Merlung, Jambi, 7 July 2020 – In support of the economic activities of Lubuk Terap Village, Merlung, Jambi, Asian Agri repaired a damaged hanging bridge, providing the community access to a nearby market where they could sell their agricultural products.
The newly repaired bridged provided the access to the nearest market across the river. When it was damaged and rendered unusable, the village suffered an economic slowdown as the river crossing was done through the more resource-intensive and slow-moving rafts.
Asian Agri’s Jambi CSR Coordinator Rudy Jasthon explained that the company had earlier repaired the bridge in 2017 as part of its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) outreach to the community.
“This bridge rehabilitation is part of the company’s ongoing CSR program and community engagement. We will continue to monitor the bridge infrastructure and ensure that it is well maintained. We thank the people who continue to work together for the community’s benefit. We hope the improved infrastructure will further enable the community to realise more economic benefits in the foreseeable future,” Rudy added.
Eko Budi Santoso, a rubber planter from Lubuk Terap Village, also expressed his appreciation to Asian Agri for helping to repair the vital infrastructure, “Before the bridge was repaired by the company, we used a raft with limited capacity to cross the river. Meanwhile, a land trip requires us to take a longer route of 20 to 25 km. With the repaired bridge, we can now transport and trade our products quickly and safely so that we can continue to provide for our families.”
About Asian Agri:
Asian Agri is one of Indonesia’s largest palm oil producers since 1979. Today, the company manages 100,000 hectares of land and employs over 25,000 people. A pioneer of the Indonesian government’s Trans-National Government Migration (PIR-Trans) program, Asian Agri works with 30,000 plasma smallholders in Riau and Jambi who operate 60,000 hectares of palm oil plantations, as well as independent smallholders, bringing about positive impact on their quality of life and economic development.
Implementing a strict “no burn” policy and best practices in sustainable plantation management, Asian Agri has helped its smallholder partners improve productivity, yield and supply chain traceability, while assisting them obtain certifications. The company’s mills are technologically advanced and energy self-sufficient, minimizing greenhouse gas emissions.
Asian Agri is a member of the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO). More than 86% of both owned plantations in North Sumatra, Riau & Jambi provinces and 100% of scheme smallholder plantations in Riau & Jambi provinces have been RSPO certified. All plantations, including those owned by smallholders, have been certified by ISCC (International Sustainability & Carbon Certification). The company has also been 100% ISPO (Indonesian Sustainable Palm Oil) certified.
The company’s operations are ISO 14001 certified, while its Learning Institute and nursery research center in Riau province, Indonesia are both ISO 9001 certified. Asian Agri’s R&D Center in North Sumatra was also given a certification by the International Plant-Analytical Exchange at the WEPAL lab at Wageningen University in The Netherlands, for its high standards.
For further information, please contact:
Maria Sidabutar
Head Corporate Communications
E-mail: maria_sidabutar@www.asianagri.com
DID: +62 21 2301 119
