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PT Global Sawit Semesta

SUBJECT

PT GSS sourced from third party supplier, PT Laot Bangko which allegedly clearing forest in Leuser Ecosystem

PROGRESS

We identified supplies from PT Laot Bangko (PT LB) to our supplier PT. Global Sawit Semesta (PT GSS) through traceability data we received in Q4 2020. Through satellite monitoring, we discovered risk of forest clearing in the concession of PT LB. We have held off sourcing from these suppliers.

We have demanded cooperation from PT GSS to address the grievance matter and instructed stop work order to their supplier. A deadline by April 2021 was given for the supplier to stop work, and commit in writing to an action plan; which include their commitment to NDPE policy, conducting HCV/HCS assessments, and a recovery plan. Apical has ceased sourcing from PT Laot Bangko at a corporate group level including PT. Bima Golden Powerindo.

UPDATE:

Apical has implemented an action plan:

  1. Instructed stop land clearing (completed)
  2. Ceased sourcing from affected suppliers (completed)
  3. Remote sensing verification on status of stop-land-clearing (completed)
  4. upplier commitment to an action plan including their commitment to NDPE policy, HCV/HCS assessments for peer review, and a recovery plan to be developed based on land use change and assessment results (completed)
  5. Published grievance update (completed, to be updated regularly)
  6. Strengthen supplier engagement and NDPE compliance in Aceh Landscape (July 2021 – 2022)
    • Send a letter to PT GSS demanding PT GSS to engage and monitor progress of PT LB. T LB needs to publish their commitment letter, policy, action plan, and progress update; PT LB must adopt an Integrated HCV- HCS Assessment with the High Carbon Stock Approach and adhere to quality assurance requirements.
    • Scoping & diagnostic of Aceh supply bases by independent body/NGO;
    • Re-engagement with all of our suppliers (at group level) operating near or surrounding Leuser Ecosystem, instruct stop sourcing from grievance suppliers who failed to cooperate or commit to an action plan within three months or a specific timeline where required;
    • Require collaboration from suppliers to ensure full traceability and NDPE compliance;
    • Quarterly desktop analysis of Aceh landscape using in-house satellite monitoring, work with relevant stakeholders and NGOs;
    • Publish quarterly satellite monitoring of Aceh suppliers and progress update;
  7. Work with NGOs and/or consultants to ensure effective policy implementation in Aceh sourcing areas

Update from suppliers:

  • Based on satellite monitoring, PT LB has stopped land clearing since June 2021.
  • In 7 June 2021, PT LB has committed in writing to an action plan including their commitment to NDPE policy, HCV/HCS assessments for peer review, and a recovery plan to be developed based on land use change and assessment results.
  • PT LB has committed to a sustainability policy on 28 June 2021.
  • PT LB has initiated a process of HCV/HCS assessment to be conducted by HCVRN-licensed assessor for peer review. PT LB has appointed a consultant and commencement of integrated HCV/HCS assessment in Sept 2021.
  • PT GSS has committed to an action plan in July, to strengthen supply chain monitoring and traceability procedure to ensure that such violation will not repeated. To date, GSS has completed the action plan.

We will continue monitoring the latest development and progress of the case.

October 2021

PT Laot Bangko has launched a website and published their sustainability policy. The policy can be found here.

The company has started working with consultant on the HCV/HCS assessment.

On PT GSS, Apical continue monitoring the progress to ensure all sources must come from traceable and NDPE compliant sources.

December 2021

Since PT GSS has completed the action, the case has been closed. PT GSS will continue monitor the progress of PT LB and maintain ceased sourcing from PT LB including PT Bima Golden Powerindo. (updated on 22 Feb 2022)

Di Apical Group, komitmen kami terhadap keberlanjutan didukung penuh dimulai dari jajaran managemen teratas. Presiden Apical didukung oleh Direktur Keberlanjutan bersama seluruh kepala bisnis, memastikan keberlanjutan terintegrasi dalam unit bisnis dan fungsional, dan tertanam dalam nilai dan inisiatif inti perusahaan.

Topik keberlanjutan dibahas pada rapat dewan yang diadakan setiap tiga bulan. Kami juga memiliki tim keberlanjutan yang berdedikasi berbasis di Kuala Lumpur; Malaysia, dan Indonesia; Pekanbaru, Dumai, Medan, Jakarta dan Balikpapan. Tim Keberlanjutan ditugaskan untuk menerapkan dan memantau komitmen kami melalui keterlibatan dan kolaborasi pemangku kepentingan yang konstruktif.

Selain itu, kami didukung penuh oleh departemen Sosial, Keamanan, dan Perizinan (SSL) khusus di setiap unit bisnis yang kami miliki, untuk menangani masalah sosial dan perizinan sesuai dengan peraturan nasional serta kebijakan keberlanjutan Apical. Tim juga mengawasi program Tanggung Jawab Sosial Perusahaan (CSR) untuk mendukung penghidupan yang lebih baik di masyarakat setempat.

Mencapai tujuan keberlanjutan membutuhkan lebih dari sekadar kolaborasi dengan pemangku kepentingan utama kami. Kolaborasi lintas industri dan perusahaan sejenis juga penting dan karenanya, kami terus mencari dan berpartisipasi dalam kemitraan baru, keanggotaan industri yang relevan, dan skema sertifikasi.

Kami berpartisipasi dalam skema keanggotaan dan sertifikasi industri seperti Tropical Forest Alliance 2020, Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO), termasuk P&C Review Taskforce RSPO dan National Interpretation Working Group RSPO Indonesia, International Sustainability and Carbon Certification (ISCC), dan Indonesian Sustainable Palm Oil (ISPO).

Dato' Yeo How

PRESIDEN APICAL GROUP

At Apical Group, our commitment to sustainability stems right from the top. Apical’s President is supported by the Director of Sustainability and various business heads, to ensure sustainability is integrated within business and functional units, and embedded in the company’s core values and initiatives.

Sustainability topics are discussed at Board meetings held quarterly. We also have dedicated Sustainability teams based in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, and Pekanbaru, Dumai, Medan, Jakarta and Balikpapan in Indonesia. The Sustainability teams are tasked with implementing and monitoring our commitments through constructive stakeholder engagement and collaboration.

In addition, there is also a dedicated Social, Security and Licensing (SSL) department in each refinery we own, to handle social and licensing matters in compliance with national regulations as well as Apical Sustainability Policy. The team also oversees Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programmes to support better livelihoods in local communities.

Achieving sustainability goals requires more than just collaboration with our key stakeholders. Collaboration across industries and peer companies is also crucial and hence, we constantly look for and participate in new partnerships, relevant industry membership and certification schemes.

We participate in industry membership and certification schemes such as the Tropical Forest Alliance 2020, Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO), including the RSPO P&C Review Taskforce and the RSPO Indonesia National Interpretation Working Group, the International Sustainability and Carbon Certification (ISCC), and the Indonesian Sustainable Palm Oil (ISPO)

Dato' Yeo How

APICAL GROUP PRESIDENT