Astra Agro (AALI), as part of Astra International, has today published the full independent report to respond allegations raised by civil society related to three of the company’s subsidiaries operating plantations in Sulawesi.
The grievances relate to an initial report published by a coalition of Walhi and Friends of the Earth (FoE) in 2022. In March 2023 AALI engaged EcoNusantara (ENS) to carry out a thorough and wholly independent review. Throughout the process, stakeholders were kept updated through biweekly update published on AALI’s website (Company’s Statement page).
AALI appreciates ENS’ eight-month effort in gathering data and facts on the ground, AALI understands that these activities were complex and full of challenges. The report also highlighted the complexity of land tenure that not only involves interaction between the company and the community, but also within communities. Details of the comprehensive report can be accessed via the AALI’s website at: (Click here for ENS independent report).
Throughout the investigation period ENS and AALI made it clear that they were open to all stakeholder participation, and in particular would welcome any additional evidence relating to grievances and claims by communities, individuals, and civil societies.
CEO of ENS, Zulfahmi said “In carrying out independent complex assessments like this, we always encourage related parties including civil society to work in partnership transparently in getting actual facts on the ground. While we respect the decision of each party during the verification process, we have consistently been clear that our door – and that of AALI – remained, and remains open to any evidence. We believe that what is more important in the future is that the parties need to move forward together to resolve the problems on the ground.”
“We also accept that no report will satisfy everyone but again, we are confident that AALI remains open to looking at any further clear information and evidence that any stakeholder has and commit to doing our utmost to resolve any arising issues,” said Zulfahmi.
Meanwhile CEO of AALI, Santosa said that AALI sees the results of ENS verification are a positive step forward for all stakeholders since it contains a comprehensive assessment to respond to the allegations. AALI believes that the report will be able to provide a picture for stakeholders to better understand what has actually happened on the ground.
Furthermore, Santosa said that AALI is now focusing its efforts and time on assimilating and then delivering a proposed action plan to implement the recommendations contained in the report. “We invite and encourage parties who are interested or concerned about solving problems or want to assist the community to be part of this process. To continue to provide stakeholders with updates on our ongoing activities, we intend to continue to publish updates regarding this process periodically,” said Santosa.
For further information :
Fenny Sofyan (AALI), email : fasofyan@astra-agro.co.id
Zulfahmi (ENS), email : zulfahmi@econusantara.org
