Wilmar International and LDC Visit Orangutan Conservation Area on Salat Island

Central Kalimantan - Wilmar International & Louis Dreyfus Company (LDC) visited the Orangutan conservation area, which is a partnership between PT Sawit Sumbermas Sarana Tbk (SSMS) and Borneo Orangutan Survival Foundation (BOSF) in Pilang Village, Pisau Island, Central Kalimantan. The visit of Wilmar and LDC was in order to ensure the sustainability of SSMS business, namely the recovery plan project and monitoring deforestation in one of SSMS conservation project areas. During the visit, Wilmar International representatives Surya Purnama and Sofian Areza and LDC representatives Harry Puguh and Risto Laksono had the opportunity to see various facilities and activities in the orangutan conservation area, Salat Island. Surya Purnama, the third party engagement of Wilmar International, expressed his appreciation for SSMS’ concern for saving Bornean Orangutans (Pongo Pygmaeus) through the orangutan pre-release programme. According to Surya, this programme is one of the tangible proofs that oil palm plantations also play a big role in maintaining and protecting protected species in their natural habitat. In addition, programmes like this show that the palm oil industry can develop in harmony with conservation efforts. Furthermore, Surya hopes that through conservation programmes such as the one developed by SSMS, biodiversity and natural resources in Indonesia will be maintained. In line with Surya, Harry Puguh, LDC's Regional Palm Sustainability Manager, said it was an honour and privilege to witness the transformation of SSMS over the past few years. Harry added that SSMS’ commitment to build a comprehensive recovery plan in Salat Island project, by involving local communities and smallholders in the supply chain, is a strong evidence of how SSMS is on track to become a leading actor in sustainability. During the visit, Henky Satrio W., SSMS Group Head Sustainability, welcomed Wilmar International and LDC's visit to one of SSMS' four RSPO-approved and implemented remediation and compensation project (RaCP) areas. In addition, both Wilmar International and LDC also conducted a review of the SSMS supply chain and obtained explanations and clarifications regarding the grievances directed at the company. This is part of the co-operation process where SSMS is a supplier for sustainable palm products. According to Henky, this visit is a good opportunity to show that SSMS as an oil palm plantation is consistent and committed to realising good governance and always carrying out sustainable business practices in accordance with the NDPE (No Deforestation, No Peat and No Exploitation) policy amidst the incessant negative issues of Indonesian oil palm plantations. This commitment is reflected in the various sustainability standards and certifications held by SSMS, both local and international, including ISO 14001:2015 Environmental Management System, Environmental Management Performance Assessment (Proper), Indonesian Sustainable Palm Oil (ISPO) and Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO).***