SUBJECT
On 18 July 2019, Mighty Earth published a report, Rapid Response 17 which alleged that PT Usaha Sawit Unggul (PT USU) has cleared 23 ha of peat forest and 28 ha was being prepared for clearance within the concession between 29 April 2019 and 5 July 2019.
PROGRESS
July 2019
Upon receiving the report, Asian Agri immediately commenced an investigation as PT USU was under the ownership of Asian Agri. Based on the evidence received, it is confirmed that the land clearing was located outside of the PT USU concession. The map can be found here.
Jan 2020
USU is no longer under the ownership of Asian Agri.
April 2022
Although PT. USU is no longer under the ownership of Asian Agri, PT USU remained in Apical’s supply chain via PT Sawit Sukses Sejati (PT SSS). Apical requested for a Stop Work Order, required a High Conservation Value (HCV) and High Carbon Stock (HCS) assessment, and for PT. USU to initiate a recovery plan.
May 2022
USU was not able to comply with Apical’s NDPE requirements and implement corrective actions for the estimated liability.
We consider this case closed and welcome any actions by PT. USU for NDPE compliance in order to re-enter Apical’s supply chain.
