Pelalawan, Riau, 1 April 2020 – In anticipation of the dry season, Asian Agri continues to prioritize the safety and health of our Fire Aware Community (MPA) and the Fire Free Village Program (FFVP) Crew Leader (DBA) in carrying out their task of monitoring and keeping villages free from fires.
Hafiz Hazalin Sinaga, Manager of the Asian Agri Fire Free Village Program explained that the coordination and monitoring at various sites were carried out using digital technology through the equipment of each MPA member and DBA Crew Leader.
In support of the government’s social distancing requirements given the COVID-19 global pandemic, Asian Agri’s Fire Prevention teams continue to communicate regularly with various Crew Leaders using the FFVP instant messaging group chats and cell phones.
“We give each other updates or the latest reports every hour, depending on signal availability in the field. The use of digital technology is very effective because coordination and updates are not only done through hand-written notes, but are supported with photos of field activities,” said Hafiz.
To ensure the accuracy of the reporting points, FFVP teams also use available applications such as maps and coordinates. “The images provided by our Crew Leaders include the GPS coordinates, helping us follow up with the team which is closest to the location.”
On top of their regular reporting, each member is required to wear a mask, a helmet, and after each patrol, wash their hands with soap.
Hafiz emphasized that the coordination with the Police/Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) and government officials continues, so that FFVP teams receive guidance and assistance in the patrol activities in accordance with the provisions of fire prevention and control.
As a member of the Fire Free Alliance (FFA), Asian Agri actively implements the Fire Free Village Program (FFVP) and builds the capacity of Fire Aware Communities (MPA) so that they are empowered to encourage villages to implement sustainability practices by managing land and keeping their villages free of fire.
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
