InfoSAWIT, JAKARTA — The Directorate General of Plantations at the Ministry of Agriculture reaffirmed that labor protection, gender equality, and safe working conditions remain central pillars in the development of sustainable palm oil under the Indonesian Sustainable Palm Oil (ISPO) scheme.
Baginda Siagian, Director of Oil Palm and Various Palms, emphasized that the palm oil industry not only drives the national economy but also plays a vital role in poverty reduction and inclusive growth. Speaking at the Forwatan Discussion on Tuesday (2/12/2025), he said the ISPO framework mandates progress on fair employment, gender-sensitive policies, and the elimination of child labor.
Gender Equality and Worker Conditions Under Spotlight
Baginda highlighted persistent issues faced by female plantation workers, including exposure to hazardous tasks such as pesticide spraying without adequate protective equipment and wage disparities compared to male workers.
“The burden on women is doubled—they work in the plantations while also managing household responsibilities,” he noted. Issues of inadequate access to healthcare and limited maternity rights also persist.
On child labor, Baginda clarified that not all children seen on plantations fall under child labor violations. However, if minors are engaged in income-generating tasks, it constitutes a breach.
Companies Required to Adopt Non-discriminatory Policies
The government is pushing all palm oil companies to apply non-discriminatory labor policies and provide gender-responsive facilities such as lactation rooms, childcare spaces, and personal protective equipment tailored for female workers exposed to chemicals.
Baginda noted that the latest Presidential Regulation on ISPO strengthens companies’ obligations. Labor compliance falls under mandatory category four, with 66 criteria and 36 indicators required for certification, covering:
• Occupational health and safety (OHS)
• Employment contracts
• Worker training
• Welfare programs
• Child labor prohibition
• Freedom of association
• Formation of workers’ cooperatives
Expanding BPJS Employment Coverage
He also stated that the government is working with regional administrations to expand BPJS Employment coverage to all plantation workers, including family laborers in smallholder plantations.
“Sustainable palm oil development must prioritize labor welfare and gender fairness. Efficiency is not enough—the industry must be inclusive and protective,” Baginda concluded. (T2)
