InfoSAWIT, PALEMBANG — The Friendly Palm Oil Movement for Women Workers continues to expand to various palm oil-producing provinces, promoting gender equality and social protection for women workers. In South Sumatra, this initiative was realized through the launch of the Gender Equity in Business Initiatives Enthusiast (GEBIE), which was inaugurated alongside the provision of BPJS Employment protection for 1,000 informal women workers in the palm oil sector.
“This initiative is a tangible manifestation of the business world's commitment to women in the workplace. The good practices that have been implemented in the palm oil industry will be extended to other business sectors,” said Sumarjono Saragih, Chairman of the National Human Resource Development Division of GAPKI and Chairman of APINDO South Sumatra, in an official statement received by InfoSAWIT on Tuesday (August 12, 2025).
As the first figure of GEBIE South Sumatra, Sumarjono appointed Dr. Ratu Tenny Leriva—a young doctor and senator member of the DPD RI from South Sumatra—who will be the main driver of this movement. After the appointment, GEBIE immediately initiated the registration and financing of BPJS Employment contributions for 1,000 informal women workers in local palm oil plantations.
“Women are the capital for the progress of South Sumatra. Informal workers, especially women, often lack access to social security. Therefore, GEBIE prioritizes expanding access to this protection,” emphasized Sumarjono.
GEBIE is designed as a flexible movement involving individuals, communities, and institutions to promote inclusive and safe work practices for all genders. Not only focused on the palm oil industry, GEBIE is expected to become a model that can be adopted by other economic sectors.
For Dr. Ratu Tenny, the role as GEBIE Ambassador is a call to action. “This is not just a title, but a real commitment. The registration of 1,000 women workers is just the beginning. We will expand its impact so that more women in palm oil plantations receive adequate protection,” she stated.
With concrete initial steps in South Sumatra, GEBIE is expected to be a catalyst for transformation in the world of work—from palm oil for gender equality across Indonesia. (T2)
