InfoSAWIT, PONTIANAK – The West Kalimantan branch of the Indonesian Palm Oil Association (GAPKI) and the Supervisory Board of BPJS Employment have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening labor protection across the palm oil sector, highlighting the role of worker welfare in ensuring the long-term sustainability of Indonesia’s palm oil industry.
The commitment emerged during a coordination meeting held at the BPJS Employment West Kalimantan Office, where both parties discussed strategies to expand social security coverage and improve occupational safety standards for plantation workers.
GAPKI West Kalimantan Chairman Aris Supratman emphasized that the success of the palm oil industry should not be measured solely by production performance but also by the industry's ability to safeguard worker welfare and maintain harmonious industrial relations.
“The sustainability of the palm oil industry must be built on a balance between productivity and labor protection. Worker protection is not only a corporate responsibility but also a shared necessity to ensure the industry's long-term resilience,” Aris said, as quoted by InfoSAWIT from Antara on Saturday (June 6, 2026).
According to Aris, most GAPKI member companies in West Kalimantan have already enrolled their employees in BPJS Employment programs. However, challenges remain, particularly due to high labor turnover rates and the dynamic nature of short-term contract employment in plantation operations.
These issues have become a key focus of discussions with BPJS Employment as both organizations seek more effective and practical protection schemes for workers.
Palm Oil Sector Dominates Social Security Participation
BPJS Employment Supervisory Board member Sumarjono Saragih noted that the palm oil plantation sector makes a significant contribution to Indonesia’s employment social security system, with more than 70 percent of BPJS Employment participants originating from the sector.
“Palm oil plantations have unique characteristics because many operate across vast and remote areas. This requires tailored approaches to ensure that labor protection reaches all workers effectively,” Sumarjono said.
He added that strengthening Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) implementation remains a critical priority in enhancing labor protection standards throughout the industry.
Through stronger OHS practices, workers can benefit from safer working conditions while reducing exposure to workplace accidents and broader socio-economic risks.
Expanding Coverage to Informal Workers
Beyond formal employees, BPJS Employment is also encouraging broader social security participation among informal workers connected to the palm oil supply chain.
These groups include oil palm smallholders, fresh fruit bunch (FFB) transport drivers, and loading and unloading workers, many of whom have yet to be fully covered by social security programs.
“We want to help create a sustainable palm oil industry that Indonesia can be proud of. West Kalimantan has a strong opportunity to become a model province in expanding worker protection, including coverage for informal workers and their families,” Sumarjono said.
Pontianak BPJS Employment Head Suhuri highlighted the strategic role of the plantation sector in creating jobs and supporting regional economic growth.
He stressed that collaboration with GAPKI is essential to ensuring that all workers receive comprehensive social protection benefits.
“The palm oil plantation sector is one of Indonesia’s largest employers. Through our partnership with GAPKI, we hope to expand social security coverage further, improve worker welfare, and strengthen the sustainability of the palm oil industry, particularly in West Kalimantan,” Suhuri said.
Through the meeting, GAPKI West Kalimantan and BPJS Employment agreed to strengthen communication and coordination, intensify awareness campaigns regarding social security benefits, and encourage greater participation among plantation companies in creating a more inclusive and sustainable worker protection system. (T2)
