At the very core of Asia Pulp & Paper (APP) Sinar Mas exists a vision that sees beyond the horizons of traditional industry and understands the interconnectedness of our world. Recognising forests as invaluable ecosystems, communities as the bedrock of civilisation, and sustainability as an enduring commitment, we have been constantly evolving. Every decision we make reverberates our unwavering commitment to the environment, the communities that lean on us, and the globally recognised standards of operation. Treading this journey of corporate responsibility, our footprints are etched with collaborations, innovative strides, and a continuous thirst for knowledge.
Desa Makmur Peduli Api (DMPA): Beyond the Blueprint of Community Development
When one delves deep into Asia Pulp & Paper’s ethos of Desa Makmur Peduli Api (DMPA), they find it’s not just another Corporate Social Responsibility programme but a manifestation of our beliefs.
Economic Growth and Livelihoods: The essence of DMPA is about creating ripples of change that touch every life. Our alliance with initiatives like the Kalimantan Rattan Project and Vinto Craft does not merely impart skills like rattan weaving. Rather, it breathes life into local entrepreneurship, reignites the flame of local craftsmanship, and sets forth sustainable trading practices that are a win-win for nature and the artisans who call it home.
Equipping for the Digital Era: With digital transformation changing the fabric of our world, we are leaving no stone unturned to prepare our nation’s communities for it. By facilitating e-commerce workshops in partnership with YDS, we are not just introducing them to online trading; we are providing them wings to soar in a global marketplace, celebrating and promoting their unique craftsmanship.
Health, Sanitation, and Environmental Respect: Our commitment to the well-being of our communities extends to every facet of their lives. Initiatives like community-based waste management programmes, state-of-the-art recycling facilities, and clean water initiatives are designed to ensure that every community member leads a healthy life. By ingraining the principle of environmental respect into our actions, we are driving home the point that progress and nature can coexist harmoniously.
Strengthening Infrastructure: Infrastructure is the skeleton that supports the growth of any community. Beyond just erecting structures, it’s about establishing frameworks for sustainable living. Whether it is about erecting sanitation facilities or ensuring regular access to potable water, every step is calibrated towards fostering communities that are resilient, flourishing, and future-ready.
The Power of Unity: Impact through Collaborations
Asia Pulp & Paper’s success narratives are not just about impeccable business strategies but are deeply intertwined with our ethos of being nurturing and collaborative. Indeed, the incredible synergy that emanates when determined organisations and committed individuals come together is evident in every partnership we forge.
Our collaborations span various domains, each underpinned by mutual objectives, a vision to uplift communities, and an unwavering determination to drive transformative change. Whether it is our partnership with the Doktor Sjahrir Foundation (DSF), Martha Tilaar Group, or the Indonesia Global Compact Network, the crux remains the same: a harmonisation of efforts, aiming for a collective positive impact that resonates far and wide.
A cornerstone of our collaborative spirit is the dedication to uphold the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Our community investment programmes serve as our pledge to realise a world free from poverty (Goal 1), a world where no individual goes to bed hungry (Goal 2), where everyone enjoys good health and well-being (Goal 3), where gender equality is not a distant dream but a tangible reality (Goal 5), where access to clean water and sanitation is a given (Goal 6), where economic growth is inclusive and offers decent work for all (Goal 8), and where responsible consumption and production is the norm (Goal 12).
A shining example in this journey is our programme tailored for the empowerment of women. In alliance with Martha Tilaar Group and with the robust support from the Indonesia Global Compact Network, our vision is set to empower 1,000 women hailing from communities near our concessions and mill operations.
Furthermore, our collaboration with the Doktor Sjahrir Foundation (DSF) serves as a testament to our dedication to educating communities, particularly housewives, about economic empowerment. The recent challenges brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic have highlighted the expanding roles of women in ensuring family welfare and contributing to household income. Our joint initiatives with DSF encompass many activities tailored to bolster economic stability and empowerment, especially in these trying times.
Land and Trust: Prioritising Rights and Relationships
Building on our spirit of unity and collaboration, here at Asia Pulp & Paper, we remain unwaveringly committed to the principles of informed consent in our forest conservation endeavours. It’s more than just respecting territorial rights — it’s about understanding, communication, and combining diverse interests towards a singular, sustainable vision.
In our continuous journey to uphold these principles, we often navigate intricate terrains that bring economic and socio-cultural factors to the forefront. Tensions stemming from ownership or tenure can challenge our initiatives, especially when amplified by historical, customary, and sometimes even financial motivations. But at the heart of our efforts is our policy of Free, Prior, and Informed Consent (FPIC), which has always served as our guiding light.
To traverse these terrains, we have streamlined processes and set frameworks:
- Land Dispute Mapping: By understanding the geographical and socio-political intricacies of every dispute, we’re better positioned to address them.
- Strategic Approaches: Each land dispute is unique, and we aim to approach each one with tailor-made strategies.
- Specialised Divisions: The creation of a Social and Security Division exemplifies our dedication to prioritising and systematically addressing these disputes.
- Robust Frameworks: Implementing Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) ensures that every effort is consistent, replicable, and efficient.
- Regional Involvement: Through the Regional Social Working Group (SWGR) in areas such as Riau, Jambi, and South Sumatra, we are continuously engaged at the grassroots level, understanding regional nuances and addressing them aptly.
In the context of village politics, trust and understanding play pivotal roles. Navigating these multifaceted dynamics demands patience, commitment, and perseverance. Yet, every interaction, every resolution, every mediation is a learning experience, further equipping us to remain true to Asia Pulp & Paper’s ethos. Our commitment to manage, resolve, and most importantly, learn from these engagements is not just a reflection of our responsibility — it’s an embodiment of our collaborative spirit.
The Pulse of Asia Pulp & Paper: Our Valued Workforce
The strength and vitality of Asia Pulp & Paper as an organisation are derived from its diverse workforce. Every individual, irrespective of their role at Asia Pulp & Paper, offers unique insights, expertise, and passion. As the horizon of our company expands, the well-being and personal growth of each team member remain a central focus. Our alignment with the ILO Standards, comprehensive employee benefits, and skill enhancement programmes underscore our philosophy that our success is intertwined with the growth and happiness of our people.
Crafting Tomorrow’s Legacy with Asia Pulp & Paper
Our journey, while marked with milestones, is never-ending. With every passing day, Asia Pulp & Paper’s resolve solidifies — to stand by our communities, honour our partnerships, and cherish our shared environment. We invite stakeholders, partners, and every individual to join this evolving narrative. Together, let’s weave a future where every endeavour exudes positivity, and every footprint manifests our collective promise for a greener, more inclusive, and prosperous tomorrow.
