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Bumitama

SUBJECT

On 17 January 2017, Greenpeace published a report, “Dirty Bankers” accusing three companies owned by Bumitama (PT Andalan Sukses Makmur, PT Karya Bakti Agro Sejahtera and PT Ladang Sawit Mas) involved in deforestation, destruction of HCV forest, development on peatland, developing without permit, and failure to meet timetables in pursuing for RSPO certification.

In the report, “Moment of Truth” released in March 2018, Greenpeace published visuals of drone footage captured on 11 December 2016 that revealed a new canal cutting into peatland forest from the PT Damai Agro Sejahtera (PT DAS) oil palm concession within the Sungai Putri peatland landscape of Ketapang district, West Kalimantan. The landscape is a vital habitat for orangutans and other endangered wildlife.

On 19 September 2018, Greenpeace published Final Countdown, Now or Never to Reform Palm Oil Industry report alleging Bumitama involved in scheme to obscure control of a number of concession areas and plantations which either did not have permits or where the permits had been revoked. The scheme was also to mislead RSPO into closing complaints against Bumitama.

PROGRESS

In January 2017, Bumitama has proactively informed us the claims made by Greenpeace, and sent us a letter of clarification on the allegations made against the company.

Apical will continue to engage with supplier and monitor further development of the case.

28 May 2018: Apical had sought clarification from Bumitama on the Greenpeace report, Moment of Truth. They responded by stating that the image featured on page 4-5 of the report was taken on 11 December 2016 – before the acquisition of PT DAS by Bumitama on 20 December 2016.

Upon takeover, Bumitama’s management had issued a strict stop-order for any plantation development until all requirements under the RSPO New Planting Procedure and NDPE are fulfilled.

With regards to allegations in the recent report, “Final Countdown”, Bumitama responded in a statement in related to PT GHL and PT HPA. The response is available here. The company also in a news release, is firmly stands by its commitments stated in its 2015 Sustainability Policy of NDPE. As a continuous improvement measure, it will adopt all constructive input to carry on improving the existing policy, procedures and processes as well as its communication to deliver and share the commitments in line with the set time-bound plans.