InfoSAWIT, JAKARTA – Sinar Mas Agribusiness and Food has been honored with the 2026 Partnership for Action Against Child Labour in Agriculture (PAACLA) Award in the category of National Company with Multinational Affiliation, recognizing its commitment to promoting children's rights through the Sawit Indonesia Ramah Anak (SIRA) initiative. The program aims to foster a safe, child-friendly plantation environment while preventing child labor across the company's operations.

According to an official statement received by InfoSAWIT, the company maintains a zero-tolerance policy against child labor and strictly prohibits the employment of individuals under the age of 18. The policy is supported by employee identity verification procedures and awareness programs designed to strengthen understanding of child labor risks among business partners throughout its supply chain.

The initiative reflects the company's broader commitment to responsible labor practices, respect for human rights, and sustainable business operations within Indonesia's palm oil industry.

Beyond preventing child labor, Sinar Mas Agribusiness and Food also seeks to promote children's welfare by providing access to basic healthcare services, supporting educational opportunities in communities surrounding its operations, protecting the rights of pregnant and breastfeeding employees, and operating childcare facilities for workers' families.

Anita Neville, Chief Sustainability & Communications Officer of Sinar Mas Agribusiness and Food, said the award reinforces the company's determination to strengthen collaboration in safeguarding children's well-being.

"This recognition encourages us to continue strengthening partnerships that support children's welfare and development. Creating opportunities for children to learn, grow, and reach their full potential is a shared responsibility that requires long-term commitment from all stakeholders. We believe sustainable impact can only be achieved through collective action, and we remain committed to working with our partners to build an inclusive and supportive environment for future generations," Neville said.

The company also works closely with the Eka Tjipta Foundation (ETF) to provide quality education for children living around its plantation operations.

According to Evelyn Widjaja, Division Head of Education at Eka Tjipta Foundation, preventing child labor in plantation areas requires a comprehensive approach that goes beyond simply prohibiting underage employment.

"Preventing child labor in the plantation sector cannot rely solely on prohibition. It requires a holistic approach that ensures every child has the opportunity to grow, learn, and build a better future. Education plays a fundamental role in achieving that goal," she said.

Supporting National Children's Day Activities

The company's commitment was further demonstrated through a series of activities commemorating the World Day Against Child Labour, initiated by the International Labour Organization (ILO).

In collaboration with PAACLA, Sinar Mas Agribusiness and Food organized a two-day National Children's Day program on June 10–11, 2026, under the theme "Voice of the Future, Every Child Matters."

Held at Eka Tjipta Katayang Junior High School in Seruyan Regency, Central Kalimantan, the event brought together 50 students in a safe and inclusive learning environment designed to promote awareness of children's rights, empathy, and active participation.

Participants received education on key child rights, including the right to life, development, protection, diversity, and participation. As part of the development program, psychologists from Kalawa Atei Mental Hospital provided guidance on personal safety, body privacy, self-protection, and recognizing the risks of exploitation.

Danang Yudianto Wijaya, Principal of SMP Eka Tjipta Katayang, emphasized the importance of involving children in meaningful educational activities.

"Encouraging children to participate actively in learning and self-expression is essential for building character, empathy, and critical thinking skills. We highly appreciate this collaboration because it provides a safe and meaningful environment where children can thrive," he said.

Echoing the importance of collaboration, Misran Lubis, Program Manager of PAACLA, highlighted the role of the Children's Rights and Business Principles (CRBP)—developed by UNICEF and the UN Global Compact—in strengthening child protection across the agricultural sector.

"Every child has the right to grow, learn, and express their aspirations. Consistent implementation of child protection commitments not only helps develop high-quality human resources but also strengthens the sustainability and global competitiveness of Indonesia's palm oil industry," Misran said.

Through collaboration among companies, schools, local communities, and other stakeholders, initiatives such as SIRA are expected to further strengthen child protection across Indonesia's plantation sector while supporting sustainable community development for future generations. (T2)