InfoSAWIT, SIAK – In the Siak and Pelalawan regions, palm oil suppliers are witnessing a shift not only in production but also in community relationships, partnerships, and the promise of a sustainable future. Golden Agri-Resources (GAR), through the Siak-Pelalawan Landscape Program (SPLP), is helping suppliers like Syamsul Bahari embrace responsible agricultural practices.
Syamsul, currently the Head of Administration at PT Karya Panen Terus, a GAR supplier, faced numerous operational challenges when he joined in July 2022. Efficiency issues hindered the performance of the palm oil processing unit under his management. “We had to control costs strictly and place the right teams, but it wasn’t easy,” Syamsul told InfoSAWIT, referencing GAR’s website on Wednesday, November 13, 2024.
Overseeing a team of 100, Syamsul aimed not only to keep the business afloat but also to create stability for the local community. However, without a clear process standard covering acceptance, processing, and product delivery to GAR, he described his experience as “working in the dark.”
In August 2024, a turning point arrived when Syamsul and his team attended GAR’s SMART Sustainable Palm Oil Training (SMART SPOT) as part of GAR’s supplier transformation program. This training offered him practical insights into the changes needed to optimize operations. “The training opened my eyes to the adjustments we had to make,” he said.
SMART SPOT not only introduced new concepts but also allowed participants to apply them in daily operations. Inspired, Syamsul returned to his team and began implementing changes that met GAR’s expectations while elevating overall operational standards. A primary focus of the program was supply chain traceability, initially met with resistance from some team members.
“Not everyone was immediately enthusiastic about change,” he recalled. Yet, as the benefits of the new practices became clear, suppliers began to understand that these adjustments were not just about compliance but about enhancing operational efficiency and sustainability.
For Syamsul, sustainability means not only meeting current needs but also preserving natural resources for future generations. “Every action we take has consequences, especially for the environment,” he remarked, viewing environmental preservation as a key responsibility within the palm oil industry while ensuring economic growth. (T2)
