting children’s well-being and development. Creating opportunities for children to learn, grow, and reach their full potential is a shared responsibility that requires long-term commitment from all stakeholders. We believe sustainable impact can only be achieved through collective action, and we remain committed to working with our partners to create an inclusive and supportive environment for future generations,” said Anita Neville, Chief Sustainability & Communications Officer of Sinar Mas Agribusiness and Food, in an official statement.
The company also collaborates with the Eka Tjipta Foundation (ETF) to operate schools that provide quality education for children living near its plantation areas, ensuring they have access to learning opportunities and the resources needed to develop their potential.
“In the plantation sector, preventing child labour cannot rely solely on prohibition. It requires a comprehensive approach that enables every child to grow, develop, and build a brighter future. Education plays a critical role in achieving this goal,” said Evelyn Widjaja, Division Head of Education at Eka Tjipta Foundation.
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National Children’s Day Activities
The company’s commitment to child protection also extends beyond policy through educational and participatory activities involving children directly.
To commemorate the World Day Against Child Labour, initiated by the International Labour Organization (ILO), Sinar Mas Agribusiness and Food partnered with PAACLA to organize a series of National Children’s Day events on June 10–11, 2026, under the theme “Voices of the Future, Every Child Matters.”
Held at SMP Eka Tjipta Katayang in Seruyan Regency, Central Kalimantan, the program engaged 50 students in interactive sessions designed to foster awareness of children’s rights within a safe and inclusive environment. The activities focused on five key pillars: the Right to Survival, the Right to Development, the Right to Protection, Human Rights and Diversity, and the Right to Participation.
As part of the Right to Development session, psychologists from Kalawa Atei Mental Hospital educated students on personal body privacy, self-protection, and how to recognize and prevent exploitation. The sessions were intended to build children’s confidence while strengthening their awareness of personal safety.
“Actively involving children in learning and self-expression is essential for developing character, empathy, and critical thinking skills. We appreciate this collaboration because it provides children with a safe and meaningful space to grow,” said Danang Yudianto Wijaya, Principal of SMP Eka Tjipta Katayang.
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Echoing this view, Misran Lubis, Program Manager of PAACLA, emphasized that protecting children in the agricultural sector requires strong collaboration and consistent implementation of the Children’s Rights and Business Principles (CRBP) developed by UNICEF and the United Nations Global Compact.
“Every child has the right to grow, learn, and express their aspirations. Consistent implementation of child protection commitments not only helps develop high-quality human resources but also strengthens the sustainability and global competitiveness of Indonesia’s palm oil industry,” Misran said.
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Through continued collaboration among companies, schools, local communities, and other stakeholders, efforts to strengthen child protection across Indonesia’s plantation sector are expected to expand further. These initiatives not only support children’s healthy development but also contribute to creating safer workplaces and more sustainable communities for future generations. (P2)
