InfoSAWIT, JAKARTA – Behind the often-criticized palm oil industry, there's a different story about maintaining sustainability. PT Bumitama Gunajaya Agro (BGA), a major player in the sector, has chosen a path less known to the public: quiet diplomacy.
"We report every fire, no matter how small, to the police. This ensures everything is orderly and can be traced," said Johan Sukardi, BGA's Corporate Affairs Director, in a conversation with InfoSAWIT. For him, transparency is not an option but an obligation.
The dry season is always a tough test. Forest and land fires often erupt, even outside the company's concession. Yet the impact remains: the air fills with smoke, productivity is disrupted, and the company's image is threatened.
BGA doesn't wait for problems to escalate. They have formed an internal fire-fighting team, partnered with Manggala Agni, and trained local villagers. Fire-ready villages have even been established to strengthen defenses from the ground up.
"If the community is involved in protection, the response is faster. Especially if there are incentives that make them feel part of the solution," Johan explained.
Village Forest Conservation
BGA's efforts don't stop at extinguishing fires. One of their programs, now recognized by international certification bodies, is village forest conservation. In collaboration with local communities, the company manages forest areas using a collaborative model.
The communities are not only invited to protect but are also given a space to gain economic benefits. Incentives, training, and small-scale eco-tourism assistance are the entry points. "If there is economic value, the forest is no longer a burden but an asset to be preserved," said Johan.
This strategy is deliberately low-profile. There are no grand ceremonies or big communication campaigns. Johan calls it "quiet diplomacy."
Without media fanfare, the impact is felt more strongly. Social conflicts around the company have decreased, relationships with the community have improved, and productivity has increased.
"We are not an NGO. But we know that without the trust of the community, we will not survive," Johan affirmed. For him, sustainability cannot be built with short-term programs.
"If a company wants to live for the next 50 years, then we have to live with them today."
This approach shows another side of the palm oil industry. That sustainability is not just a slogan but real work on the ground. From fire readiness to village eco-tourism, BGA's quiet diplomacy is proof that companies and communities can walk hand-in-hand. (T2)
