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Jakarta (ANTARA) – PT Astra Agro Lestari Tbk (AALI), a subsidiary of Astra International, has released a full report from an independent third party to respond to allegations of environmental and human rights violations from the Wahana Lingkungan Hidup Indonesia (Walhi) and Friends of the Earth (FOE).
Eco Nusantara (ENS) Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Zulfahmi said in March 2023 AALI had appointed his company to conduct a thorough and independent review of activities on the ground.
“To conduct a complex independent assessment like this, we encourage stakeholders including civil society to work together, transparently to get the real facts on the ground,” he said in a written statement here on Tuesday.
Zulfahmi said ENS respects each party’s decision, and during the verification process, both ENS and AALI have consistently been very open to evidence.
With this trust, he said, it is hoped that the real root of the problem can be obtained, making it easier to determine the solution.
“We also realize that no report can satisfy all parties. But once again, we are confident that AALI remains open to seeing clear information and evidence held by stakeholders, and is committed to doing its best to resolve the issues that arise,” he said.
Meanwhile, Astra Agro CEO Santosa said the outcome of the ENS verification is a positive step forward for all stakeholders as it provides a comprehensive assessment to respond to the allegations.
So far, he said, he believes that the ENS report can provide an overview for stakeholders to better understand what is actually happening on the ground.
For now, he said, the company is focused on its efforts and in due course will assimilate and submit a proposed action plan to implement the recommendations based on the report.
“We invite and encourage parties who are interested or concerned about problem solving or want to help the community to be part of this process,” he said.
The company, he added, is ready to provide stakeholders with updates on ongoing activities.
“We intend to continue to publish updates on this process on a regular basis,” Santosa said.
Previously, Walhi and FOE said three palm oil companies owned by Astra Agro operating in Central Sulawesi and West Sulawesi, committed human rights violations and damaged the environment.
Source: Antaranews.com
