InfoSAWIT, KUBU RAYA – The Kubu Raya Regency Government in West Kalimantan has reaffirmed its commitment to eliminating child labor from the palm oil sector through the signing of a joint declaration aimed at building a child labor-free palm oil industry.
The declaration was signed during a coordination meeting on child labor prevention in the agriculture and plantation sectors, held at Bank Kalbar’s Kubu Raya branch on June 2, 2026. The event was officially opened by Deputy Regent Sukiryanto.
According to information obtained by InfoSAWIT from the Kubu Raya Regency Government, local authorities believe that addressing child labor requires more than regulatory enforcement. Instead, the issue must be tackled at its roots to ensure children can enjoy their rights to education, growth, and development.
“Today we are holding this coordination meeting to ensure that children are not involved in palm oil plantation work,” Sukiryanto said.
He noted that economic hardship remains one of the primary drivers behind child labor, making education, social outreach, and community empowerment critical components of any long-term solution.
“We need to raise awareness that underage children should not be working, but at the same time we must identify and address the underlying causes,” he explained.
According to Sukiryanto, children often enter the workforce due to family financial pressures, highlighting the need for broader social support and targeted interventions.
The deputy regent emphasized that protecting children is a shared responsibility involving government agencies, communities, and palm oil companies operating across Kubu Raya.
He called on plantation firms to go beyond business operations and demonstrate tangible social responsibility toward surrounding communities.
“Companies should not focus solely on commercial activities. They must also demonstrate genuine social responsibility toward the communities living around their operational areas,” he said.
Beyond child labor concerns, Sukiryanto also highlighted the importance of transparent and accountable Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programs. He argued that local governments should be involved in monitoring CSR implementation to ensure benefits reach communities effectively.
“Palm oil companies need to ensure that CSR programs are distributed transparently and with clear oversight involving local authorities,” he said.
He added that CSR initiatives should address real community needs and help mitigate the environmental and infrastructure impacts associated with plantation activities, including road damage and other public concerns.
The Kubu Raya administration hopes the declaration will serve as a foundation for stronger collaboration between local government, plantation companies, and other stakeholders in developing a more responsible and sustainable palm oil industry.
Officials believe such cooperation is essential to ensuring that no child’s future is compromised amid the continued growth of Indonesia’s palm oil sector. (T2)
