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Grievance Procedure

 

How it works

This Grievance Procedure has been established for Wilmar to address grievances from parties, including individuals, government organizations and non-governmental organizations concerning the implementation of Wilmar’s No Deforestation, No Peat, No Exploitation (NDPE) Policy. We recognise that providing this feedback mechanism for stakeholders is important because it helps in the monitoring of compliance with Wilmar’s NDPE policy throughout our operations and supply chain.

The Grievance Procedure also promotes transparency and accountability, through disclosure of our full list of grievances, with updates on our actions to address them. 

Submit Grievance

Grievances can be submitted through any of the following channels:

By email to
grievance_procedure@wilmar.com.sg

By telephone to
+60 3 2119 9000

By fax to
+60 3 2026 2142

By messaging the following local mobile numbers via SMS or WhatsApp
Malaysia: +60 1 3551 6930 
Indonesia: +62 812 1378 7839 
These hotlines are available during and outside office hours

In writing to
Wilmar Trading Pte Ltd 
28 Biopolis Road 
Singapore 138568
Attention: Sustainability Department (Grievance Coordinator)

Ineligible Grievance List

As per Wilmar Grievance Procedure, we investigate all cases which are received. Based on the evidence received to date, the cases listed here are those that are classified as ineligible grievances and will not be further investigated. 

Updated: 08/03/2023

XX grievances found

Company Received Grievance Report Stakeholders Subject Matter and Progress Progress Update
Runding Putra Persada 2022091919 Sep 2022 Report can be found here. Rainforest Action Network (RAN) Status: Case closed

Non-compliant palm products from Mr. Mahmudin, a smallholder operating in the Rawa Singkil Wildlife Reserve (RSWR) area allegedly enter Wilmar’s supply chain through its supplier, PT Runding Putra Persada (PT RPP) via a Fresh Fruit Bunch (FFB) dealer CV Buana Indah (CV BI).

Non-compliant palm products from Mr. Mahmudin, a smallholder operating in the Rawa Singkil Wildlife Reserve (RSWR) area allegedly entered Wilmar’s supply chain through its supplier, PT Runding Putra Persada (PT RPP) via a Fresh Fruit Bunch (FFB) dealer CV Buana Indah (CV BI).

Wilmar does not source from CV BI. However, our supplier, PT RPP was allegedly sourcing from CV BI. Wilmar immediately initiated engagement with PT RPP when allegations of their non-compliant sourcing within RSWR was brought to our attention in September 2022.  According to the report, Mr. Mahmudin was operating illegally within RSWR and was supplying to PT RPP via CV BI. 

On 31 October 2022, RAN published additional information on the case titled “Major Indonesian Palm Oil Suppliers Falsely Deny Sourcing Illegal Palm Oil” on the issue linked to Mr. Mahmudin’s farm that allegedly extends beyond the boundary of the RSWR. 

A series of meeting and engagement with PT RPP was carried out thereafter. A field verification from 7 to 15 November 2022 has been carried out to verify the allegation and to support the development of an action plan to address the issues identified. The field visit concluded that Mr Mahmudin has a certificate of ownership (SHM) covering an area of 29 hectares. However, he has further claimed ownership of additional 4 hectares within RSWR which has not yet been allocated SHM. In addition, Mr Mahmudin’s FFB collection point also lacks adequate traceability mechanism to map the FFB that are sourced from the local community farms around Mr Mahmudin's farm. It has been confirmed that CV BI is indeed PT RPP’s supplier, which they have started sourcing since April 2022.

The outcome of the investigation and the action plan were discussed with RAN on 1 December 2022. The final field verification report has also been shared with RAN on 21 December 2022.

In March 2023, a verification field visit was undertaken to assess the progress of the action plan.  It was found that PT RPP has made improvements to the traceability system but the supply chain data collection at CV BI and the handover of 4 hectares of Mr. Mahmudin's land inside RSWR were progressing slower than expected. In order to accelerate progress to meet the action plan targets by June 2023, further assistance will be extended to PT RPP on its traceability programme and our team will engage with Mr. Mahmudin and CV BI in May 2023.  The full report is available here.  

In May 2023, a follow up field visit was carried out.  PT RPP has achieved 94% Traceability to Plantation (TtP) and its staff have been trained on the traceability system.  After a delayed start on the traceability mapping process due to unforeseen circumstances, Koltiva began the traceability work on CV BI’s and Mr Mahmudin’s suppliers in March and May 2023 respectively. Thus, Koltiva has revised timeline for 100% TtP to September 2023. During this visit, the field team also discussed with Mr. Mahmudin on the progress of the land release of the 4 hectares. 

In early June 2023, our team met with Balai Konservasi & Sumber Daya Alam, BKSDA (Agency of Conservation and Natural Resources) as the authority for management and monitoring of RSWR, and Balai Pemantapan Kawasan Hutan, BPKH (Agency of Forest Area Consolidation Center) as the authority for boundary marking of RSWR, with the aim to understand the management and monitoring of RSWR, and process of releasing land occupied by community within the RSWR. 

In June 2023, another follow up field visit was carried out.  Mr. Mahmudin was not available to meet with field team during this field visit.  The field team was later informed that Mr. Mahmudin was not willing to sign the commitment letter to release the 4 hectares. Consequently, PT RPP and CV BI have issued a statement on 13 July 2023 to exclude Mr. Mahmudin from their supply chain. With this latest development, Wilmar has also included Mr. Mahmudin on its list of “high risk” FFB supplier, where all Wilmar direct suppliers operating within the 50km radius of the Leuser Ecosystem will be notified on the development of this case. Mr. Mahmudin’s FFB will only be allowed to enter their supply chain when the case is resolved to our satisfaction. 

A verification visit was carried out in October 2023 to assess PT RPP and CV BI’s progress in achieving 100% traceability.  The documents and traceability data provided by PT RPP and CV BI, developed with support from Koltiva, showed that the 100% TtP has been achieved.  The traceability data also indicated that neither PT RPP nor CV BI has sourced FFB from Mr. Mahmudin since 13 July 2023, when both PT RPP and CV BI issued a statement to exclude Mr. Mahmudin from their supply chain. In addition, PT. RPP has also carried out an evaluation of all CV BI suppliers to ensure that all FFB supply is sourced from outside of the RSWR. 

Considering that PT. RPP has completed the required activities as per the agreed action plan, the case on PT. RPP can be considered resolved. The summary of the outcome of the investigation and key milestone are available in this Joint Closing Statement.  


AA Sawit, a company allegedly linked to our supplier Jernih Kemboja. 2022072626 Jul 2022 Report can be found here. Mighty Earth Status: Case closed

Alleged deforestation by AA Sawit, a company allegedly linked to our supplier Jernih Kemboja.

AA Sawit is not a supplier to Wilmar. Our supplier, Jernih Kemboja, however is implicated due to their association with AA Sawit.  

Wilmar immediately initiated engagement with Jernih Kemboja when allegations of deforestation at PTD 4882, 4085, 4963, 4118, 4177 and 4121  by AA Sawit was brought to our attention in July 2022. A field investigation was carried in August 2022 to verify the allegations. Our field investigation as well as LUCA analysis on their concession maps thereafter has confirmed that there is non-compliance to the No Deforestation commitment to the NDPE Policy.

Wilmar’s last purchase from this supplier was in September 2022.

As of October 2023, Jernih Kemboja has met all the requirements stipulated in our re-entry criteria. This includes their commitment to the development of a Recovery Plan for Non-Compliant Land Clearing to the NDPE policy at group level, for activity that has taken place from January 2016 onwards. Based on the detailed review of documentation, reports and a letter of commitment from Jernih Kemboja, the Wilmar Suspension Committee has given due consideration of this progress and lifted the suspension of Jernih Kemboja in October 2023. 

Dewa Rencana Perangin Angin 2022012424 Jan 2022 Report can be found here Wilmar Status: Case closed

Alleged labour rights violation in PT Dewa Rencana Perangin Angin’s (PT DRPA) operation.
Wilmar immediately reached out to Dewa Rencana Perangin Angin (PT DRPA) in January 2022 for clarification when the allegation of forced labour in PT DRPA was brought to our attention. However, despite several engagement attempts made since January 2022, we were unable to establish engagement with PT DRPA. We have therefore ceased sourcing from PT DRPA since January 2022.
Gilford Ltd, a subsidiary of Rimbunan Hijau (PNG) Group 2021100707 Oct 2021 Report can be found here  Global Witness Status: Case in progress

Alleged deforestation, land rights and labour rights violations by Gilford Ltd, a subsidiary of Rimbunan Hijau (RH).
In July 2021, a letter was sent to Wilmar’s customers from the NGO Global Witness (GW), alleging environmental and social non-compliance incidents by Rimbunan Hijau (RH). A summary of the allegations in the letter were as follows:
  • Environmental degradation and deforestation activities;
  • Violence and harassment against community members, through local police;
  • Lack of Free, Prior, Informed Consent (FPIC) prior to development of land;
  • Decent accommodation and facility for employees living in company housing; and
  • Workers’ health and safety.
Wilmar immediately reached out to RH for clarification on the issues raised by GW, and has been actively engaging with the company since. RH has rebutted the allegations and provided us with all relevant documents which include:
  • A field visit report by an independent consultant;
  • Evidence of engagements between RH and GW since 2017;
  • Landowner consent forms to ascertain FPIC and identify cultural sites that require protection;
  • Voluntarily written statements by a landowner, contents of which were further corroborated by a statement given by a local ward councillor;
  • Correspondence between Gilford Ltd and the Royal Papua New Guinea (PNG) Constabulary;
  • Board meeting minutes by landowner companies; and
  • A mediated agreement between Gilford Ltd and a landowner company issued by the PNG National Court.
The extensive supporting documents shared by RH has generally clarified the issues raised in GW’s letter, except on the matter of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) provision to its workers, which still warrants further investigation and engagement with RH in order to close the issue.

On the allegation of lack of FPIC, RH has reaffirmed that landowners’ consent (i.e. FPIC) is a legally stipulated requirement in PNG to obtain a Special Agricultural Business Lease (SABL), which they are in adherence to. Further to this, a voluntary statement by one of the landowners which was shared with us has also indicated that FPIC was in order, prior to land development. With regards to the allegation of violence and harassment, RH informed us that any reported police presence was sanctioned by the Royal PNG Constabulary and that no malpractice was proven, following investigations by high-level authorities, including the Ombudsman Commission.

On the allegation of deforestation and environmental issues, RH has clarified that their operational planning and execution are compliant with all legal requirements. In fact, such compliance was monitored by the PNG Forest Authority Project Supervisor onsite, to ensure protection of all culturally important sites, and other specific protected areas such as buffer zones along rivers and streams; village reserves; conservation zones for fauna and flora; as well as sites of historical importance such as old village sites and caves. Since project commencement, they have not received any specific complaints from any affected landowners, ward councillors, village court officials, or any government officials on environmental matters. In addition, it is also important to note that Wilmar has engaged with Gilford Ltd since 2018 on their compliance to NDPE, where Gilford has committed to carrying out HCV-HCS assessments prior to any new land clearing. A moratorium on new land clearing has been imposed since 2018. For more information related to this case, please refer to Wilmar’s Grievance List, the case registered in 2018 under Gilford Ltd.

On the matter of PPE provision, Wilmar will be working closely with RH to ensure that their practices are fully aligned with our NDPE Policy. This includes improvements to their PPE Policy and socialisation of the policy to all levels of management and operations, with effective on-the-ground implementation.

On 7 October 2021, GW released a public report titled ’The True Price of Palm Oil’. The allegations on RH in this report are largely similar to the letter that was sent to Wilmar’s customers in July 2021. The Report however contains additional information related to RH’s health and safety practices.

Wilmar continues to monitor and investigate the remaining issues related to worker PPE Provision and RH’s safety and health practices, and will guide RH towards resolution of this case.
IOI Corporation Berhad (IOI) 2021063030 Jun 2021 Report can be found here Finnwatch Status: Case closed

Alleged labour rights violations at IOI’s Mekassar Estate, Pahang, Malaysia 

Wilmar immediately initiated engagement with IOI when the allegations were brought to our attention in June 2021. Full details of this case is available on IOI’s grievance list.

We understand that Finnwatch has engaged with IOI since August 2020, where they have informed IOI of several allegations highlighted by a grievance raiser on behalf of five workers, consisting of:

On 2 June 2023, RSPO Complaint Panel who investigated the case has dismissed the case.

For more information on RSPO’s deliberation, please refer to the case tracker

  1. Mistreatment from the estate’s supervisor
  2. Inconsistency in issuance of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
  3. Not allowing workers to speak to auditors
  4. Dissatisfaction regarding housing facilities
  5. Disagreement in wage payments
  6. Alleged payment of recruitment fees

Following this, IOI immediately formed an internal investigation team to address the allegations.

On 11 September 2020, IOI updated Finnwatch on the matter of mistreatment, issuance of PPE and the worker being disallowed from speaking to auditors. In the update, IOI included explanations on the regular issuance of PPEs, and that in IOI, there was no restriction placed on auditors with regards to who they choose to interview during audits. IOI also disputed the allegation that workers were not allowed to speak with auditors. IOI further acknowledged that there was an incident of mistreatment of a worker by an estate employee and clarified that action had been taken by IOI management against the employee in question.  

On 14 October 2020, IOI provided supporting documents, photos and videos from its internal investigations to Finnwatch on the issue of wage disagreement, and dissatisfaction regarding housing facilities.

On 13 November 2020, IOI informed Finnwatch that on the issue of illegal payments made during recruitment by the aggrieved workers, IOI had made several attempts to contact the person involved but was not successful.

On 16 December 2020, IOI presented its “Guideline for Providing Basic Amenities to Workers” which ensures uniform implementation of amenities provided to all estate workers, and a guideline on “Worker’s Work Verification”, which enables workers to verify their working hours. IOI also shared updates with Finnwatch on progress made with regards to workers’ repatriation back to India. On the issue of recruitment fee, IOI provided reassurance to Finnwatch that investigations were ongoing on the matter, in line with IOI’s No Recruitment Fee policy.

On 23 February 2021, IOI informed Finnwatch that it had no way of confirming transactions that had occurred in India relating to recruitment fees. In response to the issue however, IOI suspended the recruitment agency involved as well as recruitment of workers from India, and added that it would be reporting the findings to authorities in India for further formal investigation.

On 28 June 2021, IOI reiterated that the issue of illegal monies collected from workers in India for recruitment was beyond their jurisdiction and would require cooperation from the Indian government.

On 2 July 2021, IOI published a Statement in Response to Finnwatch’s Report addressing the allegations. In the Statement, IOI also reaffirmed commitment to its “No Recruitment Fees Policy” since 2017, highlighted its “Guideline for Minimum Wage & Leave Pay” and “Worker’s Work Verification Guideline”, and mentioned that it will be undergoing an audit on its plantation operating units to ascertain non-compliance with its labour policies or unsatisfactory working conditions. 

On 21 July 2021, IOI published an update on its first virtual Sustainability Consultation Forum. IOI engaged BSR (Business for Social Responsibility) to develop and facilitate the Forum, which was held in May 2021 and attended by 40 of IOI’s internal and external stakeholders. Discussions at the Forum were centred around efforts to address current labour challenges faced by IOI and the Malaysian palm oil sector, with a specific focus on Responsible Recruitment Practices especially in Peninsular Malaysia and legalisation of undocumented workers in Sabah. An Executive Summary of the Forum can be found here.

On 13 January 2022, IOI published a further update on outcomes and action plans arising from the Forum, which includes active engagement with relevant stakeholders such as RSPO and ILO to develop solutions for responsible recruitment practices, and the setting up of a working group to discuss approaches to legalise undocumented workers in Sabah. Further details are available here.

On 2 June 2023, the RSPO Complaints Panel concluded its investigation into the allegations and dismissed the case.  For more information on RSPO Complaints Panel's deliberation, please refer to the case tracker

Mitra Abadimas Sejahtera, subsidiary of Chora Agro Resources 2021060202 Jun 2021 Report can be found here Lembaga Bentang Alam Hijau (LemBAH) Status: Case closed

Alleged land rights, labour rights violations and environmental pollution by PT Mitra Abadimas Sejahtera (PT MAS), a subsidiary of Chora Agro Resources
Wilmar immediately reached out to PT Mitra Abadimas Sejahtera (PT MAS) to seek clarification on the allegation, and held its first meeting with the supplier on 14 June 2021. We were informed that PT MAS is currently under management takeover. The takeover process has hampered the investigation of the case due to changes in management during the interim period, where the company will take more time to conduct the investigations and compile relevant documentation to be shared with Wilmar.

Following ongoing engagements, PT MAS has refuted the allegations and provided clarification to Wilmar on all the issues raised by LemBAH. Wilmar has reviewed PT MAS' response and shared the outcome of our review with the grievance raiser in December 2021. We have also proposed a meeting with the grievance raiser for further discussion on the case. The grievance raiser did not provide further comments to PT MAS’ response.

In June 2022, Wilmar carried out a field visit to PT MAS to investigate the allegations. The grievance team conducted document review, as well as interviews with PT MAS and surrounding communities to verify the allegations. The outcome of the field investigation corroborated the clarifications provided to Wilmar.

In general, PT MAS is operating legally as they have already obtained all legal permits, including location permit, plantation business permit (IUP) and land use permit (Hak Guna Usaha, HGU). They have also fulfilled their plasma obligations as well as provided compensation for land acquisition to the previous landowner.  It is important to note that there are no community settlements, buildings, graves and community houses within the boundaries of PT MAS’s IUP and HGU. On the matter of labour conditions, majority of workers are from local communities of Subah sub-district and they appeared to have good relationship with PT MAS. PT MAS has also provided documentation proof that their workers welfare is protected, including insurance coverage.
Putra Lirik Domas, a subsidiary of KPN Corporation 2021060202 Jun 2021 Report can be found here  Lembaga Bentang Alam Hijau (LemBAH) Status: Case closed

Alleged land rights, labour rights violations and environmental pollution by PT Putra Lirik Domas, a subsidiary of KPN Corporation
Wilmar immediately initiated engagement with KPN when the allegation was brought to our attention in June 2021. KPN has since published an initial response on the case, clarifying their investigation approach and action plans in resolving the issues highlighted. We understand that PT Putra Lirik Domas (PT PLD) has initiated site verification on 4 June 2021 and identified that the community facilities are within their land use permit (HGU) of PT PLD, in which PT PLD will apply for a permit change of the area with Badan Pertanahan Nasional (BPN), the national land agency. On 2 July 2021, PT PLD engaged directly with LemBAH for further discussion of the case. On 14 October 2021, PT PLD met with LemBAH, AMAN Bengsibas and representatives of the local communities, cooperative and the the local government to discuss the allegations raised and steps towards resolution of the issues identified.

To support the investigation of the case, PT PLD has  established an internal task force to look into the allegations and to develop resolutions to address the issues identified. The task force has subsequently developed an action plan to guide PT PLD in implementing corrective measures. During the investigation process, PT PLD has transparently shared all relevant documentations with us for our review, including copies SOPs for grievance handling, water test results, worker’s promotions and training programme, improvement of their environment, health and safety (EHS) practices. In addition, they have also shared with us activities related to plasma programme and engagement with government related to HGU revision.

Wilmar continues to engage with PT PLD and monitor the implementation of the remaining action plan, which is primarily related to the revision of the HGU.  

Niah Palm Oil Mill, owned by Sarawak Plantation Berhad  2021032525 Mar 2021 Report can be found here Anonymous Status: Case in progress

Alleged act of violence by the staff of Niah Palm Oil Mill (NPOM), owned by Sarawak Plantation Berhad (SPB), against a former employee for physically assaulting the company’s security guard.
The incident occurred on 7 February 2021, involving, Neileson Digat Anak Regi, a former employee of Niah Palm Oil Mill (NPOM), Sarawak Plantation Berhad (SPB).

Nieleson Digat Anak Regi used to work at NPOM as an apprentice mechanic but was dismissed in January 2021. His dismissal was related to several prior incidents. On 18 January 2021, NPOM management found Nieleson Digat Anak Regi, who was absent without leave from work, at staff quarters. During a discussion that ensued between both parties, Nieleson Digat Anak Regi threatened management staff with a knife. Through mutual agreement with management staff, Nieleson Digat Anak Regi went to the police station to turn himself in and a report was filed. In a separate incident, a regular urine screen test that was conducted earlier by the company for work compliance found Nieleson Digat Anak Regi had tested positive for Methamphetamine (syabu), an illegal narcotic. Nieleson Digat Anak Regi was dismissed from work thereafter.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, since 9 January 2021, NPOM was put under lockdown. SPB issued a memo to all staff on the lockdown of its estates and mills; the memo included a directive prohibiting all visitors from entering estate/ mill compounds.

On 7 February 2021, auxiliary police (AP) received a call from NPOM’s on-duty staff informing him that Nieleson Digat Anak Regi had entered staff quarters after a verbal confrontation and despite being informed that no visitors were allowed on the premises. Nieleson Digat Anak Regi at the time was wanting to visit his relatives that also worked at NPOM. Company staff who later intervened were able to convince him to leave; this action taken was in line with the memo issue by the company earlier. However, company staff later received a call that on his way out of NPOM premises, Nieleson Digat Anak Regi physically assaulted a guard. Company staff and AP rushed to the location of the call to find Nieleson Digat Anak Regi and the said guard engaged in a fight. AP and company staff intervened to break up the fight. Nieleson Digat Anak Regi was handed over to the police station and a report was filed against him. On the same day, he also lodged a police report claiming that he was beaten without reason, resulting in bodily pain.

Following this incident, local community members and Nieleson Digat Anak Regi’s grandfather imprisoned and beat up company security guards at the main entrance of a SPB estate on 9 February 2021. The said guards proceeded to lodge a police report on 10 February. In line with due processes, police investigations have been completed and the case will be deliberated in court. The date of the hearing has been fixed for 11 to 15 April 2022.

The police department, Polis Diraja Malaysia (PDRM) has issued a media release on the case. PDRM has also made several arrests and the cases are still under investigation. 

One of our stakeholders who requested for anonymity, officially lodged the case with Wilmar in March 2021.

During the course of investigation of this case, SPB shared extensive supporting documents with us, including a clear chronology of events, copies of police reports, as well as internal memos, policies and SOPs. They have provided sufficient clarification on the allegations highlighted in this case, and have committed to enhancing their Code of Ethics and developing procedures to strengthen their commitment to non-violence at the workplace, including detailed SOPs for their security personnel, with assistance from Wilmar. SBP will be translating these SOPs into local languages and has also committed to actively socialise their SOPs with all relevant personnel in the organisation. Following the incident, SBP has continued to engage with members of the surrounding community and maintains cordial relationships with them. 

Wilmar continues to monitor the issue and engage with SPB, to guide them in improving their practices.
Astra Agro Lestari 2021030202 Mar 2021 Report can be found here Procter & Gamble Status: Case in progress

Alleged land grabbing by the following companies, which are subsidiaries of PT Astra Agro Lestari (AAL):
I. PT Mamuang
II. PT Lestari Tani Telada (LTT)
III. PT Agro Nusa Abadi (ANA)

In October 2020, we received information from Procter & Gamble that WALHI Central Sulawesi submitted a complaint regarding land conflict at PT AAL’s subsidiaries; PT Mamuang, PT LTT and PT ANA.

The allegations are as follows:

  • PT Mamuang allegedly seized 50 ha of land belonging to local farmers. The company has criminalised farmers from Panca Mukti Village. One community member was wrongfully criminalised on three occasions, and imprisoned as a result.
  • PT LTT has allegedly seized approximately 100 ha from farmers in the villages of Rio Mukti and Tawiora. The company also implements an outsourcing system, mismatches working hours and fails to follow a wage system in accordance with Indonesian labour law, whereby the price of palm oil fruits produced by the farmers are determined by the company alone.
  • PT ANA has allegedly seized 5,000 ha of land belonging to farmers of Molino Village, Bungintimbe Village, Tompira Village and Bunta Village, and is operating without a land use permit (HGU). The company is alleged to have only location permits, thus being in violation of local laws concerning taxation and regional income.

Wilmar immediately reached out to PT AAL to investigate the above allegations, where AAL has clarified accordingly. In November 2020, Wilmar also held a meeting with AAL for further discussion on the matter.

  • PT Mamuang: PT AAL explained that since the 1990s, PT Mamuang has established and maintained a harmonious relationship with the surrounding community, especially because its existence has provided benefits to the community. Several media articles had also reported the positive relationship between PT Mamuang and the local community. News clippings available here and here.

With regards to the allegation of criminalisation, here is the summary of events that led to the arrest and imprisonment:

  • In 2006, a claim was made against PT Mamuang for ownership of 8 ha of land. Albeit PT Mamuang is the legal owner of the land, and have obtained legal operating permits, PT Mamuang’s management was still willing to engage with the complainant from 2006 to 2016 via negotiations and mediation processes with local authorities; their efforts however yielded little success.
  • Between 2017 to 2019, the complainant and his son allegedly engaged in activities that resulted in his son being convicted for criminal charges. As a result of this, he was imprisoned.

PT ALL reiterated that these were decisions made by legal authorities and the courts, with no influence from the company.

  • PT LTT: The alleged land grab of 100 ha from local farmers has not been verified and PT AAL has sought for further information from the complainant in order to investigate the allegation. PT LTT clarified that it does not use outsourcing mechanisms or individual outsourcing for its operational activities. Determination of the price of Fresh Fruit Bunch (FBB) at PT LTT is carried out in accordance to the Regulation of the Minister of Agriculture of the Republic of Indonesia, Number 01 / Permentan / Kb.120 / 1/2018. PT LTT added that it has not received complaints from its farmers or farmer group institutions regarding pricing.
  • PT ANA operates in accordance with all relevant legal permits. In the plantation development process, PT ANA always respects the rights of the community and ensures that each land tenure has gone through a process agreed upon with the community concerned.

Procter & Gamble (P&G) officially lodged the case with Wilmar in March 2021. P&G has played a pivotal role in our repeated attempts to engage with WALHI to better understand the details of the allegations raised. We understand that P&G are also working closely with the international non-profit and land rights advocacy organisation, Landesa. The purpose of this collaboration is to further strengthen P&G's grievance mechanism and resolution approach related to land rights cases, with a specific focus on ongoing concerns raised by WALHI in relation to PT AAL.

To accelerate progress, Landesa recommended an independent field verification to establish the facts on the ground. In March 2022 P&G commissioned and funded EcoNusantara (ENS), an independent advisory and consultancy expert to conduct field verification of the grievances submitted. The selection of ENS was made in consultation with and alignment of WALHI with local communities, PT AAL and Wilmar. ENS conducted the verification using an “open investigation” approach where every relevant party was informed in advance about the purpose of these activities. In addition to reviewing documents, in-depth interviews were conducted with key stakeholders, such as, WALHI National Executive and Sulawesi Central Regional Office, TUK Indonesia, PT AAL, the Sulawesi Plantation Department and Land Agency, Donggala District of Central Sulawesi Plantation Department and Land Agency and North Morowali District of Central Sulawesi Plantation Department. Direct face to face discussions were also held with community representative at six villages, including Panca Mukti, Tawiora, Bunta, Bungintimbe, Tompira, and Molino villages. All discussions were held in appropriate relevant local languages. ENS confirmed that all the stakeholders demonstrated goodwill, acted collaboratively during the interviews, and shared key information transparently in a way that is vital for the assessment and ultimate grievance resolution. ENS has transparently shared their findings in unilateral meetings with P&G, WALHI (held in Bahasa Indonesia), Wilmar and PT AAL. The final report was shared with Wilmar in September 2022. For more information on the outcome of the verification process commissioned by P&G, please refer to the executive summary report on the verification process prepared by P&G.

PT AAL on the other hand has engaged with the Conflict Resolution Unit (CRU) to evaluate their current human rights related practices. Incubated through the Indonesia Business Council for Sustainable Development (IBCSD) in 2015, CRU is a conflict resolution service agency that provides independent support for resolving conflicts in the management of agrarian and natural resources.

During the grievance investigation and verification process, we have closely engaged with all related parties, including PT AAL, P&G and ENS, where our last meeting was on 22 September 2022. PT AAL is committed to work towards the resolution of the case and more information related to their action plan will be provided in due course.

On  31 March 2023, PT AAL released their public statement on the appointment of ENS to carry out comprehensive independent verification on the issues raised.  The terms of reference (TOR) was finalised jointly with key stakeholders and supported by PT AAL’s sustainability consultant Robertsbridge Group. During the course of investigation, ENS will also open a complaint channel to capture issues raised by affected parties.  

On 12 May 2023, PT AAL published their progress update; where ENS will carry out the field assessment on the third week of May 2023 for initial set of interviews with community members, WALHI as the communities' advocate, and AAL related staff. On broader engagement level, ENS will be engaging with WALHI at local and national level, while Robertsbridge will be engaging with Friends of the Earth (US). 

ENS began the field verification process in late May 2023.  A kick off meeting between ENS and WALHI was scheduled; unfortunately, WALHI did not participate at the last minute.  Nonetheless, ENS commenced the field visits to affected communities of PT LTT, PT ANA, and PT Mamuang and the needs assessments in Toviora village, as planned.  By early June 2023, ENS had completed the field visits and the initial interviews with local government officials and community representatives, with the aim to identify locations of disputed land claims.

ENS conducted second phase of on-the-ground interviews starting from late June 2023 to verify findings from the initial interviews and to conduct further interviews with community members. The needs assessment with targeted communities at PT LTT was carried out with support from Tadulako University. 

ENS completed the field verification process by mid-August 2023 and commenced on the process of data analysis thereafter. 

In mid-September 2023, ENS highlighted that a government mediation process is taking place in two villages in the PT ANA area.  ENS will monitor the outcome of the mediation process to assess the implications for its reporting.  PT AAL, together with ENS, released the verification report on 27 November 2023.  The report has been shared to the stakeholders and PT AAL has released their response to stakeholders who have raised queries about the report.   

On 2 January 2024, PT AAL published its response on the alleged intimidation and coercive action by PT AAL security staff against community members in Rio Mukti Village, which was reported by WALHI and FoE on 8 December 2023.  PT AAL stated that it will carry out an internal fact-finding to gather all information related to the alleged coercion against two community members on signing a letter regarding land conflicts in PT. LTT.  The findings of the internal investigation was published in the statement released on 9 February 2024.  PT AAL clarified that the visit to the village by its CSR team was carried out at the invitation of the village head to discuss individual support measures for community members and to dispel rumours from unknown sources of criminalization, and that the visit was misconstrued as an act of intimidation.  

In the same statement released on 9 February 2024, PT AAL announced that it has re-appointed ENS to assist in developing an action plan to implement the recommendations of ENS’s independent verification of allegations raised by FoE in 2022. PT AAL will publish the finalized action plan and keep stakeholders updated with a monthly progress report. 

For more information related to the activities, please refer to the reports as follow:

In the meantime, Wilmar continues its engagement with PT AAL and all other relevant stakeholders in working towards resolution of the case.
Value Greenworld Sdn Bhd, a subsidiary of Bunga Group  2021011414 Jan 2021 Report can be found here Mighty Earth Status: Case closed

Alleged deforestation by Value Greenworld Sdn Bhd, a subsidiary of Bunga Group. 
Wilmar immediately initiated engagement with Bunga Group when allegations of deforestation at Value Greenworld was brought to our attention in January 2021.

We were informed by Bunga Group that they acquired Value Greenworld in late 2016, where the purchase agreement categorised the land as ‘shrubs’ and suitable for immediate planting. Due to this, Bunga Group proceeded with land clearing without conducting any HCV-HCS assessments. An immediate moratorium was imposed by Bunga Group on the Value Greenworld concession and all other plantations under Bunga Group in December 2020 when the non-compliance to NDPE was brought to Bunga Group’s attention prior to our engagement with them. Since then, Bunga Group has released their Sustainable Palm Oil Policy in January 2021. 

Based on the concession maps shared by Bunga Group with Wilmar, we have confirmed that the deforestation has indeed happened inside their concession area. As there was no HCS/HCV assessment conducted prior to land clearing, we considered this act of land clearing at Value Greenworld as non-compliant to our NDPE policy.  

Wilmar’s last purchase from this supplier was in March 2021

As of July 2021, Bunga Group has met all the requirements stipulated in our re-entry criteria. This includes their commitment to the development of a Recovery Plan for Non-Compliant Land Clearing to the NDPE policy at group level, for activity that has taken place from January 2016 onwards. Based on the detailed review of documentation, reports and a letter of commitment from Bunga Group, the Wilmar Suspension Committee has given due consideration of this progress and lifted the suspension of Bunga Group in July 2021. 
Teupin Lada, a subsidiary of Blang Ketumba 2020082020 Aug 2020 Report can be found here Rainforest Action Network (RAN) Status: Case closed

Non-compliant palm products from PT Indo Alam allegedly enter Wilmar’s supply chain through its supplier, PT Teupin Lada.
Wilmar does not source from PT Indo Alam. However, our supplier, PT Teupin Lada was allegedly sourcing from PT Indo Alam.

Prior to the publication of the RAN report on 20 August 2020 on the allegation of PT Teupin Lada’s sourcing of non-compliant palm products from PT Indo Alam, Wilmar has already initiated engagement with PT Teupin Lada since 18 August 2020 when we detected the issue through our Leuser Supplier Reporting Tool (LSRT) programme. In our meeting with PT Teupin Lada on 25 August 2020, the supplier has confirmed that they had started to procure from PT Indo Alam since Q1 2020, and they have already ceased sourcing from PT Indo Alam with immediate effect from 25 August 2020.
LKPP Corporation Sdn Bhd 2020080606 Aug 2020 Report can be found here and here Mighty Earth Status: Case closed

Alleged deforestation by PKPP Plantation Sdn Bhd, a company allegedly linked to our supplier LKPP Corporation Sdn Bhd

Wilmar and our supplier LKPP Corporation Sdn Bhd do not source from PKPP Plantation Sdn Bhd, the company that’s allegedly involved in deforestation.

Our supplier LKPP Corporation Sdn Bhd clarified that, PKPP Plantation Sdn Bhd is a different entity from LKPP Corporation Sdn Bhd.

Wilmar has therefore established direct engagement with PKPP Plantation Sdn Bhd to seek their clarification on the alleged deforestation. While the case is still undergoing investigation in verifying the allegation, PKPP Plantation Sdn Bhd has committed to cease any new clearing and published their NDPE commitment. In the meantime, PKPP Plantation Sdn Bhd has decided to reserve two lots of land from their landbank for potential recovery site, while continues to embark their conservation project to replanting rare wild jungle fruit trees and wild herbs trees in a secondary jungle area at Paya Bungor, Kuantan, in collaboration with local University, UiTM. The project with UiTM which involved 40 acres is still going and now entering Phase 2.

Wilmar’s last purchase from LKPP Corporation Sdn Bhd was in November 2020.

As of March 2024, LKPP Corporation Sdn Bhd has met all the requirements stipulated in our re-entry criteria. This includes their commitment to the implementation of a Recovery Plan for Non-Compliant Land Clearing to the NDPE policy at group level, for activity that has taken place from January 2016 onwards. Based on the detailed review of documentation, the Wilmar Suspension Committee has given due consideration of this progress and lifted the suspension of LKPP Corporation Sdn Bhd in March 2024.

Amanah Saham Pahang Berhad (ASPA)  2020080606 Aug 2020 Report can be found here Mighty Earth Status: Case closed

Non-compliant palm products from Amanah Saham Pahang Berhad (ASPA) was allegedly enter Wilmar's supply chain through its suppliers.
Wilmar does not source from Amanah Saham Pahang Berhad (ASPA). However, several Wilmar’s suppliers are sourcing directly from ASPA.   

Prior to publication of the Mighty Earth 30 Rapid Response Report on 6 August 2020, our suppliers had already initiated engagement with ASPA since June 2020 when the alleged deforestation in ASPA was brought to their attention.

ASPA has committed to adopt NDPE commitment and  imposed a moratorium on land clearing. A copy of their NDPE Policy was shared with our suppliers on 9th July 2020, the NDPE policy has also been extended to Wilmar.
YP Plantation Holdings Sdn Bhd (YPPH) 2020080606 Aug 2020 Report can be found here Mighty Earth Status: Case closed

Non-compliant palm products from YP Plantation Holdings Sdn Bhd (YPPH) allegedly enter Wilmar's supply chain through its suppliers.
Wilmar does not source from YP Plantation Holdings Sdn Bhd (YPPH). However, several Wilmar’s suppliers are sourcing directly from YPPH.  

Prior to publication of the Mighty Earth 30 Rapid Response Report on 6 August 2020, our suppliers had already initiated engagement with YPPH since June 2020 when the alleged deforestation in YPPH was brought to their attention. YPPH clarified that they have received approval from the local authorities and have adhered to the state regulations before developing the area. EIA has also been conducted prior to land development and received approval from Department of Environment.

YP Plantation has committed to adopt NDPE and imposed a moratorium on land clearing with effective from 17th August 2020. A copy of the NDPE policy is available here.
IJM Plantations 2020071010 Jul 2020 Report can be found here Chain Reaction Research (CRR) Status: Case closed

Alleged sourcing of non-compliant FFB from Aspirasi Kristal Sdn Bhd
Wilmar does not source from Instant Star Holdings Sdn Bhd/ Aspirasi Kristal (M) Sdn Bhd / Satria Eramaju.

However, our supplier, IJM Plantations sources directly from the above companies. 

Aspirasi Kristal (M) Sdn Bhd
Prior to the publication of the Chain Reaction Report on 10 July 2020 on the allegation of IJM’s sourcing of non-compliant palm products from Aspirasi Kristal (AK), IJM Plantations has already initiated engagement with AK since 24 June 2020 when the alleged deforestation were brought to their attention. A physical meeting was conducted between IJM Plantations and AK on 6 July 2020, where IJM Plantations has followed up with an official letter requesting AK to cease all land clearing.  AK responded officially on 20 July 2020 to IJM Plantations agreeing to cease all land clearing activities until investigation is completed.

Another stakeholder, The Mighty Earth had also released a report on this above case in August 2020.

In September 2020, Mighty Earth alerted Wilmar that suspected land clearing activities in AK’s concession were detected. Wilmar has immediately engaged with IJM Plantations seeking clarification on the matter. AK claimed that the areas were cleared in 2019 and the recent activities involved construction of terraces and road development on the cleared areas. AK reiterated no new clearing activities were conducted since 30 July 2020. IJM Plantations decided to suspend the FFB supply from AK while investigation is ongoing.

Satria Eramaju
No active land clearing was detected at Satria Eramaju (SE). SE has also acknowledged NDPE commitment and assured that relevant assessments will be conducted prior to any land clearing.

In the meantime, IJM Plantations has also registered this case on their grievance listing to publicly report their grievance resolution process 
https://www.ijmplantations.com/grievances-compliance-matters.php
Sime Darby Plantation Berhad 2020070606 Jul 2020 Report can be found here Liberty Shared Status: Case closed

Alleged labour rights violation in Sime Darby Plantation Berhad’s operation
On 6 July 2020, Liberty Shared (LS) published a summary of their petition to the United States Customs and Border Protection (US CBP) to “exclude palm oil and palm oil products produced wholly or in part by forced labour and child labour by Sime Darby Plantation Berhad (SDP) owned and affiliated companies.” The petition was submitted to the US CBP on 20 April 2020.

SDP clarified that the petition was submitted to US CBP without solicitation of feedback from the organization, and that it had access only to the petition summary, which does not contain details of issues raised by LS. SDP has since engaged with Duncan Jepson, the author of the petition, to better understand and expeditiously resolve the concerns raised. SDP has published the following statements in response to LS based on the limited information that was available to it. The statements reiterate SDP’s commitment to uphold human rights and good labour practices, as well as implement appropriate corrective actions to eradicate any human rights violations.

  1. First statement dated 8 July 2020
  2. Second statement dated 10 July 2020
  3. Third statement dated 7 August 2020

On 10 November 2020, SDP announced the appointment of Independent Experts to further strengthen its human rights commitments and compliance. PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) was appointed on 19 October 2020 to support SDP in establishing effective platforms and channels of communication to address concerns in its Malaysian operations. The other appointment is of an independent international specialist on migrant worker rights to assist SDP in improving its migrant worker recruitment processes (further details below).

On 18 November 2020, The Associated Press (AP) published an article  titled Rape, abuses in palm oil fields linked to top beauty brands”, which reported abuse of women in SDP’s plantations. SDP released a public statement in response to the article, reiterating zero tolerance for any forms of sexual or human rights violations, exploitation or any other criminal offenses. SDP stated that it had commenced further internal investigations over the allegation and is committed to take all necessary actions. On 3 December 2020, SDP issued a second statement, identifying the specific case highlighted by AP. SDP explained that the complainant had withdrawn her complaint in April 2019, two months after it was first brought to light. In revisiting the matter, the complainant indicated that she had no intention of reopening the case and denied that offensive statements had been made to her in the first place. SDP thus had no basis to pursue further investigations and have closed the case again.

Despite SDP’s efforts, on 30 December 2020, US CBP issued a  Withhold Release Order (WRO) that all U.S. ports of entry will detain palm oil and products containing palm oil produced by SDP and its subsidiaries, joint ventures, and affiliated entities in Malaysia. The issuance of the WRO was based on information that reasonably indicated the presence of all 11 of the International Labour Organization’s forced labour indicators in SDP’s production process. SDP issued a statement in response to the WRO on 31 December 2020, reiterating its pledge to combat forced labour. The statement also indicated that CBP had still not provided sufficient information to allow SDP to meaningfully address the allegations that triggered the issuance of the WRO. RSPO also issued a statement on the WRO, urging USCBP to share any information that will allow for RSPO to properly investigate this matter and report transparently on the findings.

In continuing its efforts to resolve the issue, SDP has announced the establishment of its Experts Stakeholder Human Rights Assessment Commission (the Commission) on 1 March 2021. SDP has appointed Impactt Ltd, an ethical trade consultancy and expert in the detection and remediation of labour issues in supply chains, to the Commission, to conduct an evaluation of SDP’s labour practices across its Malaysian operations. The Commission will also consist of a Stakeholder Consultation Panel (the Stakeholder Panel), who will provide additional views on Impactt’s assessment methodology and review forced labour indicators in SDP’s operations as well as proposed remediation plans. Members of the Stakeholder Panel include Shift, the leading centre of expertise on the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights, and Mr. Andy Hall, a migrant worker rights specialist. SDP expects the independent assessments by Impactt to be completed by May 2021, following which disclosure will be made by to SDP’s key stakeholders and the public, on the Commission’s findings.

On 4 June 2021, SDP appointed Professor Justine Nolan, a human rights expert, to its Commission and reported that it was expecting Impactt’s evaluation of its labour practices in Malaysia to be completed in June 2021. On 15 July 2021, SDP dissolved the Commission to provide for more time for the evaluation exercise to be carried out. SDP cited delays due to COVID-19 travel restrictions and that oversight of the evaluation will be undertaken by its Board’s Sustainability Committee.

On 28 January 2022, the US CBP determined that certain SDP palm oil products are produced using convict, forced or indentured labour. SDP in its statement reiterated its efforts to undertake a full-scale, independent assessment across its Malaysian operations and reaffirmed that it would fully cooperate with the US CBP in demonstrating full compliance with US import regulations. 

On 15 February, SDP announced improvements to its governance structures, policies and procedures. This includes the following:
  • Reimbursement of recruitment fees: Following calculations by an independent third party, SDP’s Board approved a provision of Rm82.02 million in reimbursements to its current and past foreign workers. Workers will receive their monies on 17 February 2022 and have access to various channels of communication to raise concerns. SDP has also set up a Sinking Fund Governance Committee (SFGC) to oversee the reimbursement process and is engaging law firms in each country of origin to management the disbursement of funds.
  • Ethical recruitment: SDP launched its Responsible Recruitment Procedure (RRP) in August 2021, which emphasises the appointment of suitable recruitment agents in ensuring non-exploitation of workers. SDP is committing to conducting regular due diligence on appointed recruitment agents and monitor their performance to ensure compliance to SDP’s recruitment standards. Agents who are in breach will have their contracts terminated.
  • Worker welfare: SDP has rolled out various communication platforms to enable workers to raise concerns and grievances. Existing grievance and whistleblowing changes have also been improved, following the establishment of a centralised Grievance unit at Headquarters. All workers have also been provided with personal lockers to store their passports.
  • Structural changes: SDP’s Board has approved an ESG scorecard across its Upstream Malaysia operations and established a new Social Welfare & Services (SWS) department. The various initiatives are overseen by SDP’s Board Sustainability Committee, and supported by a two-tier management team which meets regularly.

  • On 3 February 2023, the US CBP has modified its forced labor findings against SDP effective immediately, the US CBP will now permit the importation of palm oil from SDP into the United States and has recognized the comprehensive process undertaken by SDP in the last two years to review, revise and upgrade its protocols for recruiting, managing and working with its workers. SDP has also released a press statement to further brief on actions taken.
    PT Perkebunan Nusantara 1 (PTPN 1) Tualang Sawit  2020062424 Jun 2020 Report can be found here Rainforest Action Network (RAN) Status: Case closed

    Alleged deforestation by PT Perkebunan Nusantara 1 (PTPN 1) Tualang Sawit, a subsidiary of PTPN 1
    Wilmar has initiated investigation on the case of when the allegation was brought to our attention in 2019 and 2018. During the course of investigation, PTPN 1 has provided their signed commitment to the NDPE policy as well as shared their boundary map and planting map profile with us for the investigation and ongoing monitoring of the case. Our last physical meeting with PTPN 1 was in November 2019 in Medan.

    PTPN 1 Tualang Sawit plantation is located in Blang Tualang village, Aceh Timur district, Aceh. PTPN 1 started to develop the area in 1990 and completed most of their land clearing in 1995. Based on the planting map profile shared by PTPN 1, we understand that planting activities started in 1991 and abruptly ceased in 1999 due to security concerns over the insurgency in Aceh. When the Military Operations Area (Daerah Operasi Militer) was enforced, PTPN 1 was forced to abandon their management of these planted areas due to the dire social and security issues during the insurgency. It was only when the conditions improved in 2014 that PTPN 1 started slowly to resume their maintenance of the area and replanted the unproductive and overgrown oil palm area in areas that had already been planted in 1990 - 1999. Our internal Land Use Change Analysis (LUCA) has verified the land clearing and planting profile, as well as confirmed that all re-planting activities happened inside the area that was previously cleared and planted in 1990 – 1999 by PTPN 1.  For the case of PTPN 1, we recognize their current activities within the areas that was previously developed by them between 1990 – 1999 as replanting activities. The government’s enforcement of the Military Operations Areas caused an unavoidable abandonment due to external factors by PTPN 1 until 2014. This meant that there was no possible way for PTPN 1 to maintain the planted areas until they were able to re-enter the plantations in 2014. PTPN1 is committed to conduct HCV-HCS assessment and imposed a moratorium on further activities on the ground in the meantime. Wilmar will continue to monitor PTPN1’s activities and guide them towards the compliance to the NDPE policy. Our last meeting with PTPN1 was on 7 August 2020.

    It is crucial to note that we have been in engagement with PTPN1 since 2015 when they first participated in our Aggregator Refinery Transformation (ART) programme. Our team, together with TFT (now known as Earthworm Foundation) conducted a field assessment to PTPN 1 Pulau Tiga in May 2015. Several meetings and engagements took place thereafter to guide them towards the improvement of their practices to be aligned with our NDPE policy. PTPN1 had also actively participated in our Supplier Reporting Tool (SRT) programme when we first launched the programme to our Indonesia supplier base in 2018.  

    Meanwhile, we continue to engage and closely monitor PTPN1 to ensure that they uphold their moratorium on further activities on the ground while working on their options for the HCV–HCS assessment. 
    Deru Semangat Sdn Bhd, a company with allegedly linked to our supplier TH Plantations Berhad (THP) 2020040909 Apr 2020 Report can be found here Chain Reaction Research (CRR) Status: Case closed

    Alleged deforestation by Deru Semangat Sdn Bhd, a company with allegedly linked to our supplier TH Plantations Berhad (THP). 

     

    Based on Wilmar’s investigation with our supplier TH Plantations Berhad (THP), THP does not own any shares in Deru Semangat Sdn Bhd (DSSB). However their holding company, Lembaga Tabung Haji (LTH) owns 55% of DSSB.

    The CRR report which alleged the involvement of THP in the development of DSSB was shared with THP in April 2020. At that point in April, THP agreed to investigate the case together with their holding company, but informed that there could be delays in getting the required evidence due to Movement Control Order (MCO) imposed by the Malaysia government to curb the spread of Covid-19 that was then in place. In subsequent updates from THP, we understand that THP does not have management control over the operation of DSSB, and THP’s role was providing management services related to oil palm operations to DSSB.  THP has also conveyed its intention to terminate the Management Agreement with DSSB.

    A meeting with THP’s management team finally took place in July 2020 after the easing of the Malaysian Movement Control Order. We understand that THP is in the process of finalising the termination of their Management Agreement with DSSB which is targeted to be completed by end July 2020. THP has also agreed to put in place NDPE commitments. Meanwhile THP have ceased all oil palm development in DSSB.

    Based on Wilmar’s internal LUCA assessment of the DSSB concession area, there has been no land clearing in 2020.

    Engagement with THP in relation to our re-entry criteria has been triggered since July 2020.

    As of July 2021,  THP has met all the requirements in the re-entry criteria. This includes their commitment to the development of a Recovery Plan for Non-Compliant Land Clearing to the NDPE policy at group level, for activity that has taken place from January 2016 onwards. Based on the detailed review of documentation, reports and a letter of commitment from THP, the Wilmar Suspension Committee has given due consideration of this progress and lifted the suspension of THP in July 2021.

    In the meantime, THP established a partnership to develop the recovery project with Global Environment Centre (GEC). Following an assessment of various locations and discussions with related stakeholders, the project in and around Gunung Arong Forest Reserve (GAFR) in Mersing District in Johor, Malaysia was established in July 2022. Here are the progress updates for July- December 2022 and January- June 2023.

    Medco Papua Hijau Selaras, a subsidiary of Capitol Group 2020030606 Mar 2020 Reports can be found here and here Mighty Earth Status: Case Closed

    Alleged deforestation by PT Medco Papua Hijau Selaras, a subsidiary of Capitol Group.
    Wilmar began engaging PT Medco Papua Hijau Selaras (MPHS) immediately after the allegations of deforestation against them were brought to our attention. PT MPHS clarified that both High Conservation Value (HCV) and High Carbon Stock (HCS) assessments, which were finalised in early 2019, were conducted by ALS registered and recognised assessors. Subsequently, PT MPHS has been using the HCV/HCS map to guide their land development activities.

    Desktop monitoring by Wilmar identified 26 small sporadic patches of land clearing, totalling between 20 to 30 hectares, may have occurred inside HCV/HCS areas. Field verification by PT MPHS to investigate the allegations, initially scheduled for March 2020, was postponed to June 2020 following movement restrictions imposed by the authorities due to the COVID-19 situation. Further investigation revealed that the land clearance was a result of pressure from the community to develop areas for plasma smallholders programme. Several field assessments have been conducted thereafter to determine the details or the affected areas and location. The full field details were finally completed in September 2020.

    PT MPHS has agreed to rehabilitate the  pockets of land clearing that were identified in the HCV/HCS assessment reports. Working together with Balai Pengawas Daerah Aliran Sungai (BPDAS, Indonesian Watershed Monitoring Agency) since November 2020, PT MPHS also committed to plant 30,000 trees as part of their rehabilitation plan. Engagement with the communities on alternative plasma plans are ongoing, as the communities want the area to be cleared for plasma.

    PT MPHS also committed to appoint a registered and recognised assessor to integrate the individual HCV and HCS assessment reports following the HCV-HCS Integrated Manual, and submit the integrated report to be peer reviewed by HCVRN while observing a strict moratorium on further land clearance, which has been put place from September 2020. There were some delays in the finalisation of integrated reports due to worsening of COVID-19 pandemic, where it was finally been submitted to the HCVRN on 11 July 2021. In the meantime, they have also prepared management plans for HCV/HCS areas, therefore protecting these areas while preventing similar incidences from reoccurring.
     
    Wilmar's last purchase from Capitol Group was in March 2022.
    Mopoli Raya 2020021818 Feb 2020 Report can be found here Rainforest Action Network (RAN) Status: Case closed

    Alleged involvement in labour right issues by PT Mopoli Raya
    Engagement was immediately initiated with PT Mopoli Raya (MR) when the allegation of non-payment of worker’s wages at PT MR and PT Alue Kuyun was brought to Wilmar's attention. The withholding of workers’ wages led to a strike on 30 January 2020, where the Bupati (local regent) of West Aceh had also publicly urged PT MR to resolve the issues. 

    PT MR clarified that due to their financial situation, they were unable to process all the wage payments. They reiterated that they are committed to continue engagement with their workers and the union, to address the issue amicably. 

    The Wilmar team conducted a field visit from 9 – 13 March 2020 to further investigate the case, in order to understand the root cause of the incident and assist PT MR to develop an action plan to address the issues. During the field visit, our team met with PT MR’s management team, visited Alue Kuyun palm oil mill, PT MR's plantations, and interviewed several concerned parties, including workers from the mill/plantation and union representatives from Serikat Pekerja Aneka Industri - Federasi Serikat Pekerja Metal Indonesia (SPAI-FSPMI). 

    Due to a financial crisis, PT MR has already ceased most of its non-essential activities including manuring and spraying for several years. Many workers had left PT MR to work for other companies, and those who remained with the company are mainly community members living near the company premises. During our interviews with workers, we were informed that in general, their working relationship with the company has been conducive. The company had also paid them bonuses up to two months in the past, when the company was making profit. In addition, the company has adopted several policies in protecting worker’s rights and freedom of association. The workers are able to freely join the union, and approximately 50% of the workers there are unionised. 

    However, due to continued financial constraints, PT MR was not been able to pay November 2019 and December 2019 wages in full to the workers. Only 50% of the wages were paid. On 11 January 2020, the unions and workers demanded for PT MR to settle all outstanding wages by 15 January 2020, which PT MR was unable to do. This hence triggered the strike on 30 January 2020, with over 600 workers joining the strike. 

    On 17 February 2020, a multi-stakeholder meeting was held in West Aceh Bupati’s office, which was attended by representatives from the Regional Secretary, 0105 Military District Comander, West Aceh Police Department, West Aceh Transmigration and Manpower Agency,  West Aceh Regency Plantation and Livestock Department, Union representative FSPMI of PT MR, and PT MR’s management team. A wage payment schedule was successfully developed and agreed upon by all parties during the meeting. 

    During our visit, we confirmed that PT MR has followed the payment schedule and in fact has advanced the February 2020 payment earlier than the agreed schedule. In 2021 however, Wilmar was informed that due to the continued financial situation of PT MR, the company had been declared bankrupt. Workers' wages were settled by PT MR up to March 2021. Wilmar has therefore ceased sourcing from PT MR since April 2021. 
    Kumai Sentosa, a subsidiary of Gagah Putera Satria (GPS) 2019012424 Jan 2019   Wilmar's Supplier Group Compliance Programme Status: Case closed

    Alleged deforestation by Kumai Sentosa, a subsidiary of Gagah Putera Satria (GPS).
    Wilmar started it's engagement with Gagah Putera Satria since January 2019 to seek clarification on deforestation alert detected through our Supplier Group Compliance Verification programme. We managed to secure written commitment from GPS to adhere to NDPE policy in April 2019. However, our internal monitoring detected ongoing land clearing activities. 

    Wilmar's last purchase from Gagah Putera Satria was in July 2018. 
    Hamparan Masawit Bangun Persada, a subsidiary of PT BEST 2016113030 Nov 2016 Report can be found here Wilmar Status: Case closed

    Alleged involvement in labour right issues by Hamparan Masawit Bangun Persada (HMBP), a subsidiary of PT BEST
    Wilmar initiated engagement with PT HMBP, and its parent company PT BEST, in October 2016 when the allegations of labour rights issues in PT HMBP were brought to our attention. After several contact attempts, the first meeting with PT HMBP was finally held on 18 January 2017. A few more meetings were held in February, March and May 2017. However, our engagement yielded little results in getting PT HMBP to agree to a field visit. Therefore, Wilmar has decided to put on hold purchases from PT BEST, where our last purchase was in June 2017.
    Alas Kusuma 2024021919 Feb 2024 Report can be found here. Mighty Earth Status: Case closed

    Non-compliant palm products from Alas Kusuma allegedly enter Wilmar’s supply chain through its suppliers.

    Wilmar does not source from Alas Kusuma.  However, several Wilmar suppliers were allegedly sourcing from Alas Kusuma.   

    Prior to the publication of the Mighty Earth Rapid Response Report 43 in February 2024, Wilmar initiated engagement with our suppliers when the allegations of non-compliant sourcing from PT Suka Jaya Makmur (SJM) and PT Kusuma Alam Sari (KAS) of the Alas Kusuma group was brought to our attention in November 2023. 

    PT Pundi Lahan Khatulistiwa (PLK) has confirmed that they have stopped sourcing from Alas Kusuma since 5 January 2022. 

    While PT Graha Agro Nusantara (GAN) has confirmed that they have stopped sourcing from Alas Kusuma since 15 December 2023.  

    PT Cipta Tumbuh Berkembang has responded that Alas Kusuma is not their supplier. 

    Separately, PT Surya Borneo Indah and PT Tunas Baru Lampung are not Wilmar suppliers.

    Pundi Lahan Khatulistiwa 2020082020 Aug 2020 Report can be found here Chain Reaction Research Status: Case closed

    Non-compliant palm products allegedly enter Wilmar's supply chain through its supplier, PT Pundi Lahan Khatulistiwa
    Wilmar immediately initiated engagement with PT Pundi Lahan Khatulistiwa (PLK) when allegations of PT PLK’s sourcing from PT Palmdale Agrosia Lestari (PAL) were brought to our attention.

    PT PAL is allegedly linked to Sulaidy-associated companies, where Sulaidy’s companies were reported to involve in several cases of deforestation. It appeared that Sulaidy’s company is a minor shareholder of PT PAL, where their shareholdings are less than 5% in PT PAL.

    PT PLK has ceased sourcing from PT PAL with effective from 1st September 2020 after the case was brought to their attention. PT PLK has also shared the list of their FFB suppliers with Wilmar for ongoing monitoring.

    Our last meeting with PT PLK was on 3 September 2020.
    Gerbang Benua Raya, a company allegedly linked to our supplier Abdi Budi Mulia (ABM) 2020051818 May 2020 Wilmar's Supplier Group Compliance Programme Status: Case closed

    Alleged deforestation by PT Gerbang Benua Raya, a company allegedly linked to our supplier PT Abdi Budi Mulia (ABM)
    Wilmar initiated engagement with PT Abdi Budi Mulia (ABM) since May 2020 to seek clarification on deforestation alert at PT Gerbang Benua Raya (GBR) detected through our Supplier Group Compliance Verification programme. Several discussions have taken place to ascertain the group ownership structure, where we have eventually concluded that PT GBR and PT ABM should be classified under the same group.

    As there was no HCS/HCV assessment conducted prior to the land clearing, we considered the land clearing at PT GBR as a non-compliant to the NDPE policy.

    Wilmar’s last purchase from this supplier was in September 2020.

    As of February 2023, PT ABM has met all the requirements stipulated in our re-entry criteria.  This includes their commitment to the development of a Recovery Plan for Non-Compliant Land Clearing to the NDPE policy at group level, for activity that has taken place from January 2016 onwards.  Based on the detailed review of documentation, reports, and a letter of commitment from PT ABM, the Wilmar Suspension Committee has given due consideration of this progress and lifted the suspension of PT ABM in February 2023.
    Sarana Prima Multi Niaga, a subsidiary of TSH Group 2020042424 Apr 2020 Report can be found here. Wilmar Status: Case closed

    Alleged labour right issues in Sarana Prima Multi Niaga (SPMN), a subsidiary of TSH Group
    We started our engagement with Sarana Prima Multi Niaga (SPMN) since 27 April 2020 to seek clarification on the labour right issues detected through our regular media monitoring. SPMN responded by sharing the detailed chronology event of the case, and the bipartite meeting agreement on the settlement of the latest wage calculation scheme introduced by SPMN in March 2020. A teleconference was held with SPMN on 29 April 2020 to further discuss the case.

    We learnt that there was a new wage calculation for harvesting mandores (field supervisors) that PT SPMN had planned to introduce in in March 2020. During the initial socialisation meeting held on 30 March 2020, SPMN management had intended to provide details and explanations on the new wage calculation scheme. However in the meeting, prior to the full explanation being provided, the chairman of the union Sepasi, Pak Subit, reacted negatively and asked all mandores present to leave the meeting in protest.  Due to this, SPMN did not yet introduce the proposed wage structure. Subsequent to the meeting on 30 March, several mandores failed to turn up to work for a few days after the incident without any notice to the company. 

    On 15 April 2020, the management of SPMN held another meeting with the mandores to provide clearer explanation of the new wage calculation scheme. At this meeting, SPMN provided mandores with the option of choosing to maintain the existing wage calculation scheme if they wanted to. Both wage schemes guarantees at least minimum wages for the mandore. From the outcome of the meeting on 15 April, eight out of a total of fourteen mandores opted to switch to the new wage calculation scheme. In addition, a bipartite agreement has been signed between the company and the union representatives, including Pak Subit. 

    Separately, SPMN management issued a letter of termination to Pak Subit due to his behaviour at the 30 March meeting. Additionally, SPMN had also reported the case to the labour department. Wilmar has suggested to SPMN to explore options to resolve the case with Pak Subit, which include further bipartite and/or tripartite engagement with relevant stakeholders, where the first meeting has been planned on 4th May 2020. SPMN, Pak Subit and Sepasi conducted several meetings thereafter to seek resolution to the case.  

    Based on the supporting documents submitted by PT SPMN on 12 May 2020, which includes meeting minute, signed statement from Pak Subit, Agreement between SPMN and Pak Subit as well as PT SPMN’s memo on the resolution of the case, we understand that PT SPMN and Pak Subit has resolved the case amicably, where:
    1. PT SPMN has revoked its termination on Pak Subit, where Pak Subit will remain as PT SPMN’s employee and enjoy the same renumeration and benefit as before.
    2. Pak Subit has apologised and acknowledged that his behaviour during the meeting on 30th March is inappropriate and has violated the company’s code of conduct/ethic.
    3. Pak Subit accepted the sanction from the company where he has been given an official warning letter.
    4. Both parties agreed to resolve any future industrial relationship dispute in the manner of bipartite discussion.
    We have also reached out separately to Pak Subit to confirm the resolution of the case. Pak Subit had agreed to officially close the case once he received his full wages which include the wages during his absence to work when the case was still under the process of resolution.

    Based on the wage slips that was shared by SPMN to Wilmar, we had verified and confirmed that Pak Subit has been paid the full wages.
    Artha Prigel, a subsidiary of Bukit Barisan Indah Prima 2020032323 Mar 2020 Report can be found here. Wilmar Status: Case closed

    Alleged land conflict by Artha Prigel, a subsidiary of Bukit Barisan Indah Prima, which has resulted the death of two community members.

    We began our engagement with Bukit Barisan Indah Prima (BBIP) on 26 March 2020 to seek clarification on land conflict issues detected through our regular media monitoring. BBIP responded by sharing a detailed chronology of the case, minutes of their meeting with communities, supporting documents on their past engagements with communities, as well as their internal SOP on addressing social conflicts. A teleconference was held with BBIP's management on 23 April 2020 to further discuss the case.

    Based on our investigations, we understand that since the takeover of BBIP by the current shareholding group in 2011, there were no land claims or social conflicts at PT Artha Prigel (AP) with communities from Pagar Batu, until 2018. The community in 2018 were involved in a demonstration, in which they requested for the Government to refrain from renewing PT AP’s Hak Guna Usaha (HGU) or land use permit. This contestation continued in 2019, when PT AP completed its replanting programme and prepared for harvesting.

    Following this, in 2019, a mediation meeting was held between PT AP and various stakeholders, including the Tim Terpadu, a joint task force comprising government representatives from Lahat Regency, and South Sumatra, the police, the National Land Agency and other related governmental agencies. On-the-ground verification of the contested area of approximately 180 ha was carried out by Tim Terpadu, who confirmed that the said area is within PT AP’s legal permit, as per their HGU. The land conflict was not triggered by the COVID-19 situation.

    PT AP continued their mediation efforts with the communities but to no avail, and also informed the community of the option of legal recourse. The communities instead chose to set up an illegal blockade at the area to restrict access into the said area. The blockade was put up in late 2019 to forcefully stop PT AP’s workers from accessing the contested area, and was manned by the community with dangerous weapons, including machetes and spears. The blockade was removed in February 2020.

    On 20 March 2020, the community began gathering at the contested area but was dispersed by PT AP’s security officers. On 21 March 2020, around 70 community members gathered again at the contested area, armed with dangerous weapons such as machetes. These armed community members forcibly stopped PT AP’s workers, who were escorted by police officers present at the time, from entering the area. PT AP’s workers then left the area. Armed community members began attacking PT AP’s security officers soon after, when they attempted to leave the area together with the police officers. This resulted in a clash that only came to a halt when police officers fired warning shots into the air. Unfortunately, there were serious casualties from both sides, including the death of two community members.

    Subsequently, PT AP lodged a police report on the attack. A PT AP security officer was detained by the police as part of the investigations. Following advice from the police, PT AP initiated discussion with the families of both victims to explore provisions of compensation. For more information related to the background of the case, please refer to PT AP's official response to Wilmar. In June 2020, PT AP’s security officer, who was the defendant in the case involving the death of community members was found guilty and sentenced to imprisonment by the courts. The authorities are still on the search for another PT AP security officer, who was also involved in the case.
     
    Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, our team was unable to conduct any field verification but continued engaging with PT AP through virtual meetings. We also supported PT AP in developing a SOP and Policy to strengthen their internal processes in managing land conflicts. Additionally, Wilmar appointed an independent third-party consultant to conduct field verifications to support Wilmar in seeking a resolution for this issue.

    On 17 March 2021, Wilmar was alerted that community members had received various police summons linked to a police report lodged by PT AP’s staff. Wilmar immediately contacted PT AP to seek clarification on the police report. PT AP claimed it was part of their efforts to resolve the social conflict via a legal avenue.

    In April 2021, Wilmar was further alerted that a report had also been lodged against an NGO, associated with Komite Reforma Agraria Sumsel (KRASS). An event held by a coalition of local activists on 25 April 2021 also revealed that the police report implicated the Chairman of KRASS. 

    Wilmar has then ceased purchase, where our last purchase from BBIP was on 26 April 2021, while we continue to guide them towards the resolution of the case and re-entry into Wilmar’s supply chain.

    In May 2022, BBIP has fulfilled the re-entry requirements, as stipulated in Wilmar’s No Exploitation Protocol for Third-Party Suppliers. This includes engagement and dialogue as well as settlement with head of KRASS, the NGO which a police report had been lodged against; review of the company’s human rights related policies and SOPs; and human rights trainings conducted for internal staff to raise awareness on human rights principles, including on the protection of the rights of Human Rights Defenders (HRDs). Based on the detailed review of documentation, continued engagement with BBIP, as well as BBIP’s commitment to undertake corrective measures and remediation at Group level, the Wilmar Suspension Committee has given due consideration of this progress and lifted the suspension of BBIP in May 2022.

    Wilmar continues to engage with BBIP and guide them towards improving their practices, in line with Wilmar’s NDPE commitments.
    Oil Palm Uganda Limited 2020030404 Mar 2020 Report can be found here. SEATINI and CEFROHT Status: Case closed

    Alleged labour right issues in Oil Palm Uganda Limited, a venture in which Wilmar International Limited indirectly through Bidco Uganda Limited has a 48% stake. 
    Wilmar has mobilised its West African based sustainability team to investigate the allegations since early March 2020. An internal investigation of the allegations raised by SEATINI was conducted in April 2020. On 10 July 2020 SEATINI published an additional report. The findings of the internal investigation, which include updates from July 2020 are as follows:


    Based on findings of internal investigations and documents sighted by the Wilmar team, all allegations are closed.  
    Perintis Sawit Andalan (PSA), a company allegedly linked to our supplier Andika Permata Sawit Lestari (APSL). 2020022525 Feb 2020 Wilmar's Supplier Group Compliance Programme Status: Case closed

    Alleged deforestation in Perintis Sawit Andalan (PSA), a company allegedly linked to our supplier Andika Permata Sawit Lestari (APSL)
    Wilmar has been engaging with Andika Permata Sawit Lestari (APSL) since February 2020 to seek clarification on deforestation alert at PT Perintis Sawit Andalan (PSA) detected through our Supplier Group Compliance Verification programme. Several discussions have taken place to ascertain the group's ownership structure. We have since concluded that PSA and APSL should be classified under the same group.

    During the course of our investigations, APSL clarified that the activities on the ground were actually maintenance work.  However, as there was no HCS/HCV assessment conducted prior, we considered this to be a non-compliance to our NDPE policy. Based on our analysis, close to 200ha of deforestation has taken place post 2019.

    Wilmar’s last purchase from this supplier was in April 2020.

    As of February 2021, APSL has met all the requirements stipulated in our re-entry criteria. This includes their commitment to the development of a Recovery Plan for Non-Compliant Land Clearing to the NDPE policy at group level, for activity that has taken place from January 2016 onwards. Based on the detailed review of documentation, reports and a letter of commitment from APSL, the Wilmar Suspension Committee has given due consideration of this progress and lifted the suspension of APSL in February 2021. 
    Pipit Mutiara Indah, a subsidiary of QL Oil Sdn Bhd 2019110606 Nov 2019 Report can be found here. Mighty Earth Status: Case closed

    Alleged deforestation by PT Pipit Mutiara Indah, a subsidiary of QL Resources Bhd
    Wilmar initiated engagement with PT Pipit Mutiara Indah (PMI)  since April 2019 to seek clarification on deforestation alert detected through our Supplier Group Compliance Verification programme. Based on the supporting document submitted by supplier, it was clarified that the deforestation happened outside their concession boundary. PMI did not carry out any land clearing inside their concession for oil palm development. First meeting with PMI was conducted in May 2019, where Wilmar has reiterated the NDPE policy compliance. PMI had also provided written confirmation to the commitment of NDPE policy and shared their concession map for our ongoing monitoring.

    We continue to monitor the case and our internal monitoring report in October 2019 has detected land clearing at PT PMI. During our investigation and engagement with PMI, it was clarified that the area has already being felled several years ago and now being cleared for planting. However, as there was no HCS/HCV assessment conducted, we considered this as a non-compliant to the NDPE policy. PMI has committed to immediate moratorium and we continue to guide PMI in NDPE policy compliance.

    Due to non-compliance to the NDPE policy, we have ceased sourcing from QL  Group of companies where the last purchase was in November 2019. Several meetings have taken place since then to guide QL Group of companies  to the compliance of NDPE policy and meeting the re-entry criteria.

    A field visit to PT PMI was conducted in January 2020 to assess the situation on the ground and develop an action plan for PT PMI to close the gaps identified during the field visit. In April 2020, QL Group has met all the criteria stipulated in the re-entry criteria, including their commitment to the Development of Recovery Plan for Non-Compliant Land Clearing to NDPE policy at group level incurred from January 2016 onwards.

    Based on detailed review of documentation, reports and  letter of commitment from QL Group, the Wilmar Suspension Committee have given due consideration  of this progress and have lifted the suspension on QL Group in April 2020. 
    Multiple companies (West Sumatra) 2019110404 Nov 2019 Report can be found here.
    Report in Bahasa Indonesia can be found here.
    Press release can be found here.
    Forest Peoples Programme, Nagari Institute and Yayasan Masyarakat Kehutanan Lestari Status: Case closed

    Allegations of land rights and labour rights violations in oil palm concessions area in West Sumatra
    Initial checks on the list of suppliers indicated that PT Tidar Kerinchi Agung is not Wilmar’s supplier. PT Karya Agung Mega Utama (PT KAMU) is not a subsidiary under Wilmar International.
    The issues listed in the interim report are generic and similar for all groups. This makes verification of these allegations challenging until specific issues can be made available – to enable the issue to be properly addressed.

    Some of the cases are already logged into the RSPO Complaints mechanism. More details can be found here (Reference no: RSPO/2018/12/RB, RSPO/2018/06/RB, RSPO/2018/07/SW, R76).

    Wilmar commissioned Earthworm Foundation (EF) in September 2018 to conduct a thorough evaluation of issues raised against Wilmar's internal systems on social grievance and resolution at three of its subsidiaries in Pasaman Barat in West Sumatra - PT AMP Plantation, PT Gersindo Minang Plantation (GMP) and PT Primatama Mulia Jaya (PMJ). More details can be found here and here.

    Since November 2019, we have reached out to all the supplier companies to seek clarification on the allegations as part of the investigation. Our initial preliminary investigations did not identify noncompliance’s raised in the interim report. However, it is important to note that as the issue listed in the interim report are generic and similar for all groups, Wilmar is unable  to verify the cases without knowing the specific issues from the complainant. Wilmar had a meeting with FPP and Nagari Institute in November 2019 in Bangkok and it was agreed that a follow up meeting would be held  to further discuss the issues and possible resolutions. A meeting with Nagari Institute in Padang on 11 February 2020 was held, and it was reiterated that in order to clearly seek resolution, it was important  for Nagari Institute and FPP to provide more details in order for us to further investigate the cases and work towards the resolution. This did not need to have specific persons identified, rather details on the specific allegations. Nagari Institute was unable to share more information beyond the original interim report. However, there was agreement to continue with a follow up meeting with Nagari Institute in March 2020. The meeting in March 2020 unfortunately has been postponed due to covid-19 pandemic.

    Wilmar continues to engage with both Nagari Institute and FPP, while in the meantime transparently report on progress of our programme with EF in Pasaman Barat: 
      In general, EF reported the complexity caused by the dynamics in the society in Pasaman region, which are influenced by social changes, customs, traditions, and even changes in the political landscape – for example, traditional leaders with different customary beliefs. This undoubtedly becomes a challenge in resolving grievances and conflicts because we have to ensure that any disputes, especially those of a tenurial nature, must be resolved with the rightful customary leaders and in accordance with the appropriate customary laws and practices.  Some of these internal issues, although following customary process, are not well documented and can lead to confusion. Examples of resolution of such cases are provided in the above reports.

    It is also important to highlight that, since August 2020, EF has been assisting in the development of the procedure to improve the effectiveness of the grievance handling process at Wilmar's subsidiary companies at the unit level. The scope of Wilmar’s unit level community and local grievance handling process covers all complaints originating from external stakeholders at local level regarding social, environmental and policy implementation related to the impact of operational activities in Wilmar's subsidiaries. This process is in line with Wilmar's broader efforts at the group level, such as the update of the No Deforestation, No Peat and No Exploitation (NDPE) policy and Grievance Procedure in 2019, as well as the launch of the No Exploitation protocol developed in partnership with labour and land rights expert organizations such as Verite, EF, and Landesa. In June 2021, this draft procedure was discussed with the field team in the Pasaman region to ensure that it is feasible and can be easily understood. During the design and development of this grievance procedure, the EF team also conducted informal consultations with: Ninik Mamak Kinali, Ninik Mamak Koto Baru, Ninik Mamak Sasak and Nagari Institute to gather feedback and inputs to refine and finalize the procedure. Internal socialization and training on the implementation of Grievance Handling procedure were concluded in September 2021.
    Rendi Permata Raya, a company that's allegedly linked to our suppliers Mitra Bumi and  Sumber Alam Makmur.
    2019042929 Apr 2019 Wilmar's Supplier Group Compliance Programme Status: Case closed

    Alleged deforestation by Rendi Permata Raya, a company that's allegedly linked to our suppliers Mitra Bumi and Sumber Alam Makmur
    Wilmar has initiated engagement with Rendi Permata Raya (RPR) since May 2019 to seek clarification on deforestation alert detected through our Supplier Group Compliance Verification programme.  First meeting was conducted in June 2019 where RPR met with Wilmar together with Aidenvironment to understand the issues raised on their operation. RPR has agreed to commit to moratorium in July 2019 and ceased all land clearing until all relevant assessment has been carried out. RPR has also submitted to Wilmar their written commitment to the NDPE policy.

    During our ongoing monitoring and verification of the case, we have detected further land clearing activities inside RPR’s concession in August 2019. A meeting was held with RPR in September 2019 to seek clarification on the land clearing, and we understand that the land clearing was carried out by RPR’s contractors, who wanted to complete their contracts after RPR communicated their moratorium intent to them. RPR has reiterated their moratorium request to their contractor and no land clearing was detected thus far. RPR has already reached out to HCV/HCS assessor to arrange for all the necessary assessments prior to continuing land development. RPR has also provided their concessions maps to Wilmar in October 2019 for ongoing monitoring. We will continue to guide RPR in NDPE policy compliance.

    Wilmar’s last purchase from this supplier was in December 2019.

    While there was no direct purchase by Wilmar from this company since December 2019, Mitra Bumi has entered our supply chain at destination market indirectly via our supplier, Golden Agri-Resources (GAR). We have already notified the requirements stipulated in our re-entry criteria to GAR on expectation on NDPE compliance. A request of removal of the affected mills from our supply chain has also been conveyed to GAR.
    Radiant Lagoon, a subsidiary of Double Dynasty Group 2019030909 Mar 2019 Report can be found here Mighty Earth Status: Case closed

    Alleged deforestation and land conflicts by Radiant Lagoon.
    Prior to the publication of Mighty Earth Rapid Response Report 13 in March 2019 on the allegation of land conflict and deforestation at Radiant Lagoon,  Wilmar has already initiated engagement with our supplier Double Dynasty Palm Oil Mill (DDPOM) since late February 2019. Wilmar does not source from Radiant Lagoon, but our supplier DDPOM is associated with Radiant Lagoon as they both have a common key shareholder. First meeting with DDPOM was conducted on 11 March 2019, where we have sought clarification and documentation evidences of Radiant Lagoon’s operation. A field visit to verify this grievance was conducted from 25th March – 27th March 2019 onwards.

    A meeting was further held with DD POM on 29 April 2019 to share the outcome field visit report and expectation from Wilmar on DD POM in complying to the NDPE policy and re-entry criteria. Wilmar has committed to support and provide guidance to DD POM in developing action plan in addressing the issues identified in the field visit.

    Wilmar’s last purchase from DD POM was in April 2019.

    In July 2019, DD Group has met all the criteria stipulated in the re-entry criteria, including their commitment to the Development of Recovery Plan for Non-Compliant  Land Clearing to NDPE policy at group level incurred from January 2016 onwards. Based on the detailed review of documentation, reports and letter of commitment from DD Group, the Wilmar Suspension Committee have given due consideration of this progress and have lifted the suspension on the DD Group in July 2019.


    In the meantime, we continue actively guiding DD Group in the development of the recovery plan and monitor DD Group's activities on monthly basis  through our Supplier Group Compliance Verification programme.

    Pinang Witmas Abadi, a subsidiary of Pundi Group 2018110101 Nov 2018 Report can be found here Mighty Earth Status: Case closed

    Alleged deforestation by PT Pinang Witmas Abadi, a subsidiary of Pundi Group.
    Prior to the publication of Mighty Earth Rapid Response Report 10 in November 2018, Wilmar has already initiated engagement with PT Pundi Lahan Khatulistiwa (PT PLK)  since April 2018, following our Supplier Group Compliance Verification programme that alerted us of the potential non-compliance of land development when PT PLK acquired  PT Pinang Witmas Abadi (PWA), a concession located primarily on peatland and forest area.

    We have shared our NDPE policy with the supplier and requested them to be in compliant with our policy. First meeting was conducted in July 2018, where we provided detail explanation of the NDPE. However, our internal monitoring detected ongoing land clearing activities. Pundi Group explained that when they met with us in July 2018, they have already brought in the contractors, hence they have to proceed with the planned activities on the ground. The supplier has finally agreed to commit to moratorium in end September 2018. Two meetings were conducted with the supplier thereafter, in September and October 2018 respectively. Due to non-compliance to the NDPE policy, we have  ceased sourcing from Pundi since December 2018. Several meetings have taken place since then to guide Pundi Group to the compliance of NDPE policy and meeting the re-entry criteria.

    Pundi Group divested PT PWA in March 2019.

    In January 2020, Pundi Group has met all the criteria stipulated in  the re-entry criteria, including their commitment to the Development of Recovery Plan for Non-Compliant Land Clearing to NDPE policy at group level incurred from January 2016 onwards. This include the land clearance conducted by the company prior  to the divestment in March 2019. No land clearing was detected in 2019.

    Based on detailed review of documentation, reports and  letter of commitment from Pundi Group, the Wilmar Suspension Committee have given due consideration  of this progress and have lifted the suspension on the Pundi Group in January 2020. 

    Sarana Prima Multi Niaga, a subsidiary of TSH Group 2016113030 Nov 2016 Report can be found here Wilmar Status: Case closed

    Alleged involvement in labour right issues by Sarana Prima Multi Niaga (SPMN), a subsidiary of TSH Group
    In November 2016, Amnesty International (AI) published a report titled “The Great Palm Oil Scandal”. The report alleged human rights abuses on plantations in Indonesia, including forced labour and child labour, gender discrimination, as well as exploitative and dangerous working practices that put health of workers at risk. The report implicated Wilmar’s supplier, PT Sarana Prima Multi Niaga (PT SPMN), a wholly owned entity under TSH Group.  Wilmar immediately reached out to PT SPMN to seek clarification on the allegations. 

    On 20 December 2016, Wilmar and its consultant TFT (now known as Earthworm Foundation), met with PT SPMN to discuss the allegations raised in the AI’s report in further detail. Separately, PT SPMN has been engaged within various RSPO processes since early 2017 subsequent to the publication of the report.  The engagement between RSPO and PT SPMN on the allegations are summarized are follows: 

    • On 22 March 2017, RSPO first contacted TSH regarding a response to AI’s report.
    • On 20 November 2017, TSH Sustainability Team presented progress report on Corrective Actions taken to address AI’s findings to the RSPO. 
    • In November 2017, RSPO commissioned Profundo, a non-for-profit organization, to conduct an independent labor assessment in PT SPMN.  The objective of the assessment was to evaluate labor practices and identify any areas for improvement.  The assessment was carried out from 27 to 28 November 2017.
    • On 7 February 2018, Profundo produced a report on the assessment's findings.

    On 29 May 2018, PT SPMN appointed MEC as an independent party to review and strengthen their action plan including monitoring of issues raised in the AI’s November 2016 report.  Actions initiated by PT SPMN to address Profundo’s initial findings were noted and assessed by MEC. 

    In September 2018, Time Bound Action Plan was developed and was subsequently submitted to RSPO for review.  The Time Bound Action Plan includes corrective action for both Group and Estate Level Management. The time frame identified for this management exercise to be effective is 16 months, starting from September 2018 and ending in December 2019. The management actions were presented and discussed with the company at both estate and group levels prior to finalizing the action plan. The company initiated implementation of the actions early September 2018, and independent monitoring is to be undertaken by MEC every 4 months.  

    In December 2018, 1st review and field verification conducted by MEC on labor and social compliance.

    In May 2019, 2nd review and field verification conducted by MEC on labor and social compliance.

    In May 2019, Wilmar carried out a field visit to assess PT SPMN’s labor practices. During its visit, PT SPMN reiterated its commitment to implementing No Exploitation in its business practices. PT SPMN alongside their commitment to Wilmar NDPE policy, had enhanced or and established following policies pertaining human rights: 
    i. Human Rights & Responsible business, 
    ii. Freedom of association, 
    iii. Sexual Harassment, 
    iv. Equal opportunity & Discrimination, 
    v. Occupational Safety & Health and Child Labor policy. 

    In October 2019, 3rd and final review and field verification conducted by MEC on labor and social compliance.

    During the course of investigation on this case, PT SPMN consistently provided updates and evidence of their efforts and improvements made on the ground.  Wilmar also closely monitored the progress of actions and improvements on the labor and social issues in PT SPMN.

    SPMN has shown substantial progress in their labor and social practices, fulfilling all the recommendations outlined in the assessment.  
    Felda Global Ventures (FGV) 2016040808 Apr 2016 Report can be found here. Chain Reaction Research (CRR) Status: Case closed

    Alleged deforestation by  PT Temila Agro Abadi, PT Citra Niaga Perkasa and PT Asia Plantation  Limited, in  Felda Global Venture's (FGV) Plantation
    On 8 April 2016, Wilmar received a new report from Chain Reaction Research on alleged peatland and HCV/HCS forest clearance by PT Citra Niaga Perkasa (PT CNP) and PT Temila Agro Abadi (PT TAA) in Kalimantan. First meeting with FGV was held on 18 May 2016, where Wilmar emphasised its NDPE policy requirements to FGV and encouraged them to transparently report their progress in addressing the issues raised by concerned stakeholders. FGV has been providing regular progress update on their website including their progress working with RSPO’s compensation panel.http://www.feldaglobal.com/sustainability/sustainability-response-team-progress-update/  When Chain Reaction Research released another report in April 2017 on PT TAA’s alleged peatland clearance , Wilmar immediately reached out to FGV for clarifications. We understand that FGV has appointed Aksenta to conduct assessment to verify the report, and a stop-work order is in place since 25 April 2017.

    In our meeting with FGV in June 2017, Wilmar has sought FGV’s commitment to continue upholding the stop work order until all the necessary assessments have been carried out in their concessions. Based on the latest update we received from FGV on 12 July, we were informed understand that the stop work order is still in place. 

    On 28 August 2017, FGV issued a letter committing :
    (1) adopting a permanent stop-work order at PT TAA and PT CNP. 
    (2) adopting best management practices for existing plantation on peat, and endeavor to rehabilitate peatland that was developed after 25th August 2016. 
    (3) continuing engagement with local communities and formulating community programmes with local partners.

    FGV has also enhanced their sustainability policy, where they would adopt the NDPE policy on all their concession, irrespective of when the land was acquired or any  previous RSPO New Planting Procedure approval was granted.
    Dinant 2015111111 Nov 2015 Report can be found here A coalition of nongovernmental organisations (NGOs) Status: Case closed

    Alleged human rights violation by Dinant
    Prior to the issues being officially raised by a coalition of NGOs on 11 November 2015, Wilmar has initiated a few rounds of dialogues with Dinant’s management since early 2014. A field assessment by TFT was carried out in April 2015.

    Dinant has also worked with the International Finance Corporation (IFC) and Consensus Building Institute (CBI) to identify and undertake measures recommended by the IFC Enhanced Action Plan (EAP) to support a peaceful resolution to the land conflicts.

    Some of the actions taken by Dinant included: 
    a) the implementation of United Nations (UN) Voluntary Principles on Security and Human Rights; 
    b) unilaterally withdrawing all firearms from all guards at its plantations, mills and manufacturing plants; 
    c) developing and publishing its ethics standardssecurity and human rights policies, among others, 
    d) training its guard force for compliance; and e) enhancing its community engagement programme by: 
        i) conducting workshops to identify the social and environmental impacts of the plantations. Nine workshops were conducted thus far. 
        ii) developing a Community Grievance Mechanism As of April 2017, Dinant has fully repaid the balance of IFC’s outstanding loan and IFC has no further contractual relationship with the company.

    As of the date of repayment of the loan, Dinant had achieved material compliance with IFC’s Performance Standards, and successfully implemented the actions required of it as identified in the April 2014 EAP and their original Environmental and Social Action Plan (ESAP). IFC has also noted that, paramount among these action items has been Dinant’s progress in modernizing and professionalizing its approach to security activities. It adheres to the Voluntary Principles for Security and Human Rights (the first company in Honduras to do so) and now meets the requirements of IFC Performance Standard 4 (PS4). Notably, Dinant has expanded the VPSHR Implementation Program beyond its agribusiness operations to include all its operations in Honduras.

    TFT and an independent consultant of a Guatemalan non-profit organization performed a monitoring field visit at Dinant’s premises in the first week of February 2017. Wilmar has met with Dinant management on 4 October 2017 to discuss the TFT recommendations from their visit, and the progress made on the IFC EAP, and next steps going forward. Wilmar will continue to engage with Dinant. 
    Austindo Nusantara Jaya Agri (ANJ) 2015022020 Feb 2015 Report can be found here Mongabay Status: Case closed

    Alleged clearance of potential High Carbon Stock (HCS) forest by Austindo Nusantara Jaya Agri (ANJ), in Sorong, West Papua, Indonesia.
    Dialogue was initiated with Austindo Nusantara Jaya Agri (ANJ) on 12 February 2015 immediately following Mongabay’s query to Wilmar; while verification of the report was undertaken at the same time. A meeting was further held with ANJ on 18 March 2015. HCS assessment was expected to be completed in April, but due to changes in the boundaries of their concessions, the report was delayed.

    Wilmar has put on hold purchases from ANJ, where our last purchase was in April 2015 pending resolution of this matter to Wilmar’s satisfaction.

    In early October 2015, ANJ presented to the HCS Steering Group the challenges they faced in development in the high forested landscapes.

    ANJ has officially adopted a comprehensive “No Deforestation, No Peat, No Exploitation (NDPE) policy”  in November 2016 and updated the Policy in 2019.

    In February 2020, ANJ has developed their recovery plan and released its First Progress Report in October 2020.

    In March 2021, ANJ has met all the criteria stipulated in Wilmar’s re-entry criteria, including the Development of Recovery Plan for Non-Compliant Land Clearing to NDPE policy at group level incurred from January 2016 onwards.

    Based on detailed review of documentation and reports from ANJ, the Wilmar Suspension Committee have given due consideration of this progress and have lifted the suspension on ANJ in March 2021.

     

    Sumur Pandawangi, a subsidiary of Musirawas Group 2018082323 Aug 2018 Report can be found here Mighty Earth Status: Case closed

    Alleged deforestation by PT Sumur Pandawangi, a subsidiary of Musirawas Group.
    Prior to the publication of Mighty Earth Rapid Response Report 6 in July 2018, Wilmar has already initiated engagement with Musirawas Group in end April 2018, following our Supplier Group Compliance Verification programme that brought the alleged issues to the our attention. We met with Musirawas in July 2018, where we re-emphasised our Policy and sought further clarification on the allegations. However, our internal monitoring detected ongoing land clearing activities. A meeting was further held with Musirawas in October 2018 to continue our dialogues in getting the supplier to adopt NDPE policy in their operation.
    However, due to the ongoing land clearing activities, we have ceased sourcing from Musirawas Group, where our last purchase was in August 2018.
    Gilford Ltd, a subsidiary of Rimbunan Hijau (PNG) Group. 2018091919 Sep 2018 Report can be found here Greenpeace Status: Case closed

    Alleged deforestation by Gilford Ltd, a subsidiary of Rimbunan Hijau (PNG) Group.
    Wilmar has initiated engagement with Rimbunan Hijau since early September 2018 to seek clarifications on allegation of deforestation at their Papua New Guinea site. Wilmar does not source from Gilford Ltd., but their parent company, Rimbunan Hijau is associated with our suppliers in Malaysia.

    A meeting was held on 7 September 2018 to further discuss the issues. On 20 September 2018, Gilford Ltd has subsequently provided a written commitment in adhering to the NDPE policy and committed to moratorium of land clearing prior to all necessary assessments, including the HCV and HCS assessment. Gilford has also shared their group wide concession maps with Wilmar for ongoing monitoring.
    Eastern Eden Estate, a subsidiary of Jaya Tiasa 2018091919 Sep 2018 Report can be found here Greenpeace Status: Case closed

    Alleged deforestation by Eastern Eden Estate, a subsidiary of Jaya Tiasa.
    Wilmar started its engagement with Jaya Tiasa on the adoption of NDPE Policy since late 2015. In early 2016, the supplier has publicly committed to adhere to Wilmar’s NDPE Policy.

    When the allegation of non-compliance was brought to our attention, we have immediately reached out to Jaya Tiasa for clarifications. The supplier clarified that they remain fully committed to the NDPE policy, and there were no new land clearing activities. With reference to the Greenpeace report, the clearance happened outside their concession area. Jaya Tiasa has also shared their group wide concession map with Wilmar for ongoing monitoring. 
    Prasetya Mitra Muda Blok II, a subsidiary of Samuel International Group 2018082323 Aug 2018 Report can be found here Mighty Earth Status: Case closed

    Alleged deforestation by PT Prasetya Mitra Muda Blok II, a subsidiary of Samuel International Group.
    Prior to the publication of Mighty Earth Rapid Response Report 6 in July 2018, we had already initiated engagement with Samuel International Group in September 2017, following our Supplier Group Compliance Verification programme that brought the alleged issues to our attention. We met with the supplier in October 2017, where we re-emphasised our Policy and sought their commitment to be in compliant with our policy. We have detected land clearing activities at PT Prasetya Mitra Muda Blok in May 2018. A meeting was further held with Samuel Group in August 2018 to seek their clarifications on the land clearing activities. Following the meeting, the supplier has signed a letter of commitment in complying with the NDPE policy and currently exploring options for various assessment. 
    In the meantime, we continue to monitor PT Prasetya Mitra Muda Blok II’s activities on monthly basis through our our Supplier Group Compliance Verification programme.  
    Hardaya Inti Plantation (HIP), a subsidiary of Hardaya Plantations Group (HPG) 2017121313 Dec 2017 Report can be found here Greenpeace Status: Case closed

    Alleged deforestation by PT Hardaya Inti Plantation (HIP), a subsidiary of Hardaya Plantations Group (HPG).

    Hardaya Plantations Group (HPG) is Central Cipta Murdaya (CCM)’s subsidiary, which handles plantation business.

    Public Report on this case was released on 19 September 2018.
    Greenpeace shared with Wilmar, information on 16 companies with alleged non-compliance to NDPE requirements. The case report provided some details on deforestation allegations, such as map outlines and names of concessions. PT Hardaya Inti Plantation (PT HIP), a subsidiary of Hardaya Plantations Group (HPG) was identified to have been involved in deforestation activities.

    Wilmar had already initiated engagement HPG in September 2017 on the allegations of non-compliance to our NDPE Policy following findings from our internal proactive monitoring.

    HPG has committed to a moratorium on land clearing, and currently exploring options for various assessment. They are also seeking consultation from AidEnviroment to establish their capacity to comply with NDPE requirements. Their first meeting with AidEnviroment was held in December 2017, and follow up with several regular meetings thereafter, in February and May 2018.

    Wilmar continues to monitor HPG’s activities on a monthly basis to ensure HPG will uphold their commitment to the moratorium.
    Mulia Inti Perkasa, a subsidiary of Widya Corp. 2018082323 Aug 2018 Report can be found here. Mighty Earth Status: Case closed 

    Alleged deforestation by PT Mulia Inti Perkasa, a subsidiary of Widya Corp.

    Prior to the publication of the Mighty Earth Rapid Response Report 6 in July 2018, Wilmar had already initiated engagement with Widya Corporationat the end of 2017, in line with  our Supplier Group Compliance Verification programme that brought the alleged issues to the our attention. Widya Corp clarified that PT MIP is operating legally and is located at legal non-forest area (APL). We have shared our NDPE policy with the supplier and requested for them to be compliant to our policy. In May 2018, we detected that PT MIP resumed land clearing activities. We sought their clarification and were informed that they had cleared a small area of plasma smallholder land. A meeting was held with Widya Corp in August 2018 where we re-emphasised our NDPE Policy and sought their commitment on a moratorium. To comply with Wilmar’s Policy, Widya Corp agreed to stop clearing the remaining undeveloped plasma area and proceed with a HCS and HCV assessment. The assessment was completed in September 2018 and the reports were shared with Wilmar.

    We continue to monitor PT MIP’s activities and so far, no deforestation within the identified HCS/HCV area has taken place. PT MIP has committed to a long term moratorium of land clearing on PT MIP effective March 2020.

    In September 2020, PT MIP submitted their HCV assessment to HCVRN for peer review.
    Surya Panen Subur II (SPS II) 2018053030 May 2018 Report can be found here Rainforest Action Network (RAN) Status: Case closed

    Alleged deforestation by PT Surya Panen Subur II (SPS II).
    Wilmar has initiated engagement with PT Surya Panen Subur II (SPS II) when RAN released the report titled The Last Place on Earth in November 2014 (For more information on Wilmar’s effort in protecting the Leuser landscape, please refer to case N06).

    PT SPS II has been transparent in updating us regularly on their progress in addressing issues raised by RAN. Further,PT SPS II has implemented best management practices on peatland since 2014 and have committed to a moratorium in 2015. Our own internal monitoring over the last years has identified that there are pockets of land clearing in the areas, which is consistent with the pattern of community encroachment. The company themselves have continued to maintain a moratorium on the area.

    PT SPS II is working closely with one of their major palm oil buyer, Golden Agri Resources (GAR) and The Forest Trust (TFT) in seeking resolution to the conflict. GAR has launched a CFT programme (Collaboration For Transformation) for PT SPS II in 2017, which focusses on conflict resolution to address land tenure issues between PT SPS II and local communities.

    To deal with the illegal encroachment, PT SPS II has reported the following actions:
    i. Engagement with surroundings communities
    ii. Reached out to Government Land Authority requesting for enforcement of PT SPS II’s land use right
    iii. Conducted land Tenure Study/Participatory mapping
    iv. Filed police reports on the ongoing illegal encroachment
    v. Transparently reported the encroachment/illegal occupation issues to the Governor of Aceh

    With reference to the allegation of using fire on land clearing, the high court has delivered their verdict that in 2016, that PT SPS II was found not guilty. http://putusan.mahkamahagung.go.id/putusan/4d2f311f3004e6f5e70a1aff2c47fd98

    In June 2018, officers from PT SPS II were convicted for using fire to clear peatland. http://aceh.tribunnews.com/2018/06/26/jaksa-tahan-manajer-kebun-pt-sps

    On 13 July 2018, officials from the Indonesia Ministry ofEnvironmentand Forestry(KLHK) conducted a field verification to SPS II, where the officials visited dispute area including area allegedly cleared by illegal encroacher.

    We continue to follow up with PT SPS II on their progress in addressing the challenges of illegal occupation on the unopened area, that was set aside under the moratorium.

    Wilmar’s last purchase from SPS II was in June 2018. 
    Lahan Agro Inti Ketapang (LAIK), a subsidiary of DTK Opportunity 2017121313 Dec 2017 Report can be found here Greenpeace Status: Case closed

    Alleged deforestation by PT Lahan Agro Inti Ketapang (PT LAIK), a subsidiary of DTK Opportunity.

    Public Report on this case was released on 19 September 2018.
    Greenpeace shared with Wilmar, information on 16 companies with alleged non-compliance to NDPE requirements. The case report provided some details on deforestation allegations, such as map outlines and names of concessions. PT Lahan Agro Inti Ketapang (PT LAIK), a subsidiary of DTK Opportunity identified to have been involved in deforestation activities.

    Wilmar identified PT LAIK as a supplier with potential non-compliance to our NDPE Policy in early 2017 through our internal monitoring. Based on our own proactive monitoring, we are aware that PT LAIK has ceased its land clearing activities and are proceeding with relevant assessments, i.e. Soil analysis.

    Soil analysis was completed in June 2017 while HCV assessment was completed two years ago in February 2016. PT LAIK is aware that HCS analysis is needed before they can resume any land clearing activities. PT LAIK is currently seeking consultants to help with their capacity to comply with NDPE requirements.

    Wilmar continues to monitor PT LAIK’s activities on a monthly basis to ensure PT LAIK will uphold their commitment to the moratorium.

    Wilmar’s last purchase from DTK was in August 2017.
    Agrindo Green Lestari and Citra Agro Abadi, subsidiaries of Ciliandry Anky Abadi (CAA) Group 2017121313 Dec 2017 Greenpeace Status: Case closed

    Alleged deforestation by PT Agrindo Green Lestari and PT Citra Agro Abadi, subsidiaries of Ciliandry Anky Abadi (CAA) Group.
    Greenpeace shared with Wilmar, information on 16 companies with alleged non-compliance to NDPE requirements. The case report provided some details on deforestation allegations, such as map outlines and names of concessions. PT Agrindo Green Lestari and PT Citra Agro Abadi, subsidiaries of Ciliandry Anky Abadi (CAA) Group were identified to have been involved in deforestation activities.

    Prior to receiving the report from Greenpeace in 13 December 2017, Wilmar was made aware of CAA’s potential non-compliance to NDPE based on findings from our own internal proactive monitoring in mid-2017.

    Engagement was immediately initiated with the supplier and the first meeting was held with CAA in July 2017, where we shared the requirements of our NDPE policy. CAA has also attended Wilmar’s three-day training workshop in Jakarta focussing on the implementation of Wilmar’s NDPE Policy in July 2017.

    Wilmar managed to secure commitment from CAA to adhere to NDPE policy and to halt further land clearing. However, our internal monitoring detected ongoing land clearing activities.

    Wilmar’s last purchase from CAA was on March 2018.
    Gemilang Sawit Kencana, a subsidiary of Hartono Plantation Indonesia (HPI Agro) 2017121313 Dec 2017 Report can be found here Greenpeace Status: Case closed

    Alleged deforestation by PT Gemilang Sawit Kencana, a subsidiary of Hartono Plantation Indonesia (HPI Agro).

    Public Report on this case was released on 19 September 2018.
    Greenpeace shared with Wilmar, information on 16 companies with alleged non-compliance to NDPE requirements. The case report provided some details on deforestation allegations, such as map outlines and names of concessions. PT Gemilang Sawit Kencana (GSK) a subsidiary of Hartono Plantation Indonesia (HPI Agro) was identified to have been involved in deforestation activities.

    Wilmar initiated engagement with HPI Agro in December 2017 when the allegations of non-compliance with Wilmar’s NDPE Policy were raised by Greenpeace in December 2017. The supplier responded that they are operating within legal framework and they will commit to Wilmar’s NDPE Policy requirements.

    A meeting was held with the supplier in March 2018 to further discuss the details related to HCV and HCS assessments. Moratorium is currently in place while the supplier completes assessments.

    Wilmar continues to monitor activities in PT GSK on a monthly basis to ensure PT GSK will uphold their commitment to the moratorium.
    Sumber Alam Selaras (SAS), a subsidiary of NPC Resources 2017121313 Dec 2017 Report can be found here Greenpeace Status: Case closed

    Alleged deforestation by PT Sumber Alam Selaras
    (SAS), a subsidiary of NPC Resources.

    Greenpeace shared with Wilmar, information on 16 companies with alleged non-compliance to NDPE requirements. The case report provided some details on deforestation allegations, such as map outlines and names of concessions. PT Sumber Alam Selaras (SAS), a subsidiary of NPC Resources was identified to have been involved in deforestation activities.

    Prior to receiving the report from Greenpeace in December 2017, Wilmar had already initiated engagement with NPC on the allegations of non-compliance to our NDPE Policy following our own internal proactive monitoring. Following which, NPC appointed Aksenta to conduct HCV and HCS assessments at PT SAS relating to the NDPE non-compliance.

    The Wilmar team met with NPC in February 2018 to discuss the scope of Aksenta’s assessment in PT SAS to ensure it covered all components of our NDPE Policy. Aksenta completed the assessment in April 2018 and a follow up meeting between Wilmar and NPC was conducted in July 2018. The draft report was shared with Wilmar in August 2018. NPC also released a public statement in September 2018 to communicate progress and reiterate their commitment to adhering to Wilmar's NDPE requirements.

    The assessment reports were finalised in November 2018 and a copy of the reports were shared with Wilmar.

    Wilmar continues to monitor PT SAS to ensure that they will conduct their land development as per the outcome of the HCV and HCS assessment.
    Prima Bahagia Permai (PBP), a subsidiary of IJM Plantations Berhad 2017121313 Dec 2017 Report can be found here Greenpeace Status: Case closed

    Alleged deforestation by PT Prima Bahagia Permai (PBP), a subsidiary of IJM Plantations Berhad.

    Public Report on this case was released on 19 September 2018.
    Greenpeace shared with Wilmar, information on 16 companies with alleged non-compliance to NDPE requirements. The case report provided some details on deforestation allegations, such as map outlines and names of concessions. PT Prima Bahagia Permai (PBP), a subsidiary of IJM Plantations Berhad was identified to have been involved in deforestation activities.

    Wilmar immediately reached out to IJM Plantations in December 2017 when the allegations of non-compliance with Wilmar’s NDPE Policy were brought to our attention.

    First meeting with IJM Plantations was conducted on 7 Feb 2018 to discuss the details on NDPE policy compliance, including a HCSA assessment. We understand from IJM Plantations that HCV assessment was completed in 2014 and Carbon Stock study at PT Prima Bahagia Permai (PBP) was completed in 2016, both by PT Sonokeling. IJM Plantations has shared a copy of the reports with Wilmar for review. IJM Plantations immediately committed to a moratorium and Wilmar has also offered support on the HCSA assessment. Subsequent meetings with IJM Plantations took place on 17 May and 16 July 2018 to discuss the workplan for HCSA assessment. Terms of reference for the required assessment is being prepared jointly by Wilmar and IJM Plantations.

    On 8 August 2018, Wilmar conducted a pre-assessment and logistics arrangement meeting at Balikpapan with PT PBP team to familiarize the team with the assessment process and in the meantime review the documentation of PT PBP. This meeting was held in preparation for the review and update of the HCV and HCS assessments that was conducted previously. FPIC studies was conducted by PT Sonokeling Akreditas Nusantara for existing HCV areas in PT PBP from 18-22 September 2018.

    The field visit for the HCS and HCV assessment was conducted from 22 - 27 October 2018 and the HCV-HCS integrated report for PT PBP, Antutan estate is completed in April 2019. Further to completion of integrated HCS and HCV assessment report, a public consultation was conducted at Tanjung Selur in May 2019 and the report was submitted to ALS for peer review in July 2019.

    In the meantime,  IJM Plantations has published their NDPE policy on 22 February 2019.

    The HCV-HCS integrated assessment report was finalised in December 2020 and the public summary report is available at the HCVRN website.

    For more information related to IJM Plantations’ progress in the implementation of NDPE Policy and their sustainability statements, please visit their Sustainability website.
    I. Citra Riau Sarana,
    II. Ganda Sawit Utama,
    III. Inecda & Gandaerah Hendana,
    IV. Patiware,
    V. Tritunggal Sentral Buana,
    VI. Wawasan Kebun Nusantara
    2017121313 Dec 2017 Greenpeace Status: Case closed

    The following Wilmar’s suppliers were allegedly link to companies with alleged deforestation named under “Ganda Group”:-
    - PT Citra Riau Sarana
    - PT Ganda Sawit Utama
    - PT Inecda & PT Gandaerah Hendana
    - PT Patiware
    - PT Tritunggal Sentral Buana
    - PT Wawasan Kebun Nusantara
    Greenpeace shared with Wilmar, information on 16 companies with alleged non-compliance to NDPE requirements. The case report provided some details on deforestation allegations, such as map outlines and names of concessions. PT GAN, PT APM and PT ACP, which were allegedly owned or associated with ‘GAMA Group’ were identified to have been involved in deforestation activities. [For more details, please refer to the Grievance Case allegedly linked to GAMA Group on PT GAN, PT APM and PT ACP filed on 13 Dec 2017]

    The case report has also identified six Wilmar’s suppliers with links to the “GAMA Group” allegations. These suppliers are:
    - PT Citra Riau Sarana
    - PT Ganda Sawit Utama (PT Jatimjaya Perkasa, TH Indo Plantations)
    - PT Inecda & PT Gandaerah Hendana
    - PT Patiware
    - PT Tritunggal Sentral Buana
    - PT Wawasan Kebun Nusantara

    Wilmar wrote to the above six suppliers individually requesting clarification of the allegations. All the suppliers have responded in writing in early June 2017 that they are not associated with PT GAN, PT APM and PT ACP. In the same letter, the suppliers have also committed to NDPE Policy, specifically on:
    ▪ Moratorium on all Land Clearing in our concession.
    ▪ No development on High Carbon Stock (HCS) forests.
    ▪ No development on High Conservation Value (HCV) areas.
    ▪ No new development on Peat areas, regardless of depth

    While Wilmar is seeking more clarity on the GAMA’s ownership, we have ceased sourcing from the above six companies as of 22 June 2018.
     

    In October 2018, after due investigation and reviewing evidences submitted by PT Inecda and PT Gandaerah Hendana, it is confirmed that GAMA has no management control on these two companies. Samsung C&T as the major shareholder has been solely managing these companies since 2008. Wilmar therefore has lifted its suspension on PT Inecda and PT Gandaerah Hendana .

    On 10 August 2018, GAMA Plantation and Aidenvironment signed a statement on their collaboration in developing and implementing a sustainability Policy. To be able to implement the Sustainability Polic, GAMA plantation voluntarily consolidated as a "Group" under a single management. All entities under GAMA's management shall follow the Group's Sustainability Policy, that presently covers 27 companies with 29 plantations units. The Group operates 20 mills and has a total planted area of nearly 200,000 hectares in Sumatera, Kalimantan, Sulawesi and Papua. 

    A comprehensive Sustainability Policy was released in September 2018 and followed by its 
    first progress in February 2019 report detailing the implementation and progress of their NDPE policy commitments. 

    Based on detailed review of documentation, reports, and gestational from GAMA Plantation group, and after consultation with Aidenvironment on the group's performance and overall commitment - the Wilmar Suspension Committee have given due consideration of this progress and have lifted the suspension in March 2019. 

    For more details, please refer to the Grievance Case allegedly linked to GAMA Plantation on PT GAN, PT APM and PT ACP filed on 13 Dec 2017.

    I. Graha Agro Nusantara (GAN),
    II. Agrinusa Persada Mulia (APM),
    III. Agriprima Cipta Persada (ACP) - GAMA Plantation*

    *In September 2019, GAMA Corp was rebranded as KPN Corp, where GAMA Plantation was known as KPN Plantation.
    2017121313 Dec 2017 Greenpeace Status: Case closed

    Alleged deforestation by the following companies, allegedly owned or associated with ‘GAMA Group’.
    I. PT Graha Agro Nusantara (GAN) 
    II. PT Agrinusa Persada Mulia (APM) 
    III. PT Agriprima Cipta Persada (ACP)  
    Greenpeace shared with Wilmar, information on 16 companies with alleged non-compliance to NDPE requirements. The case report provided some details on deforestation allegations, such as map outlines and names of concessions. PT GAN, PT APM and PT ACP, which were allegedly owned or associated with ‘GAMA Group’ were identified to have been involved in deforestation activities. There is no clarity as to whether ‘GAMA Group’ exists, however Wilmar has reached out to GAMA Corp as the main contact point in regard to this grievance.

    Wilmar does not source from the 3 companies listed in the Greenpeace report, nor does it source from GAMA Corp. Nevertheless, we bridged a meeting between GAMA Corp and AidEnvironment in our Singapore office on 30 April 2018. At that meeting GAMA Corp agreed to continue the dialogue with AidEnvironment, and to establish their capacity to comply with NDPE requirements. A subsequent follow up meeting between AidEnvironment and GAMA took place on 15 May 2018 in Bogor.

    Separately, GAMA Corp has also provided written confirmation to Wilmar, dated 8 June 2018, that GAMA Corp will commit to the full extent of the NDPE Policy, with specific emphasis on:
    ▪ Moratorium on all Land Clearing in our concession.
    ▪ No development on High Carbon Stock (HCS) forests.
    ▪ No development on High Conservation Value (HCV) areas.
    ▪ No new development on Peat areas, regardless of depth.

    GAMA Corp also confirmed in their letter that they are exploring working with a third-party organization and is in the process of putting together their timebound action plan.

    On 19 June 2018, Greenpeace shared with Wilmar a more comprehensive list of companies that are allegedly linked to GAMA Corp, Wilmar has decided to cease sourcing from all the suppliers that were on the list, while we continue our engagement with GAMA Corp. These suppliers are:
    - PT Citra Riau Sarana
    - PT Ganda Sawit Utama (PT Jatimjaya Perkasa, TH Indo Plantations)
    - PT Inecda & PT Gandaerah Hendana
    - PT Patiware
    - PT Tritunggal Sentral Buana
    - PT Wawasan Kebun Nusantara
    - PT Karya Agung Megah Utama
    - PT Perkebunan Anak Negeri Pasaman
    - PT Serdang Hulu
    - PT Swadaya Indopalma

    Wilmar takes very seriously Greenpeace’s allegations of complicity by Wilmar with Gama, where Wilmar’s CEO had personally responded to Greenpeace in a letter dated 20 June 2018. On 25 June 2018, Greenpeace released a report titled “Rogue Trader”, which has documented deforestation by companies, allegedly owned or associated with GAMA Corp.

    Greenpeace has subsequently sent a letter to Wilmar’s CEO on 26 June to raise their concern on Deforestation and Wilmar’s supply chain, where Wilmar’s CEO has responded with reiteration on Wilmar’s supply chain monitoring programme and our next steps. On 29 June 2018, The Forest Trust (TFT), Wilmar’s policy implementation partner has also released a statement on their position and response to the Greenpeace report.

    On 10 August 2018, GAMA Plantation and Aidenvironment signed a statement on their collaboration in developing and implementing a Sustainability Policy. To be able to implement the Sustainability Policy, GAMA Plantation voluntarily consolidated as a "Group" under a single management.  All entities under GAMA's management shall follow the Group's Sustainability Policy, that presently covers 27 companies with 29 plantations units. The Group operates 20 mills and has a total planted area of nearly 200,000 hectares in Sumatera, Kalimantan, Sulawesi and Papua. 

    A comprehensive Sustainability Policy was also released in September 2018, which incorporated following elements that goes beyond the generic NDPE requirements, which includes: 
    • Director(s) shall not own shares in plantation companies that do not subscribe to the GAMA Plantation Sustainability Policy. 
    • No divestment of land bank until outstanding grievances are fully resolved, or obligations have been legally transferred to another party. Take more responsibility on potential problematic plantations instead to sell it and suspension of land acquisition for two years. 
    • No acquisition of land (through crop and land compensation, or GRTT i.e. payments made for crops on land) that was burnt after 1 July 2018. 
    • No procurement of Fresh Fruit Bunches (FFB) from oil palms planted on land that is burnt after 1 July 2018. 
    • Commitment to implement Recovery Plans to deliver tangible and long-term benefits to conservation and local communities. 
    • Online maps publication of the entire GAMA Plantation group for more transparency. 
    On 27 February 2019, GAMA Plantation published its first progress report detailing the implementation and progress of their NDPE policy commitments. This includes specific commitment to recovery plans feature specific focus on community livelihood improvement, and assistance to communities to recover land rights. 

    Based on detailed review of documentation, reports and geospatial information from GAMA Plantation group, and after consultation with Aidenvironment on the group's performance and overall commitment - the Wilmar Suspension Committee have given due consideration of this progress and have lifted the suspension on the GAMA Plantation group1 in March 2019.

    In September 2019, GAMA Corp was rebranded as KPN Corp.

    In November 2019, KPN Plantation published their second progress report and 60 months timebound action plan to publicly report their progress in implementing  NDPE policy at the group level. Their third progress report and updated 60 months timebound action plan was released in March 2021.

    In June 2021, KPN Plantation has also released their “Recovery Booklet” which provide detail effort, scope and their commitment towards the development of recovery plan.

    Wilmar continue to monitor their progress closely to ensure that the KPN Corp continue to implement all points itemised within their action plan. 

    1Companies included in the KPN Plantation are listed  here http://kpnplantation.com/assets/gama-files/pressrelease/100818-aide-announcement.pdf
    and http://kpnplantation.com/assets/gama-files/pressrelease/310818-gama-papua-entities.pdf
    Kahayan Agro Plantation (KAP), a subsidiary of Anglo-Eastern Plantations 2017111717 Nov 2017 Report can be found here Mighty Earth Status: Case closed

    Alleged deforestation, land conflict, licensing issues and sourcing of non-compliant palm by PT Kahayan Agro Plantation (PT KAP), a subsidiary of Anglo Eastern Plantations.
    Prior to receiving the report titled “Mighty Earth Rapid Response Report 1” on 17 November 2017, Wilmar had already initiated engagement with Anglo Eastern Plantations (AEP) in early November 2017 on allegations of non-compliance to our NDPE Policy, following our monitoring activities.

    AEP shared a letter of clarification and their HCV report on PT KAP with Wilmar for further review. The HCV assessment was conducted by Aksenta in 2011. PT KAP’s land clearing was guided by the outcome of the HCV assessment. AEP also confirmed that they were not sourcing non-compliant palm from PT Guntur Madu Agrotama.


    Wilmar’s team met with AEP in Medan on 15 December 2017 to discuss the reports and sought PT AEP’s commitment on a moratorium on land clearing while they are exploring options for necessary assessments to be compliant to NDPE
    .

    On 17 December 2017, Greenpeace shared with Wilmar information on 16 companies with alleged non-compliance to NDPE requirements. The case report provided some details of deforestation allegations, such as map outlines and names of concessions. PT KAP was also identified as having been involved in deforestation activities.

    In March 2018, AEP appointed PT Meganesia Tirta Foresta to conduct a HCS assessment at PT KAP; field assessment was conducted in April 2018. More details are available here: http://www.angloeastern.co.uk/~/media/Files/A/Anglo-Eastern/documents/HCV%20and%20Scared%20Tribal%20Sites.pdf

    The HCS assessment was completed in July 2018 and the finalised version of the HCS assessment report was shared with Wilmar in October 2018. Upon completion of the HCS assessment, PT KAP resumed their land development activities outside the identified HCS area.

    The HCS assessment was conducted using the V 1.0 toolkit and carried out independently of the HCV, SIA and FPIC processes. The other assessments and processes were done either prior, in parallel or after the HCS assessment was completed. The outcome of these assessments was then integrated with the HCS assessment results. In January 2019, PT KAP notified Wilmar that they had submitted the HCS report for peer review. The process was completed in November 2019. The HCSA peer review report is available here:
     http://highcarbonstock.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/HCSA-Peer-Review-Report-PT-KAP-Final-Response-271119.pdf

    In June 2019, AEP has also published their Group's NDPE policy.
    Abdi Budi Mulia (ABM)
    2016113030 Nov 2016 Report can be found here Wilmar Status: Case closed

    Alleged involvement in labour rights issues by Abdi Budi Mulia (ABM)
    Together with The Forest Trust (TFT), Wilmar conducted a field visit to PT ABM from 13 - 17 December 2016. PT ABM was cooperative in providing documentation for review and setting up all the interviews that were requested. Interviews were conducted with 45 workers (5% of PT ABM’s labour force made up of monthly and freelance daily workers), nine sub-contracted workers, three board members of the workers' union, 15 members on the board of the Petani Plasma Cooperative (part of PT ABM’s supply chain), the village head and a school vice-principal. The Executive Summary is available here.

    A meeting was further held with PT ABM on 17 March 2017, where Wilmar and TFT discussed the findings and action plan with PT ABM. PT ABM is also participating in Wilmar’s Support for Transformation Programme (SFT), where a detailed labour practices improvement workplan is developed by Wilmar and TFT for PT ABM.

    Four site visits over a year-long period are planned in this labour programme. More information about the programme is available here. In November 2017, PT ABM was invited to speak at Wilmar’s BSR Capacity Building workshop to provide supplier testimonial on PT ABM’s process and journey in improving their labour practices. More than 60 participants from over 30 companies attended the workshop.

    Wilmar’s last purchase from this supplier was in September 2020. For more details, please refer to our grievance listing on Gerbang Benua Raya.
    Felda Global Ventures (FGV) 2015073030 Jul 2015 Report can be found here A coalition of non-governmental organisations (NGOs) Status: Case in progress

    Alleged labour rights violation in Malaysian grower Felda Global Ventures (FGV) plantations. 
    FGV has responded to the allegations raised in the Wall Street Journal article titled “Palm-Oil Migrant Workers Tell of Abuses on Malaysian Plantations” dated 25 July 2015; FGV's statement can be found here.

    The allegations against FGV, coupled with other labour and human rights issues within the Malaysian palm oil industry raised by concerned stakeholders prompted the RSPO Secretariat to consider conducting an independent assessment on the competency of RSPO Certification Bodies in identifying non-compliances related to such issues – please refer to RSPO’s statement here.


    Wilmar has initiated dialogue with FGV on first week of August 2015. A meeting was further held with FGV on 10 August 2015 to understand the matters and provide recommendation to FGV to address the concern raised by stakeholders.


    On 14 August, RSPO had announced that they have engaged Accreditation Services International (ASI) to perform a compliance audit in September on a few FGV units located in the area linked to the findings in the report. Additionally, FGV engaged an independent consultant to conduct their own investigation into these allegations. 

    In August 2015, FGV published a second statement, which provided further clarification on the allegations and action points.

    On 26 October 2015, RSPO has registered this case as an official complaint. Progress updates are available here.

    Wilmar conducted several meetings with FGV thereafter, and provided inputs for the development of their sustainability policy, which was released in August 2016. In April 2018, FGV announced the enhancement of its NDPE commitments, where they would adopt the NDPE policy for all of their concessions, irrespective of when the land was acquired or whether any prior RSPO New Planting Procedure approvals were granted. 

    FGV continues to publicly report on their progress and efforts in addressing grievances on their website :
    1. Updates in October 2017 on Social Compliance and Human Rights Initiatives
    2. FGV RSPO Certification Initiative and FGV Kalimantan Peat Restoration Plan (January 2018)
    3. Updates on Progress of Social Compliance and Human Rights (April 2018)
    4. Reaffirmation on commitment to NDPE Policy (May 2018)
    5. Sustainability Report released in June 2018
    6. FGV’s official response to Greenpeace’s Final Countdown report

    On 28 November 2018, the RSPO Complaints Panel's decision on the labour rights case was delivered to FGV.On 5 December 2018, the complaint was transferred to RSPO’s Investigation & Monitoring Unit (IMU).

    FGV provided regular updates until the resolution of the case:
    7 December 2018 – FGV’s commitment to the RSPO 
    14 December 2018 – FGV’s Progress report in reference to the findings of the Complaint Panel of the RSPO
    11 March 2019 - FGV’s Progress report in reference to the findings of the Complaint Panel of the RSPO
    25 April 2019 –  FGV’s Action plan and 1st Quarterly Update Pertaining to RSPO’s Complaint Panel’s Directive 
    28 June 2019 - FGV’s Action plan and 2nd Quarterly Update Pertaining to RSPO’s Complaint Panel’s Directive
    5 August 2019 –  Lifting of RSPO P&C Suspension for FGV’s Serting Complex 


    On 24 June 2019, The US-based Grant & Eisenhofer ESG Institute filed a petition to the United States Customs and Border Protection (US CBP), alleging forced labour and illegal child labour practices in FGV’s oil palm plantations. FGV issued a statement emphasising that it had already taken several steps to correct issues raised in the petition, and its willingness to provide clarification on the matter. On 16 August 2019, US-based NGOs, International Labor Rights Forum (ILRF), Rainforest Action Network (RAN) and SumOfUs filed a second petition to the US CBP, citing similar allegations. FGV issued another detailed public statement in response to the petition.

    Wilmar convened a meeting with FGV on 26 August 2019 to discuss FGV's progress in addressing the allegations. We were informed that a US counsel had been appointed to engage directly with CBP. FGV also submitted all relevant supporting documents to CBP on 9 August 2019 with regards to the first petition. Following the filing of the second petition, the said counsel submitted similar documents to CBP. FGV presented all of its action plans and progress updates to the US Embassy in Malaysia, as well as the Malaysian Embassy in USA.

    On 17 September 2019, FGV's Group CEO provided further updates on FGV's commitments to respect human rights and implement good labour practices. At the time, FGV with the support of Procter & Gamble (P&G), were finalising the establishment of a multidisciplinary group of NGOs and non-profits, to accelerate FGV's human rights remediation efforts.

    On 21 November 2019, FGV announced that they had been accepted as a Participating Company of the Fair Labor Association (FLA). Under this affiliation programme, FGV was expected to align its internal standards with the FLA Workplace Code of Conduct as well as develop a comprehensive social compliance and remediation programme based on the Code of Conduct and Principles of Fair Labor and Responsible Sourcing or Production for Agricultural Supply Chains.

    On 13 January 2020, RSPO suspended the Principles and Criteria (P&C) certification processes for all of FGV’s uncertified units and reimposed its suspension on FGVs Kilang Sawit Serting for non-compliance of the Complaints Panel decision in November 2018.

    On 15 January 2020, FGV issued a statement to clarify their position. On 24 January 2020, FGV issued a second statement where they have transparently uploaded relevant audit reports and provided clarification on the findings.

    On 31 March 2020, FGV published Action Plan 2020 as part of their alignment with FLA’s Principles of Fair Labor and Responsible Sourcing for Companies with Agricultural Supply Chains.

    In continuation of providing regular updates on the case, FGV published progress reports on 10 April 2020 and 3 July 2020 related to the RSPO complaint case. A further update on progress was published on 29 July 2020. Wilmar met with FGV to discuss progress on the same day.

    On 24 September 2020, Associated Press published an article on labour malpractices in FGV’s operations; FGV responded with a statement on its commitment to human rights. On 30 September 2020, the US CBP issued a Withhold Release Order (WRO) that it would detain palm oil and palm oil products made by FGV at all US ports of entry. FGV issued a statement in response to the WRO on 1 October 2020 emphasising that the issues raised have been the subject of public discourse since 2015 and that the company has taken steps to correct the situation, all of which are well documented in the public domain.

    On 8 October 2020, a conference call between FGV and the CBP was held. CBP could not reveal any information about its findings, except that its research had identified 11 International Labour Organization (ILO) indicators of forced labour in FGV’s practices. CBP informed FGV that it would consider a petition for the revocation of the WRO, together with information or reports arising from audits from credible, unbiased, third-party auditing firms. More information on FGV’s engagements with CBP is available here.

    Subsequently, FGV also published the FLA Assessment Report on the Implementation of FGV’s Action Plan and their Progress Report (October 2020) Pertaining to RSPO’s Complaints Panel’s Directives.

    On 18 November 2020, The Associated Press (AP) published an article titled “Rape, abuses in palm oil fields linked to top beauty brands”, which reported alleged abuse of women in several oil palm plantations in Malaysia and Indonesia, including that of FGV’s. FGV published a statement responding to the article stating that they viewed the alleged findings as a matter of serious concern, and reiterated their commitment to respecting human rights and upholding labour standards.


    On 27 January 2021, FGV published its first sustainability updates for the year, highlighting that it had revised its Group Sustainability Policy in consultation with its stakeholders. On 31 March 2021, FGV announced an update on its sustainability efforts, to address US CBP’s WRO. FGV has also published updates on its affiliation to FLA, including FLA’s report on the progress of implementation of FGV’s action plan on enhancing its labour practices. The report contains details on progress made between September 2020 and March 2021 and highlights key areas that will remain a priority for the company in 2021; this includes FGV’s grievance mechanism, remediation procedures and worker representation structures.

    On 1 July 2021, FGV published an update on its sustainability efforts. FGV is to undergo an Independent External Assessment (IEA) which will serve as a baseline examination of FGV’s implementation of labour policies and practices on the ground. The IEA is scheduled to be conducted by FLA-accredited monitors in the third quarter of 2021, subject to the COVID-19 situation, findings from which will be addressed by FGV through a Corrective Action Plan. In addition, following the re-suspension of FGV’s Serting Mill in January 2020, a verification audit was conducted by RSPO between November 2020 and April 2021. FGV is currently waiting on a decision on the status of the said suspension from the RSPO Complaints Panel.

    A further statement on FGV’s progress in addressing the WRO was published on 18 June 2021. FGV reiterated its sustainability commitments and highlighted several initiatives that are being implemented, focused on improving its migrant worker recruitment process, developing human rights capacity building and training programmes, as well as strengthening its grievance mechanisms and enhancing labour monitoring systems. FGV is in the midst of planning for an assessment of its operations against ILO’s 11 Indicators of Forced Labour and following the publication of an updated statement, is expecting to finalise the appointment of an independent auditor in September 2021. FGV has also appointed a US-based legal firm to provide support for its efforts in addressing the WRO. On 2 September 2021, FGV announced the establishment of its Board Sustainability Committee (BGRMC) which will provide oversight in relation to the company’s sustainability policies, strategies and initiatives.

    On 20 October 2021, FGV announced delays in the appointment of the independent auditor. Further to this, on 16 November 2021, FGV announced that following a review of proposals from several organisations, the company had finalised the appointment of ELEVATE, an experienced supply chain service provider, to carry out the audit, scheduled for November 2021.  

    On 19th August 2022, FGV Holdings Berhad (FGV) had announced that based on the recently published Independent External Assessment (IEA) Report by the Fair Labor Association (FLA), no non-compliances are identified based on FLA’s forced labour benchmarks and found no evidence of child labour at FGV Holdings Berhad (FGV) operations. The report also recognizes that progress has been made by FGV including its top management’s commitment, policy alignment with international and national standards, and engagement with civil society organizations, especially at the headquarters level. FGV’s affiliation to FLA is subjected to independent assessment, validation and reporting by the FLA. In addition to this IEA report, FLA had also published its first and second validation report in October 2020 and April 2021 respectively. FGV, in consultation with FLA, has developed a comprehensive corrective action plan (CAP) to address and resolve all findings arising from the IEA. Many of the action items have already been implemented and relevant resources are identified to close the remaining gaps. In keeping with the principle of transparency, FLA’s IEA report together with FGV’s CAP is published on FLA’s website.

    On 28 February 2023, FGV issued a press release stating that Elevate has concluded its on-site assessments and FGV is implementing Elevate ‘s recommendations and anticipates submitting the final report to CBP in the near future. Aligned with their No Recruitment Fees policy, FGV will reimburse its current and former foreign workers, who were employed after 27 June 2019 and had to pay recruitment fees to agents or other third parties in their countries of origin. The payment to the foreign workers will be made in three tranches between March and September 2023. The payment to their current 23,333 foreign workers amounting to RM81.64 million will be made in three tranches between March and September 2023. Additionally, FGV has created a sinking fund amounting to RM30 million to reimburse former workers who paid recruitment fees during their employment with FGV but are no longer employed by the company.

    On 10 January 2024, FGV announced that total of RM72.2 million has been reimbursed to 19,673 workers.   FGV appointed LRQA, formerly known as ELEVATE to conduct a verification of the reimbursement exercise.  LRQA is expected to conduct its follow-up assessment in the first quarter of 2024 which is to verify the implementation of FGV’s overall remediation plan. With the outcome of the assessment, FGV will then prepare a petition to the CBP to modify the WRO, which will be submitted by the end of the second quarter of 2024. 

    Nabire Baru, a subsidiary of Goodhope, in Nabire, Papua 2016092727 Sep 2016 Report can be found here Greenpeace Status: Case closed

    Alleged forest and peatland destruction, permit irregularities and lack of Free, Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC) to developments by PT Nabire Baru, a subsidiary of Goodhope, in Nabire, Papua.
    Goodhope has issued a statement immediately after Greenpeace released the report, where Goodhope has committed to continue engagement with Greenpeace, and other external stakeholders (NGOs and professional organization) to carry out a detailed assessment on their project.

    RSPO has been investigating the social conflict issues since April 2016 when the case was brought to their attention by Yayasan PUSAKA. A joint field verification visit consisting of teams from RSPO, Yayasan Pusaka and Goodhope was conducted from 27 - 28 September 2016. Goodhope has a further meeting with Yayasan Pusaka and Forest Peoples Programme (FPP) on 19 October 2016, and with Greenpeace on 26 October 2016.

    Wilmar met with Goodhope on 8 November 2016 where Wilmar re-emphasised its Policy and sought clarification and updates on their progress in addressing issues raised in Greenpeace report. Goodhope has publicly reported their progress update on 2 December 2016. RSPO has registered this case as official complaint in December 2016.

    A meeting was further held with Goodhope on 7 March 2017 to follow up with Goodhope on their progress update, where Goodhope has shared with Wilmar their intention to undertake a threepronged approach to address the issues raised by Greenpeace:
    (1) to conduct all necessary assessments, including the HCS assessment and detailed soil survey; 
    (2) to develop a robust and stringent Sustainability policy 
    (3) to announce and communicate the policy to their external stakeholders.

    Another follow up meeting was held with Goodhope on 10 April 2017, where Goodhope shared with Wilmar their progress update and detailed response to a recent Greenpeace Bulletin. Goodhope’s official response is available here.

    Goodhope has also attended Wilmar’s three-day training workshop focussing on the implementation of Wilmar’s Policy in April 2017. Goodhope officially released their Sustainability Policy on 5 May 2017 and published their progress updates on regular basis.
    Wai Musi Agro Indah (WMAI), a subsidiary of Wai Musi 2015091515 Sep 2015 Centre for International Policy Status: Case closed

    Alleged responsible for slash-and-burn practices by PT Wai Musi Agro Indah (WMAI).
    Dialogue initiated with PT Wai Musi Agro Indah (WMAI) on 16 September 2015. WMAI acknowledged there was a reported alleged case of fire within their concession, which is currently under investigation by the local authority. Wilmar has put on hold purchases from WMAI, where our last purchase in September 2015.

    PT Wai Musi Agro Indah (WMAI) has fulfilled all their legal obligations in the fire case in May 2017. Together with TFT, Wilmar conducted a field visit from 7 – 11 August 2017 to assess their operation, especially on their fire prevention programme.

    Based on the positive outcome from the field visit and WMAI’s commitment to continue to strengthen their fire prevention programme. Wilmar will resume business relationship with PT WMAI, following the lifting of the suspension order. A revisit will be conducted by June 2018 to asses WMAI’s progress in closing the gaps identified during the field visit in August 2017.
    Persada Kencana Prima, a subsidiary of TH Plantations Berhad (THP) 2016092727 Sep 2016 Report is available here Greenpeace Status: Case closed

    Alleged clearance of forested peatlands by PT Persada Kencana Prima, a subsidiary of TH Plantations Berhad (THP), in North Kalimantan, Indonesia.
    Prior to the report being published by Greenpeace, Wilmar has initiated engagement with TH Plantations Berhad (THP) since August 2016, following the Group’s monitoring activity that brought the alleged issues to the Group’s attention.

    Wilmar met with THP on 10 October 2016, where Wilmar re-emphasised its Policy and sought clarification on the allegations. THP informed that they had ceased land clearing activities for several months for operational reasons.

    A meeting was further held with the management of THP on 2 June 2017, where the management of THP has agreed to a suspension on further land-clearing while THP review next steps for the said area.

    Wilmar conducted a joint site visit with TFT to PT Persada Kencana Prima (PKP) from 31 July – 4 August 2017 to assess the situation on the ground and develop an action plan for the area.

    Wilmar’s team met with THP’s management on 6 November 2017 to share the assessment report. While Wilmar continues to follow up with THP on improvement on their sustainability practices, the moratorium on land clearing is still in place at PT PKP.

    Through our monitoring, we have detected land use change at PT PKP in early July 2018. THP clarified that the area was originally cleared several years ago but was not planted due to operational constraints. THP claimed that the land use change detected is due the re-stacking of area now that planting is resuming. We have met with THP’s management on 17 July 2018 to seek further details on the re-stacking activities and in the meantime, PT PKP has ceased all stacking activities on the ground. In order to be absolutely clear that there is no violation to the NDPE policies, PT PKP has provided further information requested by Wilmar, ie: time and GPS stamped photographs, drone footages, etc. for Wilmar's further investigation.

    A meeting was held with the supplier on 12 September 2018 to further discuss the evidences submitted by PT PKP. PT PKP has agreed to hire TFT to conduct assessment of the area of contention, together with Wilmar’s team. A proposed rehabilitation plan will be established if there is indeed new land clearing. The joint field assessment was carried out from 15 – 19 October 2018. According to the verification findings,  TFT identified the highest and most immediate priority for PT PKP is to stop the Wood Utilisation Permit (IPK, Ijin Pemanfaatan Kayu) felling activities by PT Usaha Mandiri Sesayap (PT UMS), a logging company that has license to conduct logging, in these IPK areas and the local communities for entire concession area. Should such activities continue, they will be perceived as a risk of deforestation due to the use of heavy machinery to remove the logs.

    While PT PKP committed not to utilise/plant on the area felled by PT UMS, they are unable to stop the felling activities by PT UMS as PT UMS hold the IPK rights to fell inside PT PKP. Understand the complexity of the issue, Wilmar has bridged a meeting between Aidenvironment and PT PKP in March 2019 and May 2019 to explore possible avenues in addressing the IPK issues. Following the meetings, PT PKP has officially engaged and issued letters to PT UMS in seeking PT UMS to cease all felling activities inside PT PKP. Their engagement yielded positive results and there was no deforestation detected from June 2019 onwards. PT PKP continues to uphold their commitment to cease all activities on the ground.

    In the meantime, engagement with THP in relation to our re-entry criteria has been triggered since July 2020 in relation to a case in Deru Semangat Sdn Bhd. For more details, please refer to our grievance listing on Deru Semangat Sdn Bhd.
    Ensem Sawita 2017072121 Jul 2017 Report can be found here Rainforest Action Network (RAN)

    Status: Case closed

    Non-compliant palm products in and around the Leuser Ecosystem from PT. Agra Bumi Niaga’s (ABN) allegedly enter Wilmar’s supply chain through its supplier, PT Ensem Sawita (ES)

     

    Wilmar has mapped all suppliers who operate mills within a 50-km radius of the Leuser Ecosystem, and engaged directly with all these suppliers to ensure that we have clearly communicated our NDPE Policy requirements to all suppliers who may be at risk of sourcing from illegal or protected areas within the Leuser Ecosystem. Most recently in April 2017, we have also checked and confirmed that all these suppliers, including PT Ensem Sawita (ES) were not sourcing from PT Agra Bumi Niaga (ABN). Following RAN’s latest report, we contacted PT ES for clarifications and were informed that PT ES was not aware that their FFB supplier PT. Putri Hijau was acquired by PT ABN. Therefore, PT ABN’s FFB may have entered PT ES’s supply chain through PT Putri Hijau.

    Wilmar met with PT ES on 28 July 2017, PT ES informed that they have ceased sourcing from PT ABN since early July 2017 when they were alerted that PT ABN’s fruits had entered their supply chain. PT ES decided not to resume purchase from PT ABN until this FFB supplier has been assessed and implemented the necessary corrective actions as per recommended by an independent assessor.

    Together with TFT, one of PT ES’s buyers has scheduled a site visit to the operations of PT ES & PT ABN in early August 2017. To avoid duplicating the same assessment, PT ES has agreed to share the assessment report with Wilmar for our deliberation of next course of action. The field assessment report has been shared with Wilmar in October 2017 and we have met with PT ES on 17 November 2017 to follow up with them on their progress.

    While PT ES is committed to close the gaps identified during the assessment, we continue to monitor their progress, which includes regular physical meetings with PT ES where we will provide support to improve their sourcing practices. Our last meeting with PT ES was conducted on 17 January 2020.

    Mopoli Raya 2015050606 May 2015 Report can be found here Greenomics Status: Case closed

    Alleged clearance of potential High Carbon Stock (HCS) forest by Mopoli Raya in the Leuser Ecosystem. 
    Dialogue was initiated with Mopoli Raya on 8 May 2015, while verification of Greenomics report was ongoing. A few more meetings were held thereafter. Wilmar has put on hold purchases, where our last purchase was in 9 July 2015 pending resolution of this matter to Wilmar’s satisfaction. 

    Mopoli Raya had engaged a registered consultant in September 2015 to conduct HCS preliminary study and HCV pre-identification study in 2015 as per Wilmar’s recommendation at PT Aloer Timur. A total area of around 1200 ha as HCS areas was identified and the assessment report was shared with Wilmar in February 2016. Mopoli Raya has committed to adhere to the recommendations made by the consultant and continue to adhere to the moratorium which has been put in place since July 2015.

    However, based on Wilmar’s ongoing desktop monitoring, land clearing was detected in the HCS areas. PT Aloer Timur clarified that the land clearing was a result of illegal encroachment. Wilmar met with Mopoli Raya on 17 March 2017 and 28 July 2017 to discuss the community encroachment challenges in their concession. Together with Earthworm Foundation (EF), Wilmar conducted two field visits to PT Aloer Timur in December 2017 and April 2018 to verify the situation on the ground. Based on the visits result, it was confirmed that deforestation since 2015 was carried out by external parties who were not part of the local community and had illegally occupied PT Aloer Timur’s land permit area and undertaken illegal logging.

    Wilmar has agreed to provide assistance to guide PT Aloer Timur in addressing the issues of illegal occupation which contributed to the ongoing deforestation, where Wilmar and EF will carry out a facilitation program at PT Aloer Timur. Through this program, which has commenced since November 2018, Wilmar and EF has planned to visit PT Aloer Timur four times over nine months and at each visit, Wilmar and EF will carry out work to help improving PT Aloer Timur’s capacity and provide strategic guidance to implement the action plan. With the commencement of the  facilitation program, Wilmar has resumed business relationship with Mopoli Raya.

    The first facilitation visit was undertaken on 27 November -3  December 2018, here is the executive summary in English and Bahasa.

    Building on our NDPE commitment, Wilmar continuously strives to support our suppliers to align their practices with ours towards the journey of compliance. Success stories of Wilmar's re-engagement with Mopoli Raya and another former suspended suppliers can be found here. A video of Mopoli Raya's journey (in English) can be found here.
    Indofood Agri Resources, a subsidiary of Indofood Group 2015092525 Sep 2015 Report can be found here Rainforest Action Network (RAN) Status: Case closed

    Alleged forest clearance and involvement in land dispute by Indofood Agri Resources.
    Dialogue initiated with PT Indofood Agri Resources on 28 September 2015. A meeting was further held with the management of the Indofood Group on 26 October 2015, where Wilmar reemphasised its Policy to the Indofood Group and sought clarification from Indofood on the allegations.

    On 9 June 2016, Wilmar received a new report from RAN on alleged human rights and labour abuses in two oil palm plantations owned by the Indofood Group. Report can be found here.

    RSPO is investigating the case and has engaged with Indofood and the NGOs who wrote the report. Accreditation Services International (ASI), commissioned by the RSPO, has conducted an assessment on one of Indofood’s plantations in North Sumatra on 18-22 July; and the report is available here. On 11 October 2016, RSPO has filed this case as official complaint. Progress updates is available here.

    Indofood Agri Resources has officially adopted a “No Deforestation, No Peat, No Exploitation (NDPE) policy” http://www.indofoodagri.com/misc/Sustainable_Palm_Oil_Policy_2017.pdf in February 2017.

    Wilmar met with Indofood on 18 July 2017 to follow up on their progress in meeting the policy compliance. Indofood reaffirmed that they will be adopting the HCSA methodology and are fully committed to follow through the RSPO complaint mechanism.

    Indofood Agri Resource has also attended Wilmar’s three-day training workshop focussing on the implementation of Wilmar’s Policy in 22- 24 July 2017.

    We understand that the case is still being deliberated by the RSPO and we continue to follow up with Indofood to monitor their progress.

    Wilmar’s last purchase from Indofood was in June 2017.
    Koperasi Prima Jasa (KPJ) and its supplier, Agra Bumi Niaga (ABN) 2017020303 Feb 2017 Report can be found here Rainforest Action Network (RAN) Status: Case closed

    Non-compliant palm products in and around the Leuser Ecosystem allegedly enter Wilmar’s supply chain through its supplier, Koperasi Prima Jasa (KPJ)

     

    Wilmar immediately initiated engagement with Koperasi Prima Jasa (KPJ) when allegations of noncompliance with Wilmar’s Sustainability Policy were brought to our attention.

    Wilmar has offered its assistance to KPJ to verify the allegations raised by RAN on PT KPJ’s Fresh Fruit Bunches (FFB) supplier, PT. Agra Bumi Niaga’s (ABN) operation in and around the Leuser Ecosystem. KPJ has decided to put on hold purchases from PT ABN.

    Wilmar’s team conducted a field assessment on PT KPJ during 10 – 11 July 2017, and verified that KPJ has not sourced from PT ABN since February 2017. After the field assessment, we have provided further support to PT KPJ by developing a Support for Transformation Programme (SFT), focussing in improving KPJ’s sourcing practices. Four site visits over a year-long period are planned in this programme, where first SFT visit was conducted from 16 – 20 October 2017.
    Murini Sam Sam (MSS), a subsidiary of Wilmar 2017061212 Jun 2017 Report can be found here Centre for Research on Multinational Corporations (SOMO) Status: Case closed

    Alleged labour right issues in PT Murini Sam Sam (MSS), a subsidiary of Wilmar, in Riau. 
    Wilmar was made aware of labour rights concerns in our operations at PT Murini Sam Sam in January 2017. We immediately reached out to Konfederasi Serikat Buruh Sejahtera Indonesia (KSBSI), the workers union who organised the meetings for SOMO's researcher with PT MSS’s workers in January 2017.

    Wilmar met with the Chairman and Secretary General of DPP F Hukatan, as well as the Vice President of KSBSI on 13 January 2017, at KSBSI’s office in Jakarta. At the meeting, we sought to gain more understanding of KSBSI’s field visit and to address any concerns that may have arisen from it. The outcome of the meeting was very positive where Wilmar accepted KSBSI’s proposal to support the union in extending their network in our refinery operations, as well as providing them avenue to provide PPE training to Wilmar’s staff in various locations.

    On 10 May, Wilmar was given the opportunity to review the draft report from SOMO following their interview with our workers in January. Upon receipt of the draft report content, we immediately conduct internal field verification on the allegations. Based on the outcome of the 2 field verification, we have responded to SOMO, and clarified the allegations and provided input to correct several factually wrong information at the draft report.

    Please see Wilmar’s detail responses to the draft here.

    Wilmar has also met with SOMO in Amsterdam on 4 July 2017 to establish direct engagement with CNV, and their research partner, Centre for Research on Multinational Corporations (SOMO).  In our ongoing engagements with KSBSI - Hukatan, Wilmar has recently accepted their invitation to speak at their training event on Industrial Relations and Worker’s Right, in Riau, from 16-17 July 2017. Wilmar’s Industrial Relations Manager, Mr. Feberianta Ginting, together with the Head of Industrial Relations Supervision Division of the Manpower Office of Bengkalis Regency, the Head of Social Insurance Administration Organization (Badan Penyelenggara Jaminan Sosial, BPJS) Dumai Branch, and the Head of KSBSI-HUKATAN were the speakers at the training event. Representatives from PT MSS also attended the training sessions to gain more insight on provisions of unions, the national health insurance scheme, as well as national regulations applicable in the field of industrial relation. As of end December 2017, Wilmar has carried out three similar co-training sessions on workers’ rights and improving industrial relations.

    Wilmar’s ongoing positive engagements with HUKATAN resulted in the establishment of a Collective Labour Agreement (CLA) on 31 October 2017 for our palm oil mill at PT Bumi Pratama Khatulistiwa, where we have adopted the KSBSI-HUKATAN multiple site work agreement template for our workers there. In early 2018, CNV filmed at PT MSS and speak to our workers on camera. The video produced wholly by CNV is available in English and Bahasa Indonesia.

    In June 2018, Wilmar has published a case Study on how Collective Action with CNV & HukatanKSBSI Makes Positive Impact in Labour Improvements. Wilmar continues its’s constructive engagement with CNV and had a follow up meeting with CNV on 20 June 2018 in Rotterdam to explore further collaboration with the organisation.
    Solusi Jaya Perkasa and Dinamika Graha Sarina, subsidiaries of Tunas Baru Lampung Tbk (TBL) from Sungai Budi Group 2016121919 Dec 2016 Report can be found here Chain Reaction Research (CRR) Status: Case closed

    Alleged clearance of forested peatlands by PT Solusi Jaya Perkasa and PT Dinamika Graha Sarina, subsidiaries of PT Tunas Baru Lampung Tbk (TBL) from Sungai Budi Group.
    Prior to the release of the CRR report, Wilmar had been made aware of TBL's non-compliance with Wilmar’s Sustainability Policy following the Group’s monitoring activity.
    Engagement was immediately initiated with the supplier and a further meeting was held with TBL in October 2016, January and May 2017, where we shared the requirements of our NDPE policy.

    Wilmar managed to secure commitment from TBL to adhere to NDPE policy and to halt further land clearing. However, our internal monitoring detected ongoing land clearing activities.

    Wilmar’s last purchase from TBL was on February 2018.

     

    Multiple Suppliers (Leuser Ecosystem) 2014111111 Nov 2014 Report can be found here Rainforest Action Network (RAN) Status: Case closed

    Alleged threats to the biodiversity of Leuser Ecosystem Potential forest clearance and impacts on biodiversity
    A meeting was held with RAN on 19 November 2014 to discuss the report and understand the issues raised by RAN. Wilmar has identified mills in its supply chain which might be at risk of sourcing fresh fruits bunches (FFB) illegally from the Leuser Ecosystem, and completed a risk assessment on those mills.

    Following the said risk assessments, dialogues with high priority suppliers commenced and the risk assessment was used to facilitate field assessments with those suppliers with the aim of achieving full compliance with Wilmar’s Policy. This process is known as the Aggregator Refinery Transformation (ART) plan, a collective and regional approach to addressing supplier non-compliance. It is a more effective way to drive transformation and effect real change on the ground; a detailed explanation on our ART plan is available on our website: 
    https://www.wilmar-international.com/sustainability/supply-chain-transformation Progress updates are available here. As part of our ART programme, we have: 
    1) identified and conducted field assessments on high priority suppliers supplying to our Kuala Tanjung refinery and Paya Pasir kernel crushing plant which included those operating in and around the Leuser Ecosystem. We visited 14 third-party supplier mills and one Wilmar mill in 2015. 
    2) Consolidated the findings and summarised them into an anonymised report known as the "Overarching Report" for sharing with all suppliers supplying into that refinery and kernel crushing plant. The report was uploaded on our website in June 2016: https://www.wilmar-international.com/docs/default-source/default-document-library/highlights/sustainability/2016/07/kuala-tanjung-and-paya-pasir-refinery-overarching-report-english-final.pdf?sfvrsn=30842157_2
    3) Shared the findings of the assessments and recommendations on improvements with our suppliers from that region through a workshop, which was held in Medan in October 2016.

    Wilmar also organised a series of one-day regional-specific trainings in 2017, which were open to all of our suppliers and their suppliers, as well as any interested growers in the region. The trainings were focused on the following topics: 

    I.    Environment – land use planning/ management, HCS/HCV, peat management and environmental impact management.
    II.   Fair Labour Practices - Employment Contracts, Child Labour, Access to Remedy, Freedom of Association, Harassment, etc.
    III   Community – Conflict Resolution, FPIC, Land Tenure, Social Impact.

    On 15 December 2016, Wilmar announced its commitment to addressing the deforestation challenge in the Leuser Ecosystem by becoming part of an existing multi-stakeholder process involving the Aceh Singkil and Aceh Tamiang governments, two districts within the Leuser Ecosystem under the “Areal Prioritas Transformasi (APT)” program. This process was in collaboration with GAR, Musim Mas, as well as Apical, TFT and IDH. More information on Wilmar’s Collaborative Landscape Approach can be found here.

    In July 2020, we rolled out the Leuser Supplier Reporting Tool (LSRT) to all our direct suppliers operating within the 50km radius of the Leuser Ecosystem, where our suppliers were required to fill in a series of questions related to their operations and sourcing practices. We have also shared the list of high risk plantations operating in the region with these direct suppliers, and sought their response on their exposure to those high risk companies. Suppliers who declined to participate in this programme have already been removed from our supply chain, where we can only resume purchase after they have completed the said questionnaire. So far, all our direct suppliers operating within a 50km radius from the Leuser Ecosystem has confirmed that they are not sourcing from the identified high risk companies within the Leuser Ecosystem.

    A follow-up webinar has also been conducted for the suppliers and their FFB suppliers on 4 November 2020, to raise their awareness on the importance of protecting the Leuser Ecosystem through NDPE commitments. Apart from Wilmar, key speakers included Mr. M. Daud, S. Hut as Head of Protection and Conservation of Natural Resources, Environmental Service (Kabid Perlindungan dan Konservasi Sumber Daya Alam, Dinas Lingkungan Hidup), Mr. Rudi Putra, Advisor of Forum Konservasi Leuser, and a representative from a FMCG company. Our supplier, PT Mopoli Raya who operates in the same landscape  also took the opportunity to present their on the ground NDPE implementation journey.   
    Empresa Reforestadora de Palma de Petén SA (REPSA) 2015111111 Nov 2015 Report can be found here A coalition of nongovernmental organisations (NGOs) Status: Case closed

    Alleged human rights violation by Empresa Reforestadora de Palma de Petén SA (REPSA)
    Prior to the issue being officially raised by a coalition of NGOs on 11 November 2015, Wilmar has initiated a few rounds of dialogues with REPSA’s management a month before, following the Group’s media monitoring activity that brought the alleged issues to the Group’s attention.

    The Forest Trust (TFT) conducted an assessment of the REPSA mill and a representation of the mills’ supply base from 16 –21 November 2015. A follow-up visit took place in April 2016 where TFT met with REPSA’s executive management to discuss the development of an action plan to address the issues identified in the field visit.

    REPSA submitted to Wilmar a detailed time-bound action plan which they have published a summary on their website. In addition, REPSA also announced two important policies: 1) zero tolerance on violence and intimidation and 2) responsible palm oil production. Both had undergone public consultation. Wilmar’s key recommended action points to REPSA can be found here.

    Wilmar met with the REPSA management on 24 August 2016 again for updates on the allegations of river pollution and kidnapping, as well as to review the progress of their action plan. REPSA confirmed that there are still no formal charges filed against them concerning both allegations. In particular, the governmental investigation relating to the river pollution allegation is still ongoing, with no clear timeline.

    REPSA has shown progress on the following fronts:
    a) the adoption of zero tolerance on violence policy and responsible palm oil production policy;
    b) engagement with NGOs;
    c) publication of summary action plan;
    d) publication of first progress report in September 2016.

    In late 2016, TFT and the Consensus Building Institute (CBI) visited Sayaxché in Guatemala to jointly carry out a social-scoping exercise to assess the willingness of local stakeholders to participate in a participatory process for dialogue and resolution.

    A second visit was conducted in February/ March 2017 to socialise the results of the social scoping exercise with the local stakeholders. REPSA appreciated the views, insights and recommendations presented, and have committed to considering collaborations with stakeholder groups to address them, where relevant. Links to the Scoping Report and Addendum .

    REPSA released their second action plan progress report in February 2017. On 21 April 2017, Wilmar received a letter from a coalition of NGOs, alleging that REPSA has disrupted a meeting convened by the International Observer Mission for Human Rights in November 2016, and that a police report on the alleged incident has been filed. We immediately sought clarification from REPSA who informed that they were not aware of and not responsible for the happenings. Nonetheless, REPSA committed to fully cooperate with the authorities in the investigation of this case – see REPSA’s response here.

    On 17 May 2017, REPSA released their third and final progress report on the Year 1 Action Plan. TFT conducted another monitoring field visit from 8 May 2017 to 12 May 2017 to assess their progress on key activities stipulated in the 12-month Action Plan. The final 12 -month monitoring report can be found here.

     

    By taking into consideration of the recommendations from the 12-month monitoring report, feedback from REPSA clients, and priorities identified by several key stakeholders, REPSA has drafted an 18-month action plan (July 2017 – December 2018) to guide their next steps. The four short-term outcomes that REPSA are focussing, including:
    1) Reach a credible, mutually-agreed upon resolution to the 2015 kidnapping incident,
    2) Reach a credible, mutually-agreed upon resolution to the November 2016 allegations of intimidation,
    3) Develop a Year 2 Action Plan that incorporates stakeholder input and has active stakeholder buy-in and support, and
    4) In consultation with local organizations and communities, develop a detailed participatory roadmap for advancing stakeholder engagement.

    Although REPSA has begun implementing this new 18th-month action plan, they continue to seek input from local stakeholders to improve the action plan and priorities. In the meantime, they are also exploring opportunities to seek key stakeholder’s participation in monitoring their progress.The first 4-month progress report on the 18-month action plan, including the above mentioned short-term outcomes, is expected to be published in November 2017.

    Wilmar has also been closely in contact with several NGOs who has signed the joint letter, with the aim to bring transparency in the process and improve communication between different parties involved.

    Wilmar has been actively engaging with REPSA in seeking resolution to the grievances, our recent meetings with REPSA was on 4 October 2017, in Guatemala and 27 November 2017, in Bali. While REPSA has made progress in improving their practices, they have not met our expectations in meeting the agreed time bound action plan. Therefore, Wilmar has decided to put on hold purchases from REPSA, where our last purchase was in December 2017.

    In the meantime, Wilmar continues to engage and support REPSA in the journey towards the grievance resolution and the implementation of their sustainability policies. REPSA has also published their Sustainability Plan and updated progress report regularly on their website. Latest reports are as follow:

    Sustainability Action Plan 2022
    Sustainability Dashboard Report 1 - 2021
    Sustainability Dashboard Report 2 - 2021
    Sustainability Dashboard Report 3 - 2021
    Sustainability Plan 2021-2025
    Sustainability Plan 2020
    Progress Report Q3 2020
    Progress report Q2 2020
    Progress report Q1 2020

    We note that REPSA has made substantial progress in implementing its sustainability plan, as well as significant attempts to increase stakeholder interaction with those who lodges grievance and other parties with an interest in REPSA’s operations. This includes but not limited to:-

    1. Developed and implemented policies that commits to non-retaliation against HRDs and grievance raisers and protect HRDs and grievance raisers who submit a complaint in good faith
    2. Action plan on Sustainability related matter for specific department has also been developed for Human Resources, Occupational Health & Security, Community Relations
    3. Repsa has constantly been through evaluations, audits and due diligence by independent actors in sustainability and Human Rights
    4. Engagement with various human rights defenders, civil society advocates and organisations by participating in various types consultations

    Based on the detailed review of documentation, reports and commitment from Repsa, the Wilmar Suspension Committee has given due consideration of this progress and lifted the suspension of Repsa in May 2022.

    Myanmar Stark Prestige Plantation (MSSP), a subsidiary of the Samling Group 2017020707 Feb 2017 Report can be found here A coalition of non-governmental orgnisations (NGOs) Status: Case closed

    Alleged deforestation, land grabs and indigenous rights violations by Myanmar Stark Prestige Plantation (MSSP), a subsidiary of the Samling Group in Myanmar.
    Wilmar immediately initiated engagement with the Samling Group when allegations of noncompliance with Wilmar’s Sustainability Policy were brought to our attention.

    Further meetings were held with Samling Group on 6 March 2017 and 15 May 2017, where they clarified its position on the allegations that are backed with relevant supporting documents about their operation in Myanmar. Moratorium on land clearing activities at their Myanmar operation was imposed since February 2017, and the company has engaged assessor to conduct the relevant assessments to assess the condition of MSSP. Samling has divested MSSP in end 2018/early 2019.

    Through our own monitoring and due diligence, we have also initiated discussion with Samling on their operation in Indonesia, Malaysia and Papua New Guinea (PNG) since August 2017.We understand that Samling was in the process of divesting their PNG concession (The Ome-Ome Project) in 2017, and the divestment process has officially completed in early 2018. Samling has also committed to a moratorium on land clearing activities in their Malaysia and Indonesia operation. All the relevant assessments has to be conducted prior resuming their land clearing for palm planting in the future.

    In December 2017, through our internal monitoring, we have detected land use change at in one of their Malaysian sites in Sarawak. Samling clarified that there was no land clearing activities. To gain further insight, Wilmar conducted a site visit to check on the allegation in end March 2018.

    During the field assessment,we verified that there was no breach of Wilmar’s NDPE policy. Specifically, we have identified:
    1. Location of area which was identified as deforestation in the NGO report is an area which is a mature planted forest of with Acacia sp. mix with Eucalyptus sp.
    2. The existing Acacia sp. and Eucalyptus sp. trees were recently harvested and is currently undergoing replanting with the same two species.
    3. During the visit, no sign of new oil palm development was found in the areas designated for Acacia sp. and Eucalyptus sp. tree plantation.

    To enable Wilmar to conduct ongoing monitoring on Samling's group wide palm operation, we have requested several documentations from Samling and will continue to follow up with Samling accordingly.

    Our last purchase was in January 2020.
    Citra Sawit Cemerlang (CSC) and Permata Sawit Mandiri, a subsidiary of Genting Plantations 2014092222 Sep 2014 Report can be found here Greenomics Status: Case closed

    Alleged clearance of potential High Carbon Stock (HCS) forest, peat and orang-utan habitat by Genting.

    Potential forest clearance and impacts on biodiversity.
    Initial meeting with Genting held on 2 October 2014, during which Genting committed to cease development on the two concessions in question until HCS studies have been undertaken. Genting also invited Wilmar and TFT to visit one of its mills and the surrounding FFB suppliers to better understand how it may be able to improve its practices.

    A meeting was held with Genting on 2 March 2015; both PT Citra Sawit Cemerlang (PT CSC) and PT Permata Sawit Mandiri (PT PSM) have completed the HCS studies. Genting has committed not to develop on HCS areas as recommended by their HCS assessors.

    Wilmar convened a meeting on 3 November 2015 between Genting Plantations Berhad (Genting Plantations), Greenomics, Aidenvironment and the Secretariat of Indonesia Palm Oil Pledge (IPOP) soon after Greenomics raised their concerns again about Genting Plantations’ alleged noncompliance with Wilmar’s Policy in their subsidiary PT Citra Sawit Cemerlang (CSC). Genting clarified that HCS assessment was conducted for PT PSM; and Land Use and Change Cover (LUCC) assessment, a vegetation cover stratification and identification of areas that could be HCS forest, for PT CSC as the HCS toolkit was not ready at that time.

    On 5 November 2016, Greenomics published a report, alleging that Genting continues to clear High Conservation Value (HCV) area and HCS forest.

    A few meetings were further held with Genting and others stakeholders, to understand the matter in greater detail. Wilmar’s statement is available here

    On 16 March 2017, Genting announced that PT PSM has ceased to be subsidiary of Genting. 

    On 11 April 2019, The Mighty Earth published Rapid Response Report 14 which alleged deforestation at PT CSC. Wilmar has convened a meeting on 15 April 2019 between Genting and Aidenvironment at Wilmar’s office in Jakarta. We understand that Genting commissioned Aidenvironment to conduct the HCS assessment since June 2016. A working map shapefile was submitted to PT CSC in October 2017 after the assessment.  It was clarified that the land clearing happened outside the identified HCS area. A further meeting with Genting was conducted on 17 April 2019. Aidenviroment submitted the final HCS report for peer review and stop work order was issued while the process was ongoing. The peer review process was completed in 2020, where the final HCS report and peer review outcome are publicly available on HCSA website. 
    Bidco Uganda Limited, an affiliate* of Wilmar 2015021919 Feb 2015 Related media article can be found here Friends of the Earth (FoE) Status: Case closed

    Allegations on Land grab in Uganda by Bidco Uganda Limited, an affiliate* of Wilmar.

    Bidco Uganda Limited is a joint venture in which Wilmar has 48% stake.
    Wilmar published a statement in 2015 to clarify its position on the land grab allegations in Uganda, on its corporate website. The Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries, Uganda also released a statement (https://www.wilmar-international.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/Press-Release-from-the-Ministry-of-Agriculture-Animal-Industry-and-Fisheries-Government-of-Uganda-Repudiating-VODP-Bidco-Kalangala-Land-Grabbing-Allegations.pdf) responding to the FoE report.

    As part of Wilmar’s No Deforestation, No Peat and No Exploitation Policy (“Policy”) commitments, we have been working with The Forest Trust (TFT), our policy implementation partner, to conduct an independent study on the level of compliance by our subsidiaries and joint ventures such as OPUL, with the Policy. To that end, TFT has conducted several field assessments since 2014 on the Kalangala site to identify gaps, conduct training and monitor the progress of closing these gaps. The field visits also included dialogues with relevant multi-stakeholders in the district, including the District Government officials, development agencies, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), farmers, land owners to understand and address their concerns, if any, with the objective of establishing the impact of the oil palm development project on communities in Kalangala vis-à-vis allegations of unfair treatment, land conflicts and exploitation of some communities in the district. In this regard, TFT also invited the National Association of Professional Environmentalists (NAPE) and NGO representatives in Uganda to be part of this study. Together with Wilmar, TFT also conducted interviews with the list of farmers that was provided by FoE to investigate the grievance raised.

    In April 2015, the High Court of Uganda instructed for mediation to take place between the parties, who are; affected local community member, John Muyisa, the plaintiff of the case in question; the daughter of the original landowner Sylivia Gloria N.K Sempa; as well as Bidco Uganda and Oil Palm Uganda Limited, associate companies of Wilmar, to settle the land disputes in lieu of litigation. Wilmar was informed that only if no settlement is reached at mediation, would the case be scheduled for a formal court hearing, which eventually occurred. The court hearing was however postponed a number of times including from 19 December 2016 to 8 March 2017.

    In January 2017, the Compliance Advisor Ombudsman (CAO) initiated an investigation on the land conflict issues upon receiving a complaint from the National Association of Professional Environmentalists (NAPE), representing a group of 38 smallholder farmers (Bugala Farmers Association) living in Kalangala, Bugala Island. CAO has officially closed the case as of March 2018. For more details, please refer to CAO’s report (https://www.wilmar-international.com/docs/default-source/default-document-library/sustainability/grievance/grievance-case-report/bidco-03conclusionreport_january2018-english.pdf?sfvrsn=5e6df9f9_2)

    Lawyers from the company and the complainants were in discussion to apply to the court for withdrawal of case during a hearing scheduled on 2 October 2018. During the hearing, the plaintiffs informed the court that the matter had been resolved and that they are willing to withdraw the case upon receiving the land titles, which were still being processed at the land office. A subsequent hearing was arranged for 5 February 2019 to close the case with an amended plaint; that is, to exclude parties who have agreed on case withdrawal as agreed upon during the mediation process. However, due to the refusal of some plaintiffs to accept the revised plaint, the case was re-adjourned for another hearing on 31 October 2019. The initial hearing date for 18 April 2019 was postponed after further changes to the complaints case by the plaintiffs. The hearing on 31 October 2019 was eventually further adjourned by the registrar of courts until 5 May 2020 as the judge went to Kampala for a conference on the same date.

    However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, all court proceedings in Uganda were put to hold for a few months and the case has been postponed to 8 December 2020. On 8 December 2020, Wilmar was informed that the judge who was handling this case had been transferred and a new judge will look into the matter; because of this, the case was adjourned and scheduled for 6 April 2021. However, on 16 June 2021, Wilmar was informed that the case is being adjourned again, due to it being transferred to yet another judge. To enable the new judge to be better acquainted with the details of the case, the hearing has been fixed for 8 September 2021. On 8 September 2021, we have been informed that the judge who handled the matter earlier has been transferred, therefore the case was adjourned indefinitely, pending the appointment of a new judge.

    Hearing was resumed in March 2022 and the case was finally dismissed on 21 April 2022.
    i. Daya Labuhan Indah
    ii. Perkebunan Milano , subsidiaries of Wilmar
    2016081010 Aug 2016 Wilmar (internally raised) Status: Case closed

    Identified labour rights issues in the following Wilmar operations in North Sumatera:
    i. PT Daya Labuhan Indah
    ii. PT Perkebunan Milano
    Wilmar has been made aware of labour rights issues in our operations in North Sumatra. We have voluntarily raised this as a grievance in order to be transparent and accountable to all stakeholders and to share the findings of our investigations, and the actions we have taken to mitigate issues which have been identified.

    In August 2016, we conducted internal assessment in the subsidiaries in question and work is underway to resolve the issues. The assessment report is available here.

    Subsequent to our internal report, Amnesty International published a report “The Great Palm Oil Scandal” with similar findings on 30 November 2016.

    We have also initiated an internal review process which is still ongoing:
    Date Process Location
    10 August 2016 Received information on labour-related issues PT Daya Labuhan Indah (DLI), PT Perkebunan Milano (PM)
    12 August – 2 September 2016 Initial assessment and consultations to verify the issue PT DLI, PT PM
    September – October 2016 Conducted an inquiry into wage practices with the Human Resources (HR) Department of PT DLI and checked against the local government regulations on wages, PP No. 78/2015 (replacing PP No. 8/1981) to ensure compliance Wilmar head office and regional office
    November 2016 Planned 2nd assessment to monitor and check on progress PT DLI, PT PM
    December 2016 Planned site visit with BSR and Wilmar internal team in North Sumatra PT PM
    January 2017 Planned site visit with BSR and Wilmar internal team in Central Kalimantan PT Mustika Sembuluh (PT MS)

    Some of the identified issues are common challenges shared by the industry, and we seek to address and improve labour practices through our collaboration with Business for Social Responsibility (BSR), to review current labour practices in the palm oil sector in Indonesia.

    More information about our collaboration with BSR can be found here.
    Our internal team has completed the second assessment from 28 November - 2 December 2016. The assessment report is available here.
    BSR has completed field assessments in PT PM and PT DLI from 12-15 December 2016. The assessment methodology involved visual observations, interviews, focus group discussions, and documentation review. Over 100 employees, mostly non-management workers, were interviewed by BSR. More information on the preliminary findings of the independent assessment can be found here. The BSR public report was finally delivered to Wilmar in end March 2017; the report is available here.

    Following the field assessments on PT PM and PT DLI in North Sumatra in December 2016, BSR has also completed assessment on PT Mustika Sembuluh (MS) in Central Kalimantan in January 2017. The methodology adopted by the independent assessor is similar to the one used in North Sumatra, which included interviewing a total of 56 non-management workers without the presence of management personnel. The preliminary findings of the assessment is enclosed here. The full report by BSR on PT MS will follow As part of our investigation process, we have met with union representatives from Serikat Pekerja Seluruh Indonesia and Serbundo on 9 Jan 2017. The meeting was to clarify labour issues in PT Milano and PT DLI, and to seek feedback and suggestions.

     

    In addition to the assessments by BSR, PT PM has also undergone a two-day independent assessment by the International Sustainability and Carbon Certification (ISCC) in early February 2017. Please contact the Wilmar Grievance Manager In addition to the assessments by BSR, PT PM has also undergone a two-day independent assessment by the International Sustainability and Carbon Certification (ISCC) in early February 2017. Please contact the Wilmar Grievance Manager (grievance_procedure@wilmar.com.sg) directly for more information on the ISCC assessment. Based on report, some of the key findings include:
    • “That no children are present on the plantation to help their parents”,
    • “That the workers are not paid a minimum wage on the basis of achieving a target in terms of tons FFB, number of sprayed tanks or number of fertilizer bags applied to the land”
    • “That the minimum monthly wage is always paid to permanent workers regardless of their performance”
    • “That non-permanent workers are paid 90,000 IDR (= min. wage) even if they don’t achieve their targets.”
    A compilation of findings and our action plan are summarized from both our internal assessments, as well as external assessments completed by Business for Social Responsibility (BSR), Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) and International Sustainability & Carbon Certification (ISCC). We released the action plans in April 2017 and we reported our progress in June 2017.

    On 13 June 2017, Wilmar met with Amnesty International to discuss the action plan and progress. We are committed to providing regular updates to Amnesty International on our progress of implementing our action plan. In August 2017, Verité conducted ground verification for risk mapping and development of action plan followed by publishing the Post-Ground Verification Progress Report. In December 2017, Wilmar released a One Year Progress Update on Labour Review and Improvement Programme. This provides information on the improvements Wilmar has put in place over the last year including the progress on the work undertaken in collaboration with Verité.

    In February 2018, Wilmar provided further updates on a wide range of initiatives to provide a better and more conducive environment for our employees to live and work in.

    As a continuation of our engagement with Amnesty International, a meeting was held in Amnesty International’s office in London, on 18 June 2018. In the meeting, we have provided updates to Amnesty International on our progress in implementing our action plan and challenges we faced on the ground. We have committed to strengthen our efforts, specifically on the procedures in providing remediation to workers and address the concern of suitability of PPE for tropical country. We will continue to provide regular updates to Amnesty International on the various programmes we have put in place, including our collaboration with our peers in the Decent Rural Living Initiative and our collaboration with Verite.

    In February 2020, Verité conducted final verification audit to assess the condition on the ground for further improvement. The assessment covered one (1) mill and two (2) estates each from the Milano and DLI sites. A total of 56 management representatives (35 in Milano, 21 in DLI) and 130 workers (54 in Milano, 76 in DLI) from the mills and estates were interviewed. In addition, a total of 37 other stakeholders (26 in Milano, 11 in DLI) were interviewed; these stakeholders consist of clinic personnel, union officers, child care personnel, cooperative officers, gender committee officers, women’s working group staff, school teachers, smallholders, transportation suppliers, and public relations. Documents and records such as, but not limited to policies and standard operating procedures (SOPs), personnel files, pay records, time records were also reviewed. Closing meetings were held at the end of the assessment for each site, during which findings, risks, and observations were presented to and discussed with management personnel. Verite’s summary of findings from July 2020 of PT Milano and PT DLI’s  three year sustainability plan is available here.

    In the meantime, we will continue to provide regular updates to Amnesty International on the various programmes we have put in place, including our collaboration with our peers in the Decent Rural Living Initiative and our collaboration with Verite.
    Raja Marga (RM) 2016121414 Dec 2016 Report can be found here  Rainforest Action Network (RAN) Status: Case closed

    Non-compliant palm products in and around the Leuser Ecosystem allegedly enter Wilmar’s supply chain through its supplier, PT Raja Marga (RM).
    Prior to the report being officially released by RAN on 14 December 2016, Wilmar issued a statement on 8 December 2016, responding to the Australian Broadcasting Corporation’s (ABC News) media query specifically on RAN’s allegations on Wilmar being linked to deforestation in the Leuser Ecosystem.

    Wilmar’s statement is available here.

    Through Wilmar’s own monitoring and due diligence, we have put on hold  purchases  from PT RM , our last purchase was in October 2016 when we discovered PT RM supplying non-compliant palm products to Wilmar’s facility.

    Wilmar continues its engagement with PT RM to re-emphasise its Policy and assist the supplier to improve its sourcing practices. PT RM has successfully achieved 100% Traceability to Plantation and provided written commitment to Wilmar in March 2021 on continuous improvement of their sourcing practices, including the development of relevant SOPs.

    Based on the detailed review of documentation, reports and commitment from PT RM, Wilmar has lifted the suspension of PT RM in March 2021.
    Korindo Group 2016090101 Sep 2016 Report can be found here Mighty Earth Status: Case closed

    Alleged rainforest destruction, including through illegal burning and lack of Free, Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC) to new developments, by Korindo Group in Indonesia's Papua province.
    Prior to the publication of Mighty Earth Report - Burning Paradise in September 2016, Wilmar has already initiated engagement with Korindo Group since late 2015, following our Supplier Group Compliance Verification programme that alerted us of the allegations of noncompliance to Wilmar’s Sustainability Policy. While the supplier has committed to moratorium of land clearing after our meetings, we detected land clearing continued to happen while they were exploring options for various assessments, including HCV and HCS assessment.  Wilmar has therefore put on hold purchases from Korindo Group, where our last purchase was in June 2016.
          
    On 1 August 2016, PT Tunas Sawa Erma, a subsidiary of Korindo, declared an immediate three month moratorium on new land development, while developing a comprehensive “No Deforestation, No Peat, No Exploitation” (NDPE) policy.

    On 10 November 2016, PT Tunas Sawaerma Group extended its moratorium to include PT Tunas Sawaerma, PT Berkat Cipta Abadi, and PT Dongin Prabhawa. Wilmar continues to monitor Korindo’s activities.
    Varia Mitra Andalan (VMA), a subsidiary of Eagle High Plantations (EHP) 2015061717 Jun 2015 Report can be found here Greenomics Status: Case closed

    Alleged clearance of potential High Carbon Stock (HCS) forest by PT Varia Mitra Andalan, a subsidiary of Eagle High Plantation, in West Papua Province.

    Dialogue was initiated with Eagle High Plantations (EHP), while verification of Greenomics report was ongoing.

    A further meeting was held with EHP on 8 July 2015 wherein EHP agreed to a moratorium on landclearing activities in PT VMA. EHP has engaged a reputable HCS assessor to conduct the HCS assessments. A few more meetings were held with EHP thereafter.

    The HCS assessments were completed in 2016; as a result almost 50% of PT VMA’s concession will need to be conserved.  The full report has completed the HCSA peer review, and the summary report and the peer review feedback can be found here.   

    On 27 September 2016, Wilmar received a new report from Greenpeace alleging deforestation by PT Arrtu Energie Resources (PT AER) and exploitations in PT Tandan Sawita Papua (PT TSP). Report is available here (http://www.greenpeace.nl/Global/nederland/report/2016/bossen/Deadly-Trade-off-IOI-Report.pdf)

    Dialogue was immediately initiated with EHP to seek clarifications on the allegations. EHP issued the following statement responding to the report: http://www.eaglehighplantations.com/media-center/news-views/161-october-2016.html

    A meeting was further held with EHP on 8 November 2016, where Wilmar sought further clarification on the allegations.

    According to EHP, the deforestation in PT AER was carried out by surrounding communities. In order to avoid similar incident from recurring, EHP has committed to conduct land tenure study. EHP is also in the process of enhancing its firefighting effort to prevent similar fire incidences from occuring in their concessions in the future.

    With regards to the allegations of exploitation at PT TSP, the chronology of events on the labour dispute and the shooting incident was shared by EHP.  EHP was also in the process of seeking official statement from the authority to support the clarifications.

    A follow up meeting was held on 4 April 2019 to obtain updates on the various issues raised against PT VMA, PT AER and PT TSP.  EHP clarified that that no new development has taken place in PT VMA, and presented information on its conservation project i.e. “AMOUR” (Arrtu, Mayak, Orangutan Rescue), which is located on an area of 4,000 ha within PT AER.  The AMOUR project is aimed at protecting and restoring the habitats of orang utan in the PT AER’s HCV areas. Additionally, EHP has also worked to Rimba Raya and Yasiwa to develop other conservation programmes in Central Kalimantan and in East Kalimantan, respectively. On PT TSP’s case, EHP updated that third party auditors have conducted site visit between 11 to 13 January 2019 to assess and verify the allegations reported by Greenpeace. According to the findings of the audit report: (i) the palm oil development within PT TSP that took place between 2011 to 2013 was carried out in accordance to the HCV and SIA reports, and (ii) on the allegations related to labour, the audit report concluded that PT TSP complied with RSPO P&C requirements. Supporting documentation was also shared by EHP and these corroborated the clarifications provided to Wilmar. 


    Sintang Raya, a subsidiary of MIWON Group 2016080303 Aug 2016 Link-AR Borneo Status: Case closed

    Alleged land rights violations by Sintang Raya, a subsidiary of MIWON Group
    Dialogue was first initiated with PT Sintang Raya (PT SR) on 5 August 2016.

    On 16 September 2016, together with The Forest Trust (TFT), Wilmar convened a meeting at PT SR’s office in Pontianak, where PT SR provided the necessary supporting documents and clarified its position on the allegations.

    In July 2018, Wilmar carried out field investigations at PT SR with TFT and interviewed relevant stakeholders on the allegations of land conflict and criminalisation of several villagers, stemming from their protest against PT SR and the PT Cipta Tumbuh Berkembang (PT CTB) on the handling of the disputed land.

    It appeared that the allegation arose due to conflicting legal ownership of the land in question, between PT SR and PT CTB, which affected the communities situated in and around the concession areas. PT SR has ‘Izin Lokasi’ (location permit) and ‘Hak Guna Usaha’ (HGU) in the regent of Kubu Raya where it operates. Local authorities however issued an Izin Lokasi (location permit) to PT CTB, which overlapped with PT SR’s HGU. In 2008, members of the Olak Olak community handed over 801 ha of land to PT CTB, jointly agreeing that 80% of the land would become main estates (‘kebun inti’) and 20% would be developed under a plasma smallholder scheme.  Without awareness of the aforementioned HGU issue, the land given by the community to PT CTB for oil palm development was actually within PT SR’s HGU.

    PT SR carried out mediation efforts with PT CTB thereafter, and in 2012 both companies jointly in an ‘Akte Perjanjian Perdamaian’ (peace agreement) agreed to resolve the land dispute amicably. This dispute concerns a total of 890.9 ha of 'kebun inti' and 151.71 ha of plasma area that was developed by PT CTB.  The ‘Akte Perjanjian Perdamaian’ decreed that the plantation area developed by PT CTB  within PT SR’s  HGU is to be transferred to PT SR, and that PT SR will compensate PT CTB for the operational costs incurred in developing the land.  As part of the 'Akte Perjanjian Perdamaian', PT CTB has also agreed to socialise this arrangement to members of the Olak Olak community.

    As per the agreement, the compensation is to be settled in 2 phases; whereby the first phase is for 890.9 ha, and the second phase is for 151.71 ha.  PT SR compensated PT CTB accordingly for 890.9 ha; the handover of the 151.71 ha of plasma land from PT CTB to PT SR however has not been completed.

    On 21 August 2017, mediation facilitated by the Kubu Raya government was carried out between PT SR, PT CTB and Olak-olak community to discuss the settlement of the 151.71 ha of plasma area.

    PT SR and PT CTB subsequently reached a resolution to address the dispute over the contested plasma area.  An updated land survey mapped out that only 103.95 ha of the plasma area was located within PT SR’s HGU, while the remaining plasma area of 47.76 ha was located outside of PT SR’s HGU (and within PT CTB’s concession).  PT SR compensated PT CTB for the 103.95 ha.  Both companies signed the “Akta notaris perjanjian penyelesaian dan pengoperan kerjasama” to formalize the settlement of the land dispute on 11 November 2021.

    After resolving the land dispute, PT SR and Koperasi Habis Gelap Terbitlah Terang (formerly Koperasi Serba Usaha, Sawit Harapan Jaya) entered into a “perjanjian kerjasama” on 24 November 2021, whereby PT ST agreed to continue managing the 103.95 ha plasma area for the Olak – olak community and to share the profits to the cooperative. 

    Our last meeting with PT SR was in June 2022 and in October 2022, Wilmar conducted a field visit to assess the situation.  There have been no further disputes by the communities.
    Andika Permata Sawit Lestari (APSL) 2016090505 Sep 2016 Media report is available here Media Status: Case closed

    Alleged use of fire and hostage-taking by PT Andika Permata Sawit Lestari (APSL).
    Wilmar immediately initiated engagement with PT Andika Permata Sawit Lestari (APSL) when the media reports about PT APSL being investigated by the Ministry of  Environment and Forestry of Indonesia (KLHK) have been brought to our attention. PT APSL has denied any involvement in land burning and the alleged hostage incident. The fire started by surrounding  communities  outside their concession but spread into APSL's concession.

    Wilmar conducted a joint assessment with TFT from 11-15 September 2017  to assess the situation  on the ground and developed an action plan for the company to strengthen its fire prevention programme.

    In end September 2017,  KLHK issued a letter stated that the police has taken over the investigation of this case involving PT APSL  and Kelompok Tani Nelayan Andalan. As investigation by the government is ongoing, we respect the process and let it runs its course.

    In a follow up meeting with APSL in January 2018, it was confirmed PT APSL was not involved in the fire incidents. The police has identified a suspect for arson and listed the suspect as wanted person.

    In the meantime, we will continue our dialogue with PT APSL to ensure compliance with our Sustainability Policy.
    Multiple Suppliers (Tesso Nilo) 2016040606 Apr 2016 Report can be found here Eyes on the Forest (EoF) Status: Case closed

    Illegal palm oil in and around the Tesso Nilo region allegedly enter Wilmar’s supply chain.
    Dialogues were initiated with suppliers shortly after receiving the report. Wilmar does not purchase any Fresh Fruit Bunches directly from this area; and the Group expects its crude palm oil suppliers to fully comply with its Sustainability Policy. Wilmar will re-emphasise its Policy to the suppliers, clarify the allegations; conduct field audits and assess its findings accordingly, including developing a corrective action plan to address the issues in question. Wilmar’s statement is available here.

    On 2 June 2016, Wilmar attended a multi-stakeholder meeting with EoF and several palm oil companies named in the report to discuss the next course of action. We understand that a task force, headed by the Indonesian government, EoF and WWF, would be established to address illegal farming and communities in the park.A further meeting was held on 28 July 2016 to continue our dialogue in June.

    The Indonesian Ministry of Environment and Forestry (MoEF) setup a multi-stakeholder task force for Tesso Nilo Ecosystem Revitalization (Revitalisasi Ekosistem Tesso Nilo, RETN), composed of MoEF, Riau Provincial Government and NGOs including EoF members and Mitra Insani. In November 2016, Wilmar, together with other companies named in the report attended a meeting hosted by MoEF and RETN, where the companies were informed not to purchase illegal FFB coming from the Tesso Nilo National Park and its landscape. The identification of the illegal oil palm operators is the first and most crucial step in the removal of illegal FFB from the supply chain. During these meetings, Wilmar and the other companies requested for the list of companies which are considered illegal in the landscape, however this list has not been forthcoming.

    In support of the RETN taskforce, EoF investigated the flow of illegal FFB from TNNP in June, July and August 2017, the report, titled “Enough is enough” was released on 8 June 2018. Three Wilmar’s mill suppliers were allegedly received illegal FFB originated from the TNNP in 2017. Detail as follow:

     

    1. Asian Agri
    Please refer to Apical Group’s grievance list for detail updates:  https://www.apicalgroup.com/sustainability/grievances/multiple-suppliers/

    2. PT Citra Riau Sarana (CRS)
    Together with TFT, Wilmar’s policy implementation partner, we have conducted assessment on PT CRS in April 2014. A follow up assessment was completed in December 2015, where we have provided guidance to PT CRS in improving their sourcing practices. We have continued to engage with PT CRS to ensure that we are able to remove the illegal FFB from their supply chain. Our last meeting with PT CRS management was in March 2018.

    [For more details on the case of Gama, please refer to the Grievance case allegedly linked to GAMA Plantation on PT GAN, PT APM and PT ACP filed on 13 Dec 2017].

    3. PT Sawit Mas Nusantara (SMN)
    The supplier has rebutted the report and clarify that they do not source illegal FFB from the TNNP. A field visit that was carried out to assess the supplier’s operation from 18 - 20 September 2018 has confirmed that PT SMN indeed does not source illegal FFB from Bukit Kusuma and Simpang Silau. PT SMN has also committed to map their FFB supplier, where they have achieved 95.5% traceability to plantation (TTP) as of 2021.

    On 24 July 2018, Wilmar, together with other key stakeholders met with EoF to discuss and explore collective action towards addressing issues at TNNP. Wilmar held a further meeting with WWF in Wilmar office in Jakarta on 10 September 2018 to share Wilmar’s traceability mechanism with WWF.
    Langgam Inti Hibrindo, a subsidiary of Provindent Agro 2015070101 Jul 2015 Report can be found here Greenomics Status: Case closed

    Alleged clearance of forested peatlands by PT Langgam Inti Hibrindo, a subsidiary of Provindent Agro, in Sumatra.
    Dialogue initiated with Provident Agro on the first week of July 2015. A meeting was further held with Provident Agro on 9 July 2015.

    According to Provident Agro, PT LIH is committed to complying with Wilmar’s Policy of No Deforestation, No Peat and No Exploitation. The small land clearance (around 20-30 Ha based on Wilmar’s internal monitoring) on the alleged concession was due to encroachment activities by local communities; activities have ceased after swift intervention by PT LIH.

    In August 2015, PT LIH was investigated by police in relation to forest fires associated with land clearing. PT LIH reaffirms its commitment to following the legal proceeding and prevailing laws. Wilmar conducted a joint field audit with third-party auditor on the alleged PT LIH concession to assess the allegations. The field assessment revealed that some efforts have been undertaken by PT LIH to manage the fires, including reporting the fire incidences to the authorities and conducting preliminary investigations and further provided recommendations for improvements on fire suppression and prevention.

    On 22 September 2015, it was reported in the media that the Indonesian authority has suspended PT LIH’s license. Wilmar halted purchases from PT LIH, pending further investigation and clarification.

    On 25 January 2016, the Ministry of Environment and Forestry (KLHK) has issued a decree to reinstate PT LIH's license after PT LIH has fulfilled the obligations requested by KLHK. Wilmar will resume business relationship with PT LIH, following the lifting of the suspension order.
    Sandabi Indah Lestari (SIL), a subsidiary of Lintas Samudera 2015022525 Feb 2015 Report can be found here Friends of the Earth (FoE) Status: Case closed 

    Alleged community rights violations and land conflict by PT Sandabi Indah Lestari (SIL).
    Dialogue was initiated with PT SIL on 27 Feb 2015. 

    PT SIL has provided necessary supporting documents and replied officially to Wilmar. 

    A further meeting was held with PT SIL on 18 March 2015 where PT SIL committed to continuing the mediation process with local communities. Wilmar has conducted three field visits into the alleged affected areas in May, June and December 2015, respectively.

    Progress Update on PT SIL is available here.

    As a result of the above engagements with various concerned stakeholders, Wilmar agreed to actively facilitate the conflict resolution process between PT SIL and the affected communities. Wilmar has also conveyed to PT SIL that their approach of persuading the communities to surrender their land in return for compensation had caused some uneasiness amongst community members, as they felt threatened by PT SIL, even though the company did not force their requests upon them.

    In order to move forward with this case, the local NGO, Transformasi untuk Keadilan (TUK) Indonesia at the time agreed to share with Wilmar two crucial documents immediately after the third field visit in December 2015. Despite several reminders, to date we have not received the said documents. Without these documents, Wilmar is unable to move forward with the investigation.

    The documents that we required are as follows:
    1. Detailed information of the 529 households, e.g.: land owner’s name, coordinates, land area, etc.
    2. A letter from the Governor of Bengkulu in 2004 stating that the communities have rights to the contested land.

    On 14 January 2019, Mongabay reported PT SIL's involvement in criminalisation of farmers; PT SIL categorically denied the accusation. Wilmar conducted a field verification from 6 - 8 February 2019 together with a local NGO representative from the Bengkulu district. The purpose of the visit was to verify concerns surrounding allegations that PT SIL was intimidating and using criminal force when approaching villagers to acquire their land, which was within the company’s concession. During the field visit, the verification team has engaged with several key stakeholders on the ground, including PT SIL, government representatives and village heads. The local NGO representative from the verification team had also reached out to Forum Petani Bersatu (FPB), which has been assisting villagers in preventing their land from being acquired by PT SIL. FPB however declined the meeting request. The team also met with three village heads, who clarified that there has been no intimidation or use of criminal force by PT SIL on any of the villagers in the three villages. However, one villager noted that he was aware of the ongoing legal dispute between PT SIL and two people that from Kota Bengkulu; the said people were not villagers but are occupying the concession land near his village. The outcome of our field visit was shared with the author of the Mongabay article on 11 February 2019.

    In 2021, following completion of legal proceedings, it was decided by the authorities that PT SIL would manage the land on behalf of the aggrieved villagers. PT SIL agreed and suggested further, a compensation scheme for the villagers in the form of land swaps.

    In February 2021, Wilmar commissioned and funded EcoNusantara (ENS), an independent advisory and consultancy expert, to conduct field visit to assess the situation on the ground. ENS managed to engage directly with TUK Indonesia, FPB and the affected community throughout the process.  A follow up visit was carried out in October 2021.  According to ENS, the communities in general supported and were open to collaboration with PT SIL. PT SIL has carried out internal restructuring and have improved their approach in negotiation with communities related to land acquisition.  PT SIL has also successfully implemented some of the land acquisition programme via land swap mechanism through their ongoing engagement with the communities.
    Rimba Harapan Saksti (RHS), Sarana Titian Permata (STP), and Kerry Sawit Indonesia (KSI), subsidiaries of Wilmar International. Andalan Sukses Makmur (ASMR), and Bumitama Gunajaya Abadi (BGA), subsidiaries of of Bumitama Agri Ltd (BAL) 2015120808 Dec 2015 Report can be found here Friends of the Earth (FoE) Status: Case closed

    Following companies were allegedly involved in burning, deforestation and exploitation of peatlands in Central Kalimantan, Indonesia.

    i. PT Rimba Harapan Saksti (RHS), PT Sarana Titian Permata (STP) and PT Kerry Sawit Indonesia (KSI), subsidiaries of Wilmar International.

    ii. PT Andalan Sukses Makmur (PT ASMR) and PT. Bumitama Gunajaya Abadi (BGA), subsidiaries of of Bumitama Agri Ltd (BAL)
    Wilmar and Bumitama have both reaffirmed their commitment to No Burn Policy and refuted FoE’s assertions. Both companies have published their official statements shortly after the release of the report.

    Wilmar’s statement is available here.
    Bumitama’s statement is available here.

    Updates will be provided when new information becomes available
    i. Andalan Sukses Makmur (ASMR), a subsidiary of Bumitama Agri Ltd (BAL)
    ii. Bumi Sawit Sejahtera (BSS), a subsidiary of IOI Group
    iii. Kusuma Alam Sari Alas (KASA), a subsidiary of Alas Kusuma Group (AKG)
    2015111919 Nov 2015 Report can be found here Greenpeace Status: Case closed

    The following companies were allegedly involved in forest and peatland destruction and causing forest fires in Borneo:
    i. PT Andalan Sukses Makmur (PT ASMR), a subsidiary of Bumitama Agri Ltd (BAL)
    ii. PT Bumi Sawit Sejahtera (PT BSS), a subsidiary of IOI Group
    iii. PT Kusuma Alam Sari Alas (KASA), a subsidiary of Alas Kusuma Group (AKG)

     

    Dialogues initiated with our suppliers shortly after receiving the report. Here is the progress update on each supplier:

    i. PT Andalan Sukses Makmur (PT ASMR)
    On 26 November, BAL has published an official statement here to clarify the fire incidences and land clearing activity in BAL’s concession.

    ii. PT Bumi Sawit Sejahtera (PT BSS)
    On 30 November, IOI has published an official statement here to clarify the fire incidences and land clearing activity in IOI’s concession. A few more meetings were held with PT BSS’s parent company, IOI, thereafter. IOI had commissioned the Global Environment Centre (GEC) to conduct field assessment at the alleged areas in April. GEC, whose expertise included, amongst others, peat and high conservation value area subjects, observed the peat rehabilitation and restoration effort undertaken on site and made further recommendations for improvements.

    These relate to:
    1. water management in and surrounding the peat area;
    2. planting with indigenous species in areas with poor recovery;
    3. enrichment planting to enhance species diversity;
    4. management plans for conservation and rehabilitation areas;
    5. cooperation with the local community to prevent fire in adjacent areas.

    The assessment report is targeted to be completed in May 2016.

    iii. PT Kusuma Alam Sari Alas (KASA) 
    There is no trading relation between Wilmar and AKG. Wilmar’s supplier, PT Surya Borneo Indah (SBI) which was alleged to be procuring Fresh Fruit Bunches (FFB) from KASA, has clarified that KASA is not their FFB supplier.
    Raya Padang Langkat (Rapala) 2015100909 Oct 2015 Sumatran Orangutan Society (SOS) Status: Case closed

    Alleged clearance of High Conservation Value (HCV) area (orangutan habitat), including through illegal burning by PT Raya Padang Langkat (Rapala) in North Sumatra.
    Dialogue was initiated with PT Rapala on 15 October 2015.

    PT Rapala reported sightings of orangutan during land clearing (60Ha) for rubber planting. The company took the initiative to report their findings to Yayasan Orangutan Sumatera Lestari - Orangutan Information Centre (YOSL-OIC). YOSL-OIC held a meeting with PT Rapala in September to discuss this case, and following that, PT Rapala has committed to temporarily halt their land clearing and work with YOSL-OIC on orangutan monitoring.

    YOSL-OIC’s findings indicated there were two orangutans in PT Rapala’s concession. PT Rapala fully cooperated with YOSL-OIC and evacuated one orangutan on 2 October 2015. Evacuation was recommended by YOSL-OIC because PT Rapala’s concession is mainly shrub and does not connect directly to Leuser National Park. The small shrubby patch of 60 ha is surrounded by oil palm plantations in all corners so the area will not be a viable habitat for the pair of orangutans. They have also been recommended to conduct ongoing monitoring of orangutan presence on the ground.

    PT Rapala has zero burning policy and they refuted the allegations of clearing land by fire. The recent fire incidences were caused by extreme weather condition as well as oversights by their contractor. PT Rapala has taken immediate actions to put out the fires accordingly and there is no fire incidence thus far. PT Rapala has also terminated their contract with the contractor following the incidence. 
    Sumatra Jaya Agro Lestari (SJAL), a subsidiary of the Gunas Group 2015081919 Aug 2015 Report can be found here Greenomics Status: Case closed

    Alleged construction of canal to prepare for deep-forested peatland clearance by PT Sumatra Jaya Agro Lestari (SJAL), a subsidiary of the Gunas Group, in West Kalimantan.
    Dialogue initiated with PT Sumatra Jaya Agro Lestari (SJAL) on 19 August 2015. 

    A meeting was further held with the management of the Gunas Group on 28 August 2015 wherein the Gunas Group agreed to stop clearing activities on the alleged areas while dialogue with Wilmar continues. 

    Following the 28 Aug 2015 meeting, the Gunas Group has agreed to the following: 
    Stop all land-clearing activities on the alleged areas with effect from 1 September 2015.
    Conduct high carbon stock assessments on the alleged areas. 
    Conduct peat soil study on one of the alleged areas. 

    In October 2018, The Mighty Earth published a report on land clearing activities at SJAL. Upon our investigation, it was discovered that SJAL has accidentally cleared the area due to operational oversight. SJAL has immediately ceased the land clearing and reiterated their commitment of moratorium. 

    SJAL is expected to submit a recovery plan to commensurate with the scale of their non-compliant development. We are currently reviewing the supporting document and data of Land Use Change Analysis to confirm the total area subjected to the development of the recovery plan. 

    In the meantime, we continue to monitor SJAL’s activities on monthly basis through our our Supplier Group Compliance Verification programme.
    Patiware, a subsidiary of GAMA Plantation 2015070101 Jul 2015 Report can be found here Greenomics Status: Case closed

    Alleged clearance of forested peatlands by PT Patiware, a subsidiary of Ganda Group in West Kalimantan. 
    Dialogue initiated with Ganda Group on the first week of July 2015. A meeting was further held with Ganda Group on 9 July 2015.

    Prior to the launch of Wilmar’s Policy, PT Patiware was already almost fully planted, except for a portion of the area that is meant for plasma smallholder development. As part of PT Patiware’s commitment to the smallholders, they have cleared a small area of the plasma smallholder land. To comply with Wilmar’s Policy, PT Patiware has now agreed to stop clearing the remaining undeveloped plasma area; they will also be meeting with the local communities to explain why they have to stop the plasma development programme, as well as to work out a mechanism to compensate the affected smallholders.  
    Setia Agrindo Lestari (SAL) an affiliate* of First Resources Ltd

    *PT SAL is an affiliate in which First Resources has no management control.
    2015053030 May 2015 The statement can be found here and here. Forest Heroes Status: Case closed

    Alleged deep peat clearing and social conflicts in several villages in Sumatra, by PT Setia Agrindo Lestari (PT SAL) an affiliate* of First Resources. 


    Dialogue initiated with First Resources in the first week of June 2015. Several meetings were held with First Resources thereafter.

    A moratorium on PT SAL is in place while dialogue with First Resources continues.

    First Resources has issued a sustainability statement on 1 July 2015 encompassing commitments similar to Wilmar’s, including no development on peat land of any depth. The statement can be found here.

    First Resources has also registered the case on their grievance listing; here is the outcome of their investigation.
    Sawit Sumbermas Sarana (SSS) 2015060505 Jun 2015 Report can be found here Greenomics Status: Case closed

    Alleged clearance of potential High Carbon Stock (HCS) forest, peatlands and orangutan habitat by Sawit Sumbermas Sarana (SSS).

     

    Following a couple of NGO reports about Sawit Sumbermas Sarana (SSS) on Deforestation issues, Wilmar initiated several rounds of dialogue with its management on compliance to Wilmar’s Policy.

    The case has not been resolved to Wilmar’s satisfaction and Wilmar has put on hold purchases from SSS, where our last purchase was in 15 June 2015.

    As of July 2022, SSS has met all the requirements stipulated in our re-entry criteria. This includes their commitment to the development of a Recovery Plan for Non-Compliant Land Clearing to the NDPE policy at group level, for activity that has taken place from January 2016 onwards. Based on the detailed review of documentation, reports and a letter of commitment from SSS, the Wilmar Suspension Committee has given due consideration of this progress and lifted the suspension of SSS in July 2022.
    Kencana Agri 2014061111 Jun 2014 Report can be found here Greenomics Status: Case closed

    Alleged clearance of potential High Carbon Stock (HCS) forest by Kencana Agri.

    Potential forest clearance and impacts on biodiversity.
    Meeting held with Greenomics on 7 October 2014. 
    Business to business dialogues with Kencana Agri to explain the Wilmar integrated policy and request a halt to further plantation development while HCS studies are completed.

    Kencana Agri has committed with effect from 19 January 2015 to a moratorium on land-clearing activities for the two of its subsidiaries, as well as a commitment to no deforestation on potential HCS forest areas until HCS assessments are completed and adopted.

    In addition, Kencana Agri has issued a sustainability statement which it will provide to its stakeholders in its forthcoming annual report. A copy of the statement has been provided to us which can be found here

    XX complaints found

    Reference No. Date Filed Member Complainant Complaint
    RSPO/2023/15/HN 2023112323 Nov 2023 PT Grahadura Leidong Prima (a subsidiary of PT. Bakrie Sumatera Plantations TBK) Complainant has requested confidentiality

    The Respondent allegedly has yet to fulfill the commitment to allocate plasma land to the community.

    A summary of the matter and latest updates are available here.

    RSPO/2023/08/HN 2023051919 May 2023 PT. Barumun Agro Sentosa Federasi Logam Mesin Industri Elektrik dan Elektronik (F LOMENIK) The allegations raised in the Complaint are as follows:-

    - The Respondent did not respond to the Union’s requests for a hearing and bipartite meeting on the matter pertaining to the freedom of association;
    - The Respondent interrogated the members of F LOMENIK (hereinafter referred to as “the Union”) and intimidated its workers into resigning from the Union;
    - The Respondent restricted the Union from conducting its activity by issuing a letter prohibiting the Union from distributing groceries to its members (in conjunction of May Day); and
    - The Respondent transferred the Union’s Chairman and Secretary to a different company. The Complainant alleges that the transfers were not in accordance with the applicable laws and regulations and asserted that it is a deliberate act from the Respondent to obstruct the Union’s activity.

    A summary of the matter and latest updates are available here.
    RSPO/2023/04/RH 2023041010 Apr 2023 PT Bumitama Gunajaya Agro (a subsidiary of Bumitama Agri Ltd) Confidential The Respondent is alleged to have conducted land clearing outside of the boundaries of their Hak Guna Usaha (HGU) land into the affected individuals’ land for the purpose of the development of a palm oil plantation.
    The Respondent is alleged to have filed a police report against the affected individuals which led to them obtaining the status as suspects by the police force, as a result of the individuals protesting against the Respondent’s alleged land clearing activities.

    A summary on the matter and latest updates are available here.

    RSPO/2022/17/LSL 2022122626 Dec 2022 PT Bumi Pratama Khatulistiwa Palm Oil Mill (a subsidiary of Wilmar International Limited) Confidential Allegations pertaining to labour related issues such as wages, no optimal health services and safety, (BPJS) is not registered, unilateral termination, the rights of the workers are not honoured, intimidation and  expanded job scopes of workers (harvesters)  
    It is further alleged that the workers who have been working for a period of more than 5 years are not converted to permanent workers, instead their working days were reduced,
    The Respondent is allegedly not transparent in determining Lembaga Kerjasama (LKS) bipartite and the amount of FFB delivered to the factory/mill.

    A summary of the matter and latest updates are available here.
    RSPO/2022/15/RR 2022110808 Nov 2022 PT. Eagle High Plantations Tbk Confidential Allegations made against the Respondent are pertaining to rights of workers, working conditions, and safety concerns.

    A summary on the matter and latest updates are available here
    RSPO/2022/13/MAM 2022102121 Oct 2022 Reforestadora de Palmas de El Petén, S.A. (REPSA) (a subsidiary of Reforestadora de Palmas de El Petén, S.A. (REPSA)) Confidential The Complainant alleged that the Respondent violates the fundamental and labour rights of employees, because there are bad work conditions, unjustified dismissals, mistreatment, and false and unfounded suspicions;
    The Respondent uses retaliation against farm workers and human rights defenders;
    The Respondent uses the figure of the blacklist to designate employees who will not be rehired;
    The Respondent uses organic fertilizer that generates pestilent odour and flies affecting communities.

    A summary on the matter and latest updates are available here.
    RSPO/2022/10/HN 2022092626 Sep 2022 PT Farinda Bersaudara (a subsidiary of TSH Resources Berhad) RSPO Secretariat The Respondent cleared High Conservation Value (HCV) areas in one of its subsidiaries, PT Farinda Bersaudara (PT FDB): -
    - TSH Resources Berhad submitted a self-declaration to the RSPO Secretariat to declare its liability for the unintentional clearing of HCV areas in PT FDB and undertake responsibility for the liability; and
    - The Secretariat responded by initiating an independent ground verification conducted by independent assessors (Pramitama Bayu Saputro and Nurul Iman Suansa) in July 2021 to verify the self-declaration made by the Respondent. 

    Note: The Secretariat recognises the Respondent's transparency and proactive effort in reporting this issue, and has taken important steps to limit further damage to the HCV areas and to remedy the infringement. Nevertheless, the Complaint is lodged by the RSPO Secretariat in line with section 1.4 of the Remediation & Compensation Procedure (2015).

    A summary of the matter and latest updates are available here.
    RSPO/2022/02/HN 2022030404 Mar 2022 Bumi Pratama Khatulistiwa (a subsidiary of Wilmar International Limited) Teraju Foundation Amongst the allegations of fact identified are as follows: -
    - The Complainant alleges that the Respondent forced the community members to give up the rights to their land for it to be developed into an oil palm plantation;
    - The promises made by the Respondent to the community have not been fulfilled;
    - Around 2015, the Complainant alleges that the Respondent carried out replanting (in deep peat areas) in an area of 4,000 ha without coordination with the Sungai Enau village government, the community and the head of the farmers group;
    - The Complainant alleges that the Respondent did not respond to the community’s dispute despite the community’s request for the Respondent to meet with the community to resolve the issues raised
    - The Complainant further alleges that the Respondent continues to source produce from the land by involving the police;
    - The Complainant alleges that the police (sent by the Respondent) forced and ordered the workers to continue harvesting. There was an argument between the police and the community where one of the police officers kicked an individual who was recording a video of the situation; and
    - The Complainant alleges that the Respondent was absent from the socialisation meeting with the relevant stakeholder officials despite being invited by the Sungai Enau village government.

    A summary of the matter and latest updates are available here.
    RSPO/2022/03/CRP 2022030404 Mar 2022 PT. Perkebunan Nusantara V (PERSERO) Confidential The Respondent is alleged of illegally controlling some of the KKPA (Primary Member Cooperative Credit) objects, as well as violating the KKPA agreement.
    The Respondent is alleged of embezzling funds and fraud in the development of oil palm plantations.
    The Respondent is alleged of violating the agreement related to the sale of the farmers’ fruits which should have been disbursed to the Complainant to be distributed to its members and illegal bailout funds.

    A summary of the matter and latest updates are available here.
    RSPO/2021/12/CRP 2021110808 Nov 2021 PT Ramajaya Pramukti (a subsidiary of Golden Agri-Resources Ltd) Confidential 1. the Complainants alleged that the Respondent conducted land expansion to about 167 hectares into the Imbo Putui Customary Forest;
    2. the Complainants alleged that the Respondent’s used their operational truck passing through the Customary Forest and disturbing the community with the noise and dust pollution, disturbing the growth of trees along the road, cutting off animal paths (bear, deer, pangolin, snake, monitor lizard, monkey), and cutting off water paths;
    3. the Complainants alleged that the Respondent's action of planting oil palm up to the riverbank, even in the middle of the river (the company changed the waterway, then planted oil palm on the former river that was stockpiled); 
    4. the Complainants alleged that the Respondent is not taking the responsibility for the social, economic, and ecological damage that occurred in the Imbo Putui Customary Forest and Petapahan Village;
    5. the Complainants alleged that the Respondent changed the natural shape of the rivers and made them straight;
    6. the Complainants alleged that the Respondent is destroying the downstream river ecosystem in the Imbo Putui customary forest with fertilizers and pesticides; and
    7. the Complainants alleged that the Respondent claimed the Imbo Putui Customary Forest as their conservation area (HCV).

    A summary of the matter and latest updates are available here.
    RSPO/2021/11/HN 2021071111 Jul 2021 PT SMART TBK (a subsidiary of Golden Agri-Resources Ltd) Confidential
    Supply CPO & FFB from unsustainable sources. The Respondent supplies FFB and CPO from PT Kapuasindo Palm Industri (a subsidiary of Kencana Group), a non-RSPO member, which has a series of conflicts with the local community and violation to the RSPO standards

    A summary of the matter and latest updates are available here.
    RSPO/2021/10/LSL 2021070101 Jul 2021 PT Nabatindo Karya Utama (a subsidiary of Bumitama Agri Ltd) Confidential 1. It is alleged that the Respondent and Koperasi Koling Hapakat did not use the plasma area in accordance with the permission allocated
    2. It is alleged that there is a transfer of ownership of community-owned SHM (“Sertifikat Hak Milik”) by Koperasi Koling Hapakat to the Respondent

    A summary of the matter and latest updates are available here.
    RSPO/2021/09/EN 2021050707 May 2021 PT Cipta Usaha Sejati (a subsidiary of PT Pasifik Agro Sentosa) Binua Tingkakok Kalimantan Embezzlement of severance payment of two retired workers by the Respondent's Head of Administration. 

    A summary of the matter and latest updates are available here.
    RSPO/2021/05/SW 2021031919 Mar 2021 Papaso Estate & PT Damai Nusa Sekawan - Sosa & Bukit Udang Estate (a subsidiary of Permata Hijau Group) Confidential a) Complainant alleged that the Respondent prohibits the workers to conduct union activities (protest with regards to the Omnibus Law);
    b) Complainant alleged that the Respondent has conducted a unilateral termination of employment for the 2 (two) PT Permata Hijau Sawit workers; and
    c) Complainant alleged that the Respondent did not socialize the Company Regulations
    (Peraturan Perusahaan) to the workers in PT Damai Nusa Sekawan.

    A summary on the matter and latest updates are available here.
    RSPO/2021/06/SW 2021031919 Mar 2021 PT Inecda (a subsidiary of S&G Biofuel Pte. Ltd) Confidential a) Respondent is operating in the area own by the Luak Talang Parit Community without obtaining prior consent from the community; 
    b) Respondent did not develop the plasma plantations for the community; and
    c) Respondent did not have an internal grievance mechanism that the stakeholders can access

    A summary on the matter and latest updates are available here
    RSPO/2021/07/SW 2021031919 Mar 2021 PT Mitra Karya Sentosa (a subsidiary of First Resources Limited) Confidential The Respondent did not pay the full land compensation to the six (6) individuals;
    The Respondent unilaterally marked up the cost of plasma development and did not refer to relevant regulations in deciding the cost of the said plasma development;
    The Respondent did not pay compensation for the land identified as HCV and HCS area; and
    The Respondent did not provide the complete map along with its coordinates for the land that has been handed over by the six (6) individuals.

    A summary of the matter and latest updates are available here.
    RSPO/2021/04/EN 2021030808 Mar 2021 First Resources Limited Confidential

    The allegations identified during the initial diagnosis are that the Respondent:

    1. Has ownership, control and influence over a company called Fangiono Agro Plantation (FAP) Agri, a non-RSPO member who was not declared in the Respondent’s RSPO Group Membership;
    2. Has ownership, control, and influence of an Indonesian company, Ciliandry Anky Abadi (CAA), who is a subsidiary of a British Virgin Islands registered company by the name of Sima Capital. This company too was not declared as a part of the Respondent’s RSPO Group Membership;
    3. Via FAP or by FAP’s 11 subsidiaries has violated RSPO Principles and Criteria by deforestation, peatland degradation, using lands for plantation without FPIC, river pollution, and unilateral layoffs of workers;
    4. Via CAA, has violated RSPO Principles and Criteria by deforestation, peatland degradation, using lands for plantation without FPIC, and river pollution; and
    5. Is violating its NDPE Commitments, RSPO Principles and Criteria, RSPO Code of Conduct, and RSPO membership rules.

    Taking into consideration that RSPO Principles and Criteria may only be applicable to FAP and CAA should allegations 1 and 2 be proven to be true, the Complaints Panel has decided to adjourn the investigation of allegations 3, 4 and 5 until there is an outcome related to the first two allegations. 

    A summary of the matter and latest updates are available here.

    Separately, The Gecko Project published an article titled “Chasing Shadows” on similar allegations that First Resources are part of the same group or have control over CAA, FAP Agri and New Borneo Agri (NBA)/Sulaidy Group.  First Resources has issued a public statement responding to the article, which is available here.  The Gecko Project subsequently published a follow up article to provide latest updates on the case.   

    On 25 March 2024, First Resources announced that, given the seriousness of the allegations raised in The Gecko Project articles, they have appointed an independent advisor, Robertsbridge, to help investigate issues raised in The Gecko Project and develop an action plan. Robertsbridge will support First Resources in conducting internal investigations and facilitating communication with the organisations involved in raising the grievance against First Resources. This is to ensure that a thorough examination of the allegations are undertaken and that an additional channel for stakeholder communication is made available. 

    RSPO/2021/01/EN 2021012222 Jan 2021 PT Agro Kati Lama (a subsidiary of SIPEF Group) Confidential Daily casual workers: 
    Are paid below the minimum wage set out by the Musi Rawas District Government;
    Are not protected and no remedy is available for work accidents;
    Are not equipped with Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and working tools; 
    Did not receive festive allowances in accordance with regulations; and
    Daily casual workers who are hired through a third party do not receive pay slips. The amount written in the payment receipt is without a formal stamp and does not contain the name of the party who rendered the payment. 

    A summary of the matter and latest updates are available here.
    RSPO/2020/20/SW 2020111212 Nov 2020 PT. Nubika Jaya (a subsidiary of Permata Hijau Group) LSM-Baris Labuhanbatu Selatan
    No Domestic Wastewater Treatment Plant;
    The oleochemical equalization pool was not built with concrete;
    Sludge from the Oleochemical Wastewater Treatment Plant has never been transported to a designated waste processing agency;
    Dispose of liquid waste without permit;
    Inconsistency on the volume of Hazardous Waste transported to a designated waste processing agency;
    A sparring equipment has yet installed at the Wastewater Treatment Plant;
    No certified Wastewater Treatment Operational Responsible and Water Pollution Control Officer onsite;
    Processing fresh fruit bunches from non-RSPO certified plantations.

    A summary on the matter and latest updates are available here.
    RSPO/2020/19/IR 2020100505 Oct 2020 IOI Plantation Mekassar Estate (a subsidiary of IOI Corporation Berhad) Confidential Unilateral pay cut by the Respondent;
    Poor living conditions for the labourers;
    Intimidation of workers;
    Forced labour; and 
    Lack of transparent grievance system.

    A summary of the matter and latest updates are available here.
    RSPO/2020/17/SW 2020091818 Sep 2020 PT Nabire Baru and PT Sariwana Adi Perkasa (a subsidiary of Goodhope Asia Holdings Ltd.) Awasmifee, Greenpeace & FPP The Complaint was lodged as a result of the comments that have been given by the Complainant during the Respondent’s NPP consultation period have not been resolved.

    The allegations as below:
    ''that the Respondent withheld two important documents which should have been made available to stakeholders under the RSPO principle on transparency. The documents are the original draft of the 2011 HCV assessment and the Respondent’s legal review commissioned by the RSPO Secretariat.''

    A summary on the matter and latest updates are available here.
    RSPO/2020/16/LSL 2020091010 Sep 2020 Palmas y Trabajo S.A.S&Progreso Palmero S.A.S & Oleaginosas de Yuma S.A.S (a subsidiary of Daabon Group) Puerto Wilches Section Sintrainagro Deputy Director’s Office Non-compliance with labour rights/laws;
    Anti-union practices; and
    Employees not provided sufficient protection equipment

    A summary on the matter and latest updates are available here.
    RSPO/2020/15/LSL 2020082525 Aug 2020 Benso Oil Palm Plantation (a subsidiary of Wilmar International Limited) Mrs Joseph Yankey and Mr Solomon Asante-Sefa It is alleged that:  
    The Respondent has acquired land to develop oil palm in Ghana;
    The Respondent has destroyed farmers’ rubber plantation;
    The Respondent is not willing to pay for the damages caused to the rubber farmers;
    The Respondent is still cutting down rubber farms to plant oil palm;
    The remaining uncultivated lands have been taken over for the Respondent’s project; and
    The Respondent has shown no interest in resolving these issues despite several complaints made to the Respondent by the Complainants.

    A summary of the matter and latest updates are available here.
    RSPO/2020/13/DPM 2020080505 Aug 2020 Pabrik Kelapa Sawit Batang Kulim POM & Pabrik Kelapa Sawit Pangkalan Lesung POM (a subsidiary of PT Musim Mas) KC FSPMI Unauthorised Company Regulation;
    Flat rate overtime premium;
    Copy of the Collective Bargaining Agreement is not furnished to workers;
    Workers working the night shift are not provided with extra food;
    Inadequate and unsanitary worker housing;
    Daily casual workers are not provided with a written employment agreement;
    Daily casual workers are not provided with an Employment Security (BPJS Ketenagakerjaan) card;
    Complicated healthcare insurance (BPJS Kesehatan) and paid sick day processes;
    Unfair dismissal/termination for unjustified reason such as participating in union activities; and
    Limitation of workers' right to organise outside the established independent/non-affiliated trade union.

    A summary of the matter and latest updates are available here.
    RSPO/2020/12/DPM 2020071414 Jul 2020 First Resources Limited Confidential Deforestation and land clearing including in the High Conservation Value Forest within the Respondent’s concession for construction;
    Development of road cutting across one of the major wildlife corridors connecting two river systems – Berenga and Tempadung Rivers; and 
    Development of a jetty, which includes reclamation of the sea floor as long as 590 meters.

    A summary of the matter and latest updates are available here.
    RSPO/2020/11/HN 2020070606 Jul 2020 Agroaceite, S.A. Confidential The Respondent allegedly discharged immense quantities of toxic chemicals and hazardous waste which impacted the nearby mangrove's ecosytem  of the Manchón Guamuchal nature reserve) and the local marine species

    The above-mentioned issue has raised further health concerns as the local communities rely on the same water source for their water and food supply (e.g.: fish, shellfish, etc.) which may have been poisoned by the toxic waste.

    A summary on the matter and latest updates are available here.
    RSPO/2020/08/DPM 2020060404 Jun 2020 PT Pangkatan Indonesia (a subsidiary of M.P. Evans Group PLC) KOSP-LSM FSPMI and TIPAN Termination of employment without severance and other related compensation;
    No written employment agreement for daily casual workers;
    No National Healthcare Insurance (BPJS Kesehatan) and Employee Social Security (BPJS Ketenagakerjaan) for daily casual workers;
    No bonus and extra benefits/allowance as stipulated in the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) for daily casual workers;
    Insufficient Religious Festive Allowance for daily casual workers; and
    No Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) provided.   

    A summary of the matter and latest updates are available here.
    RSPO/2020/07/LSL 2020040606 Apr 2020 Aceites Y Derivados Sociedad Anonima (ACEYDESA) Confidential 1. Modification of property deeds to remove areas identified by the government as environmental protection zone;
    2. Employees not paid minimum wage; not provided with protection equipment; and not given workers’ benefits; 
    3. Non-compliance with labour laws;
    4. Threatening of  workers to suppress  information from auditors; 
    5. Bribing workers and government agencies;
    6. Manipulation of scale systems; 
    7. Falsification of data;
    8. Operating without environmental licenses

    A summary of the matter and latest updates are available here.
    RSPO/2020/06/DPM 2020033030 Mar 2020 PT Gersindo Minang Plantation (a subsidiary of Wilmar International Limited) Buyung Untreated wastewater disposed into a river stream.

    A summary of the matter and latest updates are available here.
    RSPO/2020/05/HN 2020032424 Mar 2020 PALMACEITE S.A. Confidential Following the Initial Diagnosis process, the allegations accepted in this Complaint are as follows: -

    1) The Complainant commenced the process to request for her own water concession at CORPAMAG (an Autonomous Corporation of Magdalena). The Complainant asked for the technical reports from the Respondent to facilitate the aforementioned request. However, the Respondent allegedly filed the request directly to CORPAMAG without sending the report to the Complainant.

    2) The Complainant followed up on the request for the technical report to complete the 2nd step at CORPAMAG. The Respondent insisted on sending the technical report directly to CORPAMAG but the Complainant refused due to the lack of trust. Upon receiving and reviewing the report, the Complainant alleges that the Respondent intentionally omitted to draw the water canal which favors the neighboring oil palm crop.

    3) There are disagreements on the plantation boundaries between the Complainant’s and her ex-husband’s plantation (Land dispute). The Complainant alerted the Respondent on the issue but did not receive any response. The Respondent did not take any action to resolve the land dispute even after being informed.

    4) The Respondent allegedly harassed and intimidated the Complainant when she sought for an explanation and a resolution from the Respondent.

    A summary of the matter and latest updates are available here.
    RSPO/2020/04/IR 2020030202 Mar 2020 Golden Agri-Resources Ltd Forest People Programme (FPP) and Elk Hills Research The Respondent through its subsidiaries located in Central Kalimantan, operates its plantations with permits which never had the force of law; and
    The Respondent through its employees, have been involved in the payment of bribes to provincial officials in Central Kalimantan.

    A summary of the matter and latest updates are available here.
    RSPO/2020/02/DPM 2020011414 Jan 2020 PT Permata Hijau Sawit (a subsidiary of PT Permata Hijau Group) Konsulat Cabang Federasi Serikat Pekerja Metal Indonesia (KC FSPMI) The Respondent is unresponsive in cases of workplace accidents experienced by workers; for instance, the Respondent failed to promptly submit a claim to BPJS Ketenagakerjaan for at least one worker;
    Daily casual workers are not registered to the BPJS Kesehatan (BPJS Healthcare) or BPJS Ketenagakerjaan (BPJS Employment Security);
    The Respondent fails to furnish pay slips to workers;
    The health care facility provided is far from the home of workers;
    The Respondent does not ensure worker’s rights to associate as union management or members;
    Workers working in the core work are employed under definite time employment agreement (PKWT) scheme instead of indefinite time employment agreement (PKWTT) or furnished with appointment letters without prior written indefinite time employment agreement (PKWTT);
    Daily casual workers are not provided with written employment agreement;
    Workers work overtime for more than 3 (three) hours per day and 14 (fourteen) hours per week;
    The Respondent failed to establish Company Regulations (Peraturan Perusahaan);
    The Respondent has employed some of the workers as daily casual workers for more than 3 (three) years;
    The Respondent does not ensure legal certainty for workers in the event of expiration or termination of employment relationship due to death, redundancy, pension and resignation;
    The Respondent fails to provide Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for workers when working in the Respondent’s oil palm plantation area despite the fact the Respondent obtained Health and Safety Management System Certification;
    The Respondent failed to provide a festivity allowance (Tunjangan Hari Raya) for some of the workers including daily casual workers;
    The Respondent provides insufficient housing for the workers; and
    Daily casual workers are not provided with a natural allowance of rice.

    A summary of the matter and latest updates are available here.
    RSPO/2019/20/PR 2019102929 Oct 2019 Norpalm Ghana Limited Clans (Landowners) of Ewusiejoe
     Non Transparency to landowners of Ewusiejoe.
    No minutes provided after meeting with Norpalm management.
    No information to Landowners on the arrival of the Inspectorate team from RSPO to enable them to participate and express their concerns.
    No information to Landowners on the demarcation made by  Norpalm Ghana Ltd and no documents provided to the Complainant.
    Payments of monies to Landowners has not been fully made.

    A summary of the matter and latest updates are available here.
    RSPO/2019/19/PR 2019102828 Oct 2019 PRESCO PLC (a subsidiary of SIAT SA) Ovre Eku Community Invasion forcible entry to Ovre-Eku Land by Presco Plc.

    A summary of the matter and latest updates are available here.
    RSPO/2018/22/SW 2019101818 Oct 2019 PT SMART TBK (a subsidiary of Golden Agri-Resources Ltd) Masyarakat Dusun I/II/III Belongkut & PHK Workers The termination of employment by PT Smart TBK Kebun Adi Pati without severance payment.

    A summary of the matter and latest updates are available here.
    RSPO/2019/18/IR 2019081212 Aug 2019 Boustead Rimba Nilai (Boustead Plantations Berhad) Sauddin Che Lamin The Complainant claims that:
    He was wrongfully terminated on 2 July 2019 and his medical certificates were not accepted in lieu of his absence from work; and
    His monthly salary was remitted for 3 consecutive months.

    A summary of the matter and latest updates are available here.
    RSPO/2019/17/SW 2019072626 Jul 2019 PT Socfin Indonesia (Socfin SA) Lembaga Swadaya Masyarakat Team Investigasi Penyelamatan Asset Negara Republik Indonesia (LSM.TIPAN-RI). PT Socfin Indonesia used community land of approximately 900 meters for many years for a water pipeline from the Bilah river for use, for a palm oil mill and to the workers' houses, without consent from the local community.

    A summary of the matter and latest updates are available here.
    RSPO/2019/15/SW 2019062020 Jun 2019 PT Bilah Platindo (a subsidiary of M.P. Evans Group PLC) Federasi Serikat Pekerja Metal Indonesia (FSPMI) Occupational fatality:
    The victim’s rights, including death insurance was not paid for by PT Bilah Platindo. The Respondent allegedly breached the RSPO Principles & Criteria codes 1, 2, 4 and 6.

    A summary of the matter and latest updates are available here.
    RSPO/2019/16/PR 2019061818 Jun 2019 PRESCO PLC (a subsidiary of SIAT SA) Delta Agricultural Stakeholders Farmer Union There have been major unlawful invasion and forceful take over of local farm lands by the Respondent.

    The Respondent allegedly has been using force and brutality to consistently harass, intimidate, arrest and main defenseless and law abiding members of the charity community farming in the local farm lands in Ovre Abraka all in a bid to illegally acquire and/or take the local farm land which cause massive destruction of cavassa and groundnut plants in nursery stages without the knowledge and consent of the Complainant's client.

    A summary of the matter and latest updates are available here.
    RSPO/2019/12/IR 2019050606 May 2019 PT Perkebunan Nusantara IV (PERSERO) Federasi Serikat Pekerja Metal Indonesia (FSPMI) Salary fraud for 7 labourers, no festive holidays and no bonus for day labourers.

    A summary of the matter and latest updates are available here.
    RSPO/2019/13/PR 2019050606 May 2019 Unico Desa Palm Oil Mill Sdn Bhd (IOI Corporation Berhad) Confidential The community of Sri Ganda expressed disappointed with Unico Desa Palantation regarding a plan to utilise an area demarcated as conservation area to address water issues in the village.

    A summary of the matter and latest updates are available here.
    RSPO/2019/11/IR 2019042323 Apr 2019 PT Perkebunan Nusantara IV (PERSERO) Confidential Temporary workers and contract issue; and
    Wages and overwork.

    A summary of the matter and latest updates are available here.
    RSPO/2019/09/IR 2019042222 Apr 2019 PT Smart Tbk/ PT Smart Adipati/ PT MP Ledong West (a subsidiary of PT Smart Tbk) Konsulat Cabang Federasi Serikat Pekerja Metal Indonesia (KC-FSPMI) Discrimination against workers, and women workers are not given safety equipment nor maternity leave. Breach of RSPO P&C criteria 6.5, 6.6, 6.8 and 6.9.

    A summary of the matter and latest updates are available here.
    RSPO/2019/07/IR 2019041010 Apr 2019 PT. Perkebunan Nusantara IV (PERSERO) Koali Organasi Serikat Perkerja dan Lembaga Swadaya Masyarakat Kabubaten Labuhan Batu, FSMI,TIPAN-RI Lack of adequate health and safety equipment;
    Labourer died due to lack of safety equipment; and
    No festive holidays for temporary workers.

    A summary of the matter and latest updates are available here.
    RSPO/2019/02/PR 2019012525 Jan 2019 PT Agriplus (Bumitama Agri Ltd) Link-Ar Borneo FPIC Process and EIA/SIA Pollution. 

    A summary of the matter and latest updates are available here.
    RSPO/2019/01/SW 2019011818 Jan 2019 PT Perkebunan Nusantara III Pimpinan Cabang Federasi Serikat Pekerja Metal Indonesia


    Minimum wage, wage withholding/deduction, occupational hazard, unsafe working condition, and exposure to chemicals.

    A summary of the matter and latest updates are available here.
    RSPO/2018/20/JL 2018101616 Oct 2018 PRESCO PLC (SIAT SA) Oria-Abraka Community Presco PLC (Nigeria) without the complainant's consent and without any form of compensation, invaded the complainant's farmland and destroyed their crops and properties, thereby depriving them of their main source of livelihood; and
    All legal actions and court injunctions were ignored by Presco PLC. 

    A summary of the matter and latest updates are available here.
    RSPO/2018/21/PR 2018101212 Oct 2018 PT Kapuas Maju Jaya (Genting Plantations Berhad Kelompok Tani Penghijauan Tingang Menteng Expansion of approximately 150 ha of land and destruction of the local community's farm, owned by Kelompok Tani Penghijauan Tingang Menteng; and
    The Respondent denied any compensation.

    A summary of the matter and latest updates are available here.
    RSPO/2018/17/JL 2018091717 Sep 2018 PRESCO PLC (SIAT SA) Indigenous People of Oruarivie-Abraka Kingdom Criminal land-grabbing activities and the breach of RSPO Rules, involving the indigenous community of in Abraka Kingdom.

    A summary of the matter and latest updates are available here.
    RSPO/2018/16/RB 2018090707 Sep 2018 PT Agro Andalan (PT. Dharma Satya Nusantara) Confidential Labourer died due to fertiliser poisoning. 

    A summary of the matter and latest updates are available here.
    RSPO/2018/15/RB 2018083030 Aug 2018 PT Agro Lestari Mandiri (Golden Agri-Resources Ltd) Serikat Buruh Sejahtera Indonesia Allegedly terminated workers in violation of Indonesian Employment Law. 

    A summary of the matter and latest updates are available here.
    RSPO/2018/14/RB 2018082222 Aug 2018 Golden Agri-Resources Ltd Forest Peoples Programme (FPP) & Transformasi Untuk Keadilan-Indonesia (TUK-I) The Respondent's shadow companies are allegedly clearing lands.

    A summary of the matter and latest updates are available here.
    RSPO/2018/13/JL 2018082222 Aug 2018 Golden Agri-Resources Ltd Forest Peoples Programme (FPP), SESDEV, SDI Golden Veroleum Liberia (GVL), a majority owned subsidiary of GAR, has withdrawn from RSPO after complaints against it were upheld by the Complaints Panel and on appeal. This complaint is directed at the majority owner GAR, which had publicly endorsed the withdrawal of GVL from RSPO.

    A summary of the matter and latest updates are available here.
    RSPO/2018/12/RB 2018071212 Jul 2018 PT Primatama Mulia Jaya (Wilmar International Limited) Masyarakat Adat Luhak Right of Utilisation of the Respondent issued without prior information to the Complainant. 

    A summary of the matter and latest updates are available here.

    RSPO/2018/11/RB 2018052525 May 2018 PT Harapan Sawit Lestari (Cargill Incorporated) Link-Ar Borneo Allegedly commenced re-planting activities without proper consent from the local community of Asam Besar in West Kalimantan.

    A summary of the matter and latest updates are available here.
    RSPO/2018/08/PR 2018050909 May 2018 PT Swadaya Mukti Perkasa (First Resources Limited) Link-Ar Borneo The respondent allegedly cultivated and planted on the land, without first obtaining consent from its rightful owner, hence causing material and non-material loss. 

    A summary of the matter and latest updates are available here.
    RSPO/2018/07/SW 2018043030 Apr 2018 PT Permata Hijau Pasaman (a subsidiary of Wilmar International Limited) Represented by a lawyer, on behalf of the local community Dispute regarding plasma cooperation with the local community.

    A summary and latest updates are available here.
    RSPO/2018/06/RB 2018043030 Apr 2018 PT AMP Plantation (Wilmar International Limited) Confidential Breach of a plasma scheme agreement agreed upon, in 1997; the respondent did not perform the necessary land certificate arrangements; 
    Respondent allegedly did not share profit sales for FFB from 2002 until 2014; and
    Respondent allegedly embezzled funds for the process of land certification, for approximately 100 ha of land.

    A summary of the matter and latest updates are available here.
    RSPO/2018/05/PR 2018041616 Apr 2018 PT Perkebunan Nusantara VI (PERSERO) PT Restorasi Ekosistem Indonesia (REKI)
    PT PN VI bought illegal FFB from the communities. The Complainant informed that the communities planted oil palm on their concession area and sold FFB to members of RSPO (PT PN VI); and
    The Complainant has provided the evidence for these allegations. 

    A summary of the matter and latest updates are available here.
    RSPO/2018/04/PR 2018041212 Apr 2018 PT Ivo Mas Tunggal (Golden Agri-Resources Ltd) Lembaga Bantuan Hukum Sakai Riau Allegations of land clearing outside HGU;
    The company operated on the community’s land without providing compensation; and
    Operated without an appropriate permit. 

    A summary of the matter and latest updates are available here.
    RSPO/2018/01/PR 2018012121 Jan 2018 PT SURYA AGRO PALMA (Genting Plantations Berhad) Link-Ar Borneo Lack of transparency on the Plasma Scheme;
    Locations: Tapang Tingang Village dan Kiungkang Village, Sanggau, West Kalimantan.

    A summary of the matter and latest updates are available here.
    RSPO/2017/07/NR 2017111919 Nov 2017 PT Minamas Gemilang (Sime Darby) Mr Oky Wardianto The Complainant alleges that he has not been paid his salary as the Director and Commissioner since 2010. On the basis of such allegations, there are potential breaches of the P&C.

    A summary of the matter and latest updates are available here.
    RSPO/2017/05/CH 2017100606 Oct 2017 Sarana Esa Cita (PT Agrowiratama) M Ali Napiah The complainant has stated that the company has operated on his land without providing compensation.

    A summary of the matter and latest updates are available here.
    RSPO/2017/08/IR 2017092626 Sep 2017 PT Prima Mitra Jaya Mandiri (MP Evans) Serikat Buruh Perkebunan Indonesia (SERBUNDO) Allegations that the respondent breached national labour laws by terminating 7 workers who refused to extend their contracts. 

    A summary of the matter and latest updates are available here.
    RSPO/2017/02/CH 2017092525 Sep 2017 PT Hari Sawit Jaya (PT. Inti Indosawit Subur) Konsulat cabang Federasi Serikat Pekerja metal Indonesia (FSPMI) Issues concerning casual labour, discrimination of casual workers, the bonus system, minimum wage, and workers bringing family members to complete tasks to achieve targets. 

    A summary of the matter and latest updates are available here.
    RSPO/2017/01/JL 2017081111 Aug 2017 Aceites S.A Confidential One of Aceite's mills allegedly purchased its FFB from an operation run by Mrs. Alva Yiseth Villamizar Navas in the Maria la Baja area since May 2016. Alva Navas allegedly collected FFB from palm growers who accepted her offer to pay them below market price and without invoices, and also offered to harvest the fruit for them. She also made several trucks available to transport the FFB from the field to the collection site. It is alleged that she buys fruits from anyone, regardless of their ownership. Due to this, people started stealing fruit in the area because she purchases fruit regardless of its origin, collecting the fruit without any type of sanitary control and with staff hired outside the rules laid down by the Ministry of Labor. The vehicles that collect the fruit do so during the night, a time when restrictions apply on mobility imposed by City Hall. The FFB has been transferred to mills located in the department of Magdalena, belonging to Aceites S.A and Palma Aceite.

    A summary of the matter and latest updates are available here.
    R29 2017070404 Jul 2017 Palmas del Espina S.A. FREDEIALBA on behalf of the villages of the Bajo Aguaytia in Ucayali Region, Peru The company and their group members developed the plantation without the proper NPP process;
    Development of the plantation without informing local communities;
    Failure to comply with national lawa on the forest conversion; 
    Mistreatment of employees including arbitrary dismissal; and
    New plantings established without EIA and HCV assessment.
     
    A summary on the matter and latest updates are available here.
    R107 2017060808 Jun 2017 PT Agro Indomas (Goodhope Asia Holdings Ltd) Confidential The Complainant worked at PT Agro Indomas, a subsidiary of Goodhope in Indonesia since 1999. In mid-June 2002, the new management of PT Agro Indomas dismissed over 1200 workers and transferred them and their families back to Jaya, Kalimantan. When the Complainant (as the manager then) objected to this move and requested for 2 weeks to address the root cause of the employees' strike, the management had told him off. His employment was subsequently terminated 3 – 4 months later. The Complainant filed a wrongful dismissal case.

    The Administrative High Court of Indonesia found the case in favour of the complainant, ordering P4P to revise the decisions. The content of the decisions was awarding him payment of compensation by the Company. This decision has not been executed due to implementation of Law No. 2/2004 that negates P4P institution. The complainant has also failed in his numerous attempts to have the award executed by the courts in Indonesia.

    A summary of the matter and latest updates are available here.
    R108 2017051717 May 2017 PT Agro Muara Rupit (SIPEF Group) Edhy Wardhana (an individual) The complainant brought forward the issue of fraudulent land title to RSPO. The complainant claimed that his land was fraudulently sold by his cousin to PT Agro Muara Rupit, a subsidiary of SIPEF. 

    A summary of the matter and latest updates are available here.
    R103 2017041919 Apr 2017 Goodhope Asia Holdings Ltd RSPO Secretariat The notification of PT Nabire Baru’s NPP on the RSPO website triggered joint objections from the Environmental Investigation Agency (EIA), Forest Peoples’ Programme (FPP), Greenpeace, and PUSAKA, critiquing the poor quality of the HCV Assessment, amongst others. The Complaints Panel received an official letter from the RSPO Secretariat on the basis of the General Assembly 12 Resolution 6(H), which requires the Secretariat to “Monitor RSPO members’ adherence to required procedures and report all members that omit submitting NPP notifications before clearing lands to the Complaints Panel.”

    The Complaints Panel within it mandate, has deliberated on this case on the basis of the:
    i) RSPO Secretariat’s letter;
    ii) Official joint objections on PT Nabire Baru by EIA, FPP, Greenpeace and PUSAKA;
    iii) External independent review of HCV Assessments;
    iv) Internal reviews of the NPP submissions;
    v) The fundamental objectives of the RSPO Complaints System; and
    vi) GA 12 Resolution 6(H).

    A summary of the matter and latest updates are available here.

     

    PreCAP/2017/07/IR 2017041919 Apr 2017 Felda Global Ventures Holding Berhad Secretariat of RSPO, based on a Chain Reaction Research article There was a report issued by Chain Reaction Research which stated that FGV in a Kalimantan concession had cleared 1600 Ha of peat forest. On 25 April 2017, the Secretariat had a meeting with FGV and claimed that they only planted on less than 100 Ha, on shallow depth.

    A summary of the matter and latest updates are available here.

     

    R102 2017033131 Mar 2017 PT Susantri Permai (Genting Plantation Berhad) Borneo Orangutan Survival Foundation An Orangutan was found killed and eaten in the concession of PT Susantri Permai, a subsidiary of Genting Plantation. It is alleged that the animal was killed by plantation workers.

    The complainant requested RSPO to suspend the membership of PT Susantri Permai until proper socialisation of protection of endangered species is conducted for workers. 

    A summary and latest updates are available here.
    R105 2017021717 Feb 2017 PT Kartika Prima Cipta (Golden Agri-Resources Ltd) Link-Ar Borneo Land Claim by 1 community member of Nanga Suhaid, Mr. Saudi;
    Land compensation claim by 1 community member of Nanga Suhaid, H. Kutai;
    Water Pollution in the Kapuas river which affected the fish farmers’ business production;
    Conflict between residents and the Village Head of Tanjung regarding water quality; and
    Conflict between residents and the Village Head of Emperiang regarding the land acquisition process.

    A summary of the matter and latest updates are available here.
    R104 2016121818 Dec 2016 PT Susantri Prima, PT Kapuas Maju Jaya, PT Dwie Warna Karya (Genting Plantation Berhad) Confidential PT Susantri Permai, PT Kapuas Maju Jaya and PT Dwie Warna Karya are illegally operating and planting palm in a Productive Forest are. The three companies are alleged to have breached Indonesian laws, specifically UU No. 41 Tahun 1999, UU No. 18 Tahun 2013, and UU No. 39 Tahun 2014. The companies have not obtained forest land swap area or Forest Area Release Permits, and Business Permits (HGU).

    A summary of the matter and latest updates are available here.
    R92 2016101212 Oct 2016 PT PP London Sumatra Indonesia Tbk (Salim Ivomas Pratama Tbk) Indonesian Labour Rights Association (OPPUK), Rainforest Action Network (RAN) and International Labour Rights Forum (ILRF) A report published by RAN, OPPUK and ILRF titled, “The Human Cost of Conflict Palm Oil: Indofood, PepsiCo’s Hidden Link to Worker Exploitation in Indonesia” alleged human rights and labour abuses in two oil palm plantations owned by the Indofood Group. The full report is available at ran.org/indofood.

    A summary of the matter and latest updates are available here.

     

    R100 2016071919 Jul 2016 PT Karunia Kencana Permai Sejati II & III (Wilmar International Limited) Kelompok Masyarakat Desa Tangar/ Kelompok Tani Berkat Hapakat & Lampang Tarung via NGO Progress The company has not yet paid the compensation for 1099 Ha of land owned by Kelompok Tani Berkat Harapan and Lampung Tarung;
    The company has not yet paid the compensation for 110 Ha owned by Kelompok Masyarakat Desa Tangar (Sukarsih cs); and
    The company has not yet given 20% plasma for the community of Desa Tangar.

    Case closed due to a lack of evidence from the complainant.

    A summary of the matter and latest updates are available here.

     

    R101 2016071818 Jul 2016 PT Mustika Sembuluh (Wilmar International Limited) Serikat Tani Desa Pondok Damar & NGO Progress The complainant demanded the company to:
    Provide 20% plasma for Desa Pondok Damar;
    Enclave 6 ha land owned by Desa Pondok Damar;
    Enclave the location of the ex-Kampung Padas;
    Re-negotiate the land dispute within the plantation, with the community;
    Develop the capacity of uncultivated land in Desa Pondok Damar;
    Provide job opportunities; and
    Help the development of local fisheries and farms owned by the local community.

    Case closed due to a lack of evidence from the complainant. 

    A summary and latest updates are available here.
    R99 2016062727 Jun 2016 PT Bumi Sawit Kencana II (Wilmar International Limited) The community of Desa Kapuk Villages & NGO Progress It is alleged that the company has not yet paid compensation for 78 Ha of land owned by the villagers.

    A summary of the matter and latest updates are available here.
    R98 2016062727 Jun 2016 PT Bumi Pratama Khatulistiwa (Wilmar International Limited) Serikat Tani Desa Pantap and NGO Progress It is alleged that the company has not yet paid compensation for 1482,90 ha of land. The case is closed due to a lack of evidence from the Complainant.

    A summary of the matter and latest updates are available here.

     

    R95 2016051818 May 2016 Bumitama Gunajaya Abadi (Bumitama Agri Ltd) Sawit Watch Dispute on the plasma scheme mechanism;
    Cooperative issues; and
    Claims from 15 members of communities (14 villagers from Kinjil Village and 1 villager from Sukajaya Village). 

    A summary of the matter and latest updates are available here.
    R94 2016041919 Apr 2016 PT Nabire Baru (Goodhope Asia Holdings Ltd.) Yayasan Pusaka
    Allegations reported:
    Deforestation that caused floods in Sima Village;
    Irregularities including development without an Environmental Impact Assessment;
    Land grabbing and destroying the sacred place (Dusun Sagu) of the indigenous people of Yerisiam;
    Failure in following proper FPIC process;
    Excessive use of force and violence using of state security forces.

    A summary of the matter and latest updates are available here.

     

    R89 2015112424 Nov 2015 Hap Seng Plantations Holdings Bhd Dato Sia Yi Chan The complainant claims that Hap Seng Plantations Bhd is illegally occupying his property (River Estates) of 6,454 acres in Lahad Datu, Sabah. He says that he is the beneficial owner of the said land and the land office in Kota Kinabalu has confirmed that the said land is still in his name, as beneficial owner. He has filed a civil suit against Hap Seng; originating summons: BKI-24-127/5 of 2012 filed on 30.07.2015.

    The case is being processed under the Kota Kinabalu High Court system. The RSPO Secretariat is monitoring progress of the case. 

    A summary of the matter and latest updates are available here.
    R87 2015111919 Nov 2015 Extractora Colombia (Extractora la Gloria SAS) Fredy Antonio Corrales, representative of the Colombian Association for Displaced People's Prospects (ASOCOL); Adelfo Segundo Rodriguez, representative of the Association of Returning Displaced Farmers (ASOCADAR); Senator Ivan Cepeda; Senator Alberto Castilla; and Representative Alirio Uribe (for and behalf of the Complainants)  Extractora La Gloria SAS, in planting palm oil in the former Hacienda Bellacruz; Hacienda La Gloria occupies 9,000 hectares in the municipalities of La Gloria, Pelaya and Tamalameque in southern Cesar Department without adhering to RSPO rules. It did not comply with the following RSPO Principles:

    Principle 1.1: Not providing clear and sufficient information regarding the Business Group.

    Principle 2.1. The Business Group has not declared itself to Colombian authorities and the crops were planted without an Environmental Management Plan for the Forest Reserve, which goes against national business and environmental regulations.

    Principle 2.2. Property ownership claims in the areas where Extractora La Gloria grows the majority of its crops have been called into question at national and international judicial bodies. Farming communities have demanded the formalisation of their customary land rights, which were violently denied by paramilitary groups.

    Principle 2.3. Business operations have not recognised the rights of farmers who are also displacement victims, in contravention of businesses’ duty to guarantee free, prior and informed consent regarding land use.

    Principle 4.4. While installing and processing palm crops, Extractora La Gloria affected the Caño Alonso Forest Reserve Buffer Zone and the Singararé, El Carmen and Simaña streams.

    Principle 5.2. The company has not avoided damaging the Caño Alonso Forest Reserve Buffer Zone, a specially protected habitat such as installing palm crops over the Reserve’s environmental buffer zone.

    Principle 6.4. The company has neglected the claimants, despite the fact that they have been the most affected by its business activities. The company has also refused to create negotiation platforms.

    Principle 6.13. The company has benefited from grave human rights violations of vulnerable farmers, who were also forcefully displaced by illegal armed actors. The company has not publicly rejected the threats and intimidations against the claimants. It even requested that the Constitutional Court lift the cautionary measures protecting the victims.

    A summary of the matter and latest updates are available here.
    R91 2015111313 Nov 2015 PT Bumitama Gunajaya Abadi (Bumitama Agri Ltd) Sawit Watch The company allegedly violated RSPO Principles 2.2, 5, 6.10, 6.11, 6.13 and 7 due to the following:
    Destruction of graves; 
    Dispute on plasma scheme mechanism; 
    Termination of labourers and the status of labourers i.e. whether they are casual or permanent workers;
    Compensation not paid directly to the land owner; 
    Unauthorised use of transmigrant land and the loss of land certificate; and
    Criminalisation of Gusti Gelombang, a representative of the Sukajaya and Sakabulin Villages, and Head of Cooperative “Kelompok Maju Bersama”.  

    This case has been handled bilaterally since 2014. It was escalated to RSPO because the police came to Sawit Watch’s office to arrest Gusti Gelombang, who was in their office at that time. 

    A summary of the matter and latest updates are available here.
    R09 2015082222 Aug 2015 New Britain Palm Oil Ltd (Sime Darby Plantation Berhad) Zebilian Silingen (a smallholder) Deforestation and buffer zone exploitations;
    Failure to pay compensation for loss of lives;
    Worker dumping waste metal and workshop junk into the river; and
    Excessive deductions.

    A summary of the matter and latest updates are available here.
    R86 2015081313 Aug 2015 Poligrow Italy (Poligrow Colombia SAS) No official complainant EIA’s video “Between Water and Oil Palm” is a collaboration with Colombian group La Comisión Intereclesial de Justicia y Paz (Justicia y Paz) which alleges that Poligrow Ltda has taken over land belonging to indigenous peoples in Mapiripan without free, prior, informed consent and restricted their movement and access to sacred sites. There are also concerns about the environmental impact of Poligrow's expansion on the local landscape.

    Link to the video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6q2RU_8RRTc

    The complainant alleges that the land planted by Poligrow was obtained by intimidation and without the proper consent of its indigenous owners. Further allegations are that the company is using paramilitary forces to intimidate the local people and activists, who are against the development and occupation of the lands in Mapiripan. It is also alleged that Poligrow's activities has a negative impact on the natural environment and has led to degradation and deforestation.

    The following RSPO standards appeared to be breached:

    Criteria 2.2 - the right to use the land is demonstrated and is not legitimately contested by local people who can demonstrate that they have legal, customary or user rights;

    Criteria 4.4 - practices maintain the quality and availability of surface and ground water;

    Criteria 5.2 - the status of rare threatened or endangered species and other High Conservation Value habitats, if any, that exist in the plantation or that could be affected by plantation or mill management, shall be identified and operations managed to best ensure that they are maintained and/or enhanced;

    Criteria 6.13 - Growers and millers respect human rights; and

    Principle 7 - Responsible development of new plantings.

    A summary of the matter and latest updates are available here.
    R83 2015081313 Aug 2015 Agropalma Group José Maria Tabaranã da Costa and Aida Raimunda Maia da Costa Agropalma allegedly acquired land and planted oil palm in violation of RSPO Principles and Criteria.

    A summary of the matter and latest updates are available here.
    R6 2015072626 Jul 2015 FGV Holdings Berhad
    No Complainant (This was a matter of public interest taken up by the Complaints Panel of the RSPO) 
    Breach of labour conditions in its plantations. 
    Alleged use of forced labour;
    Workers not paid minimum wages;
    Workers health and working conditions neglected; and
    Employers withheld workers' passports. 

    A summary of the matter and latest updates are available here.
    R5 2015060606 Jun 2015 PT Sawit Mandiri Lestari (PT Sawit Sumbermas Sarana) Environment Investigation Agency (EIA) & Jaringan Pemantau Independen Kehutanan Kalimantan Tengah (JPIK Kalteng) It is alleged that the company violated RSPO standards and potentially Indonesian law, due to the following:

    Consultation with the communities did not take place as described in NPP documents, and affected communities did not participate in HCV assessments and SEIA;
    The HCV assessment is technically flawed;
    No FPIC process in place;
    The AMDAL process was not carried out in accordance with the law; and
    PT SML has not yet obtained permits that are a prerequisite to land clearing.
     
    A summary of the matter and latest updates are available here.
    R80 2015040303 Apr 2015 PT Sukses Karya Sawit (PT SKS), PT Berkat Nabati Sawit (PT BNS), PT Bumi Sawit Sejahtera (PT BSS), PT Sawit Nabati Agro (PT SNA) (IOI Corporation Berhad) Aidenvironment IOI Group allegedly violated RSPO Principles & Criteria and RSPO procedures.

    PT Sukses Karya Sawit (PT SKS): No NPP published, no time-bound plan, substandard review by Certification Body, land clearing without Plantation Business Permit/ Ijin Usaha Perkebunan (IUP) and Location Permit/ Ijin Lokasi in 2009, fraudulent statement on activity on-the-ground issued to the Provincial authority, and no concession boundary filed in ACOP 2013-2014.

    PT Berkat Nabati Sawit (PT BNS): No NPP published, no proper review of time-bound plan by Certification Body, land clearing without Plantation Business Permit/ Ijin Usaha Perkebunan (IUP) and Location Permit/ Ijin Lokasi in 2009, fraudulent statement on activity on-the-ground issued to the Provincial authority in 2009, no concession boundary filed in ACOP 2013-2014, encroachment into Manis Mata Production Forest, as well as a local media report alleging encroachment outside IUP boundary (media report dated September 2014).

    PT Bumi Sawit Sejahtera (PT BSS): HCV site #2 and forest cleared, canal constructed through HCV #2 prior to NPP, not reported in NPP, deep peat clearance (after signing up to a peat restoration project), land scheduled for development in 2015 already cleared in 2014, incorrect categorisation of NPP as "ongoing" because not all permits were obtained on 1 January 2010, land development prior to NPP, and no concession boundary filed in ACOP 2013-2014.

    A summary of the matter and latest updates are available here.
    R79 2015021616 Feb 2015 FELDA Community of Desa Begahak According to the National Enquiry into the Land Rights of Indigenous Peoples conducted by SUHAKAM, the state government had given 1260 acres of land to the Dusun Begahak community in 1981. At the same time, that same land was alienated to FELDA for development.
     
    The complainant raised the issue that FELDA had no right to develop their land and should return it to the community because the land originally belonged to the community. The complainant also stated that the cemetery area is being developed by FELDA.
     
    FELDA enclaved 916 acres of the said land and gave it back to the community on 25 May 1982. The community planted fruits and other crops on the land.

    A summary of the matter and latest updates are available here.
    R77 2015011919 Jan 2015 PT Barumun Agro Sentosa Mr Hepli Harahap (Gerakan Pemuda Untuk Keadilan Rakyat / GPUKR) FPIC related issues (RSPO Criteria 2.3, 6.4, 7.6). Complainant alleged that PT Barumun Agro Sentosa (PT BAS) has not compensated the land owned by Haji Soleh Hasibuan, of 25 ha, in Village Labuhan Jurung/ Ujung Batu Julu. About 7700 rubber trees were planted on the land; 

    Principle 2 Breach of Law No. 40/ 2007 on Perseroan Terbatas (PT/Corporate) and Law No. 47/2012 on Corporate Social and Environment Responsibility, as well as a lack of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR); and

    Criteria 5.3, because PT BAS has polluted Danau Meluak.

    A summary of the matter and latest updates are available here.
    R76 2014103030 Oct 2014 PT Permata Hijau Pasaman (Wilmar International Limited) Alman, S.H. Gampo Alam, Pucuak Adat Nagari Kapa (indigenous leader of Nagari Kapa) as well as the Head of Kerapatan Adat Nagari Kapa (KAN – a village/nagari-level customary institution in Minangkabau which maintains and preserves the Minangkabau customs and culture), supported by Forest People Programme (FPP) and HUMA. Clarity of the extent of PT PHP 1’s nucleus estate in Nagari Kapa; and
    Rejection of PT PHP 1’s application to the National Land Agency for a HGU certificate over the customary (ulayat) land of Nagari Kapa.

    A summary of the matter and latest updates are available here.
    R75 2014101313 Oct 2014 PT Kartika Prima Cipta (Golden Agri-Resources Ltd) Forest People Programme (FPP) and Transparansi untuk Keadilan (TuK) Golden Agri-Resources Ltd’s subsidiary PT Kartika Prima Cipta allegedly breached RSPO Principles and Criteria on:
    Free Prior Informed Consent (FPIC);
    Failure to carry out a proper HCV assessment prior to development; and
    Non-compliance with national laws of Indonesia.  
     
    A summary of the matter and latest updates are available here.
    R125 2013082525 Aug 2013 Genting Plantations Berhad Borneo Rhino Alliance (BORA) The complainant has raised the following questions :

    "(1) How does GPB explain the fact that it has reported a plantation expansion of more than 22,000 ha after the New Planting Procedure requirement took effect in January 2010 without placing prior notice on the RSPO website for comment?

    (2) How is it that GPB has been active in the development of the MSPO standards while not striving to achieve RSPO certification standards?  
     
    (3) Why does GPB plan to start the certification process in Malaysia more than 10 years after joining RSPO?"

    The basis of the complaint is the Genting Plantation annual reports of 2010, 2011 and 2012 ,which indicates that there have been new plantings since 2010. (http://www.gentingplantations.com/report/ar12/index.htm).

    However, the RSPO has not received any NPP notification request from Genting during this period.

    A summary on the matter and latest updates are available here.
    R126 2013080505 Aug 2013 Tanjung Bahagia Sdn Bhd (a subsidiary of Genting Plantations Berhad) Seven named communities of Tongod District in Sabah, supported by Jaringan Orang Asal SeMalaysia (JOAS), Partners of Community Associations (PACOS) and Forest Peoples Programme (FPP) Under the RSPO’s Code of Conduct for Members, companies that are members of the RSPO are expected to propose a ‘time-bound plan’ to bring their mills and plantations into conformity with the RSPO standard and then subject their operations to independent third- party verification so their operations can be certified as compliant with the RSPO. In 2012, Genting Plantations announced its intention to only bring its operations into full compliance with the RSPO standard by 2025 (see RSPO website). A ‘time bound plan’ that suggests tactics of delay rather than real commitment to implementing the RSPO standard.

    They contend that Genting Plantations’ subsidiary, Tanjung Bahagia Sdn Bhd, is in multiple violation of the RSPO’s Principles and Criteria, by failing to address the community’s concerns on land acquisition, pollution, conservation of HCV areas, open & transparent communication and consultation, and not having a dispute resolution mechanism to resolve the issues complained.  

    A summary on the matter and latest updates are available here.
    R122 2013061818 Jun 2013 PT Andalan Sukses Makmur (a subsidiary of Bumitama Agri Ltd) Friends of Borneo & Friends of the National Parks Foundation It is alleged that the company has cleared HCV  forest and planted in Tanjung Puting National Park which is in violations of the Indonesian national laws. They have also allegedly planted on coastal reserves and riparian land which are prohibited under Indonesian laws.

    A summary on the matter and latest updates are available here.
    R127 2013040808 Apr 2013 PT Ladang Sawit Mas (a subsidiary of Bumitama Agri Ltd) Friends of Borneo & International Animal Rescue The member has allegedly violated RSPO Principles and Criteria  by clearing HCV  forest and endangering the lives of orang utans found  there.

    A summary on the matter and latest updates are available here.
    R129 2013032121 Mar 2013 PT Sumber Hasil Prima & PT Sinar Sawit Andalan (a subsidiary of Goodhope Asia Holdings Ltd.) Friends of Borneo The allegations are PT Sumber Hasil Prima and  PT Sinar Sawit Andalan has failed to share with the communities effective plans on  the development. The companies have also started land clearing works without  Hak Guna Usaha. The communities are also disputing the companies right to the lands in the concessions  and charging that there has not been  a proper FPIC process.The company is also alleged to have used child labour in developing the plantations.

    A summary on the matter and latest updates are available here.
    R128 2013031111 Mar 2013 PT Nabatindo Karya Utama (a subsidiary of Bumitama Agri Ltd) Centre for Orangutan Protection The company has cleared HCV  forest and which  is the habitat of various endemic animals including orang utan.

    A summary on the matter and latest updates are available here.
    R133 2013022727 Feb 2013 PT Prima Mitrajaya Mandiri (a subsidiary of M.P. Evans Group PLC) An unidentified member of the community The Complainant has alleged that the company :
    is carrying out illegal logging on 540 ha of Kawasan Budidaya Kehutanan in Kabupaten Kutai Kertanegara.
    Planted on land outside the concession area.
    Planted on land outside the HGU.

    A summary on the matter and latest updates are available here.
    R121 2013020505 Feb 2013 PT Mekar Bumi Andalas (PT Wilmar Nabati Indonesia) (a subsidiary of Wilmar International Limited) Friends of Borneo, SAVE Wildlife Conservation Fund, Jakarta Animal Aid Network and others PT Mekar Bumi Andalas has been alleged to :
    have failed to provide adequate information to other stakeholders on environmental, social and legal issues relevant to RSPO Criteria.
    not complied with all applicable local, national and ratified international laws and regulations.
    have not mitigated the environmental impact of the development
    have breached parts of the RSPO Code of Conduct.

    A summary of the matter and latest updates are available here.
    R134 2012120606 Dec 2012 PT. Tri Bakti Sarimas Serikat Petani Kelapa Sawit Dissatisfaction with the terms of Koperasi Unit Desa (KUD) on the credit and repayment period has led to a peaceful protest by the villagers.
    However, on 8 June 2010, a villager was shot by security forces during the protest. The company has acknowledged the complaint and has engaged in a dialogue with the community. The family of the victim, Ibu Yusniar has been compensated

    A summary on the matter and latest updates are available here.
    R120 2012111010 Nov 2012 Biase Plantations Limited (a subsidiary of Wilmar International Limited) Rainforest Resource & Development Centre (RRDC) (on behalf of the Ibiae Land Lord Community) In November 2011, the Company acquired three estates which are Biase, Calaro and Ibiae with a total land area of 19,173 ha for oil palm plantation development. The concession was signed by the government of Nigeria. The Rainforest Resource & Development Centre (RRDC) is disputing about the legality of the agreement and the subsequent land acquisition in the concession area.

    The complaint was filed during the New Planting Procedure public consultation period.

    A summary on the matter and latest updates are available here.
    R130 2012102929 Oct 2012 PT Sisirau (a subsidiary of PT Ibris Palm) Sumatran Orangutan Society​ The allegations are PT Sisirau has cleared forest which is the habitat of orang utans in their plantation leading to starvation of the primates.

    A summary on the matter and latest updates are available here.
    R124 2012102525 Oct 2012 PT Bumi Langgeng Perdanatrada (a subsidiary of PT. Eagle High Plantations Tbk) HUTAN Group According to HUTAN, PT Bumi Langgeng Perdanatrada (a subsidiary of BW Plantation) had recently started their operation to expand their palm oil plantation onto the peatland forest areas, clearing (clarify) High Conservation Forests (HCVFs) and digging canals on the peatlands for drainage. The company is also alleged to have encroached into the Tanjung Putting National Park.

    A summary on the matter and latest updates are available here.
    R131 2012071717 Jul 2012 PT Agronusa Investama (a subsidiary of Wilmar International Limited) Forest Peoples Programme, Sawit Watch & Lembaga Gemawan

    New Planting announcement by Wilmar will affect the communities of Sabung and Beringin in Sambas District in West Kalimantan.

    1. No lands have been identified for securing HCV 5 thus threatening the food security of the communities.
    2. The communities are not sufficiently informed of their options.
    3. Land negotiations have dealt with urban land claimants to the exclusion of those who work and also claim the land

    A summary on the matter and latest updates are available here.

    GR-000928 2012061414 Jun 2012 PT Mitra Austral Sejahtera (Sime Darby Plantation Berhad) The communities of Sanggau (Kerunang & Entapang), Transparansi untuk Keadilan (TuK) Allegations from the communities of Sanggau against PT Mitral Austral Sejahtera (PT MAS) are:
    Lack of Transparency on the land status and partnership agreements;
    Lack of compliance to the communities' customary land rights;
    The absence of documented compensation; and
    Lack of compliance to local regulations.

    PT MAS has allegedly breached the following RSPO Principles and Criteria (P&C):
    Principle 1 on Transparency;
    Principle 2 on Compliance with applicable laws; and
    Principle 6 on consideration of employees, individuals and communities affected by growers and mills.

    In October 2017, the RSPO Complaints Panel issued a response to Sime Darby Plantation (SDP) on its plans to divest its interest in PT MAS to a third-party. RSPO noted that SDP had informed the potential buyer of the ongoing complaints and was in continued discussions with the buyer. In 2019, SDP confirmed its intention to divest its 100% interest in PT MAS due to poor financial performance, and stated that the sale of PT MAS includes a list of condition precedent towards the resolution of the complaint. Although fully divested, SDP has continued to engage with RSPO towards resolution. As of July 2021, following the completion of an independent legal review, Wilmar has been informed that a final decision is pending. Wilmar continues to engage with SDP for developments on the matter.

    A summary of the matter and updates are available here.
    R132 2012041717 Apr 2012 PT Kayung Agro Lestari (a subsidiary of PT. Austindo Nusantara Jaya Agri) International Animal Rescue Foundation (IARF) It is alleged that the Company has done the following actions:

    Causing harm to Orangutans and other inhabitants that are living in the area of West Kalimantan.
    Illegal logging and the use of snares to catch the Orangutans.
    Illegal use of 60 snares to catch bores and deer along with Orangutans in the 400 Ha forest located in Pelangsi, Kuala Santung.

    A summary on the matter and latest updates are available here.
    R123 2011021414 Feb 2011 PT Asiatic Persada (a subsidiary of Wilmar International Limited) Forest Peoples Program (FPP) (on behalf of the Indigenous Community in Jambi) Conflict on land issue between PT Asiatic Persada and the indigenous/ local communities

    A summary on the matter and latest updates are available here.
    R2 2011011717 Jan 2011 PT Kresna Duta Agroindo (a subsidiary of Golden Agri-Resources Ltd) Sawit Watch Shooting incident where 6 farmers were injured.

    This case involving the subsidiary has already been incorporated into GAR's overall action plan. Ongoing mediation is facilitated by The Forest Trust (TFT).

    Click here to read Multi-stakeholder approach to conflict resolution (page 48, Golden Agri-Resources Ltd – Sustainability Report 2011). To read the full report, please click here.

    Updates of this case are available in DSF list of disputes.

    A summary of the matter and latest updates are available here.
    R135 2010071515 Jul 2010 IJM Plantations Berhad Confidential The company has allegedly taken possession of native customary land without the consent of its owners. It is also alleged that the company is therefore trespassing on the said lands. The community wants the company to return the land to them.

    A summary on the matter and latest updates are available here.
    R136 2010050101 May 2010 PT Limpah Sejahtera (a subsidiary of First Resources Limited) International Animal Rescue Indonesia The company failed to carry out HCV assessment prior to land clearing and planting and not in compliance with RSPO’s New Planting Procedure (NPP).

    Non-compliance on the RSPO’s New Planting Procedure (NPP).
     
    Violation of P&C 7.3 - New plantings since November 2005 have not replaced primary forest or any area required to maintain or enhance one or more High Conservation Values.  

    Violation of RSPO P&C 5.2 - The status of rare, threatened or endangered species and other High Conservation Value habitats, if any, that exist in the plantation or that could be affected by plantation or mill management, shall be identified and operations managed to best ensure that they are maintained and/or enhanced.

    A summary on the matter and latest updates are available here.
    GR-000926 2010031515 Mar 2010 IOI Pelita Plantation Sdn Bhd (IOI Corporation Berhad) Local Community of Long Teran Kanan & NGO (Grassroots) Land conflict:
    IOI Group's certification renewal process was suspended on 1 April 2011. Both parties to the complaint have agreed to mediation. A mediator has been engaged through the RSPO Dispute Settlement Facility. Stage 1 of the mediation process began in September 2011. Stage 1 encompassed conflict assessment and an agreement to participate in the mediation process (This stage maps the dispute, through identification of parties who should participate in mediation, and establishment of the primary agenda of issues that require resolution. It also seeks the commitment of key parties to enter into mediation, and establishes their agreement with the mediation team).

    Updates on this case can be found in the DSF list of disputes.

    Remarks:
    1. RSPO met with IOI and JOAS on 9 January to determine JOAS' willingness to help facilitate the LTK communities in finding a solution for the dispute between the  communities and IOI. 

    2. JOAS agreed to facilitate, and a draft Terms of Reference (TOR) was prepared. 

    3. On 12 February 2014, IOI sent an email to RSPO and JOAS indicating that following the Court of Appeal's decision in IOI's favour, it is unwilling to comply with FPIC principles. An extract of the letter is as follows: 

    As it is established that “The community has failed to get recognition of their claim to these lands in the courts” i.e. no NCR status in the 2 leases, why is it necessary to by-pass the country’s legal outcome to include NCR status of Berawan into the mediation process? Moreover, IOI-Pelita has no intention to widen the scope to include Long Jegah community into the scope of this mediation as stated in our earlier email. 
    As IOI-Pelita is a 70:30 joint venture and Pelita being a state agency, the direction of TOR with participatory mapping is construed as indirect recognition of NCR status over the 2 leases and Company will not be a party to the process.  The FPIC process of participatory mapping is in direct conflict with the legal court’s decision of the land in this instance.  Company has no intention of breaking the country’s law in compliance with FPIC.

    4. Following that, on 20 February 2014, JOAS sent a letter to RSPO withdrawing its offer to facilitate resolution of the conflict through DSF because of IOI's rejection of RSPO's voluntary standards which go beyond national legislation. JOAS had requested that the matter be sent back to the Complaints Panel.   

    5. On 7 May 2014, the Complaints Panel sent a letter to IOI stating its disappointment and instructed IOI to state its stand and immediate plan of action towards resolution of the dispute. 

    6. On 20 May 2014, the Complaints Panel sent a letter to IOI reminding the company that its suspension was lifted because of IOI's earlier commitment to resolving the LTK dispute. The Complaints Panel also requested IOI to honour its commitment as an RSPO member.  

    7.  IOI replied on 21 May 2014, stating its willingness and readiness to resolve the dispute via DSF. 

    8. On 18 July, the Complaints Panel informed DSF that the matter has been handed over for resolution. 

    A summary of the matter and latest updates are available here.

     

     

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