InfoSAWIT, PULANG PISAU – In a bold move to conserve endangered species, PT Sawit Sumbermas Sarana Tbk. (SSMS) has established a 2,000-hectare conservation area in Central Kalimantan. Salat Island has become a haven for orangutans, symbolizing the company’s commitment to sustainability and biodiversity preservation.
Nestled within the lush green landscapes of Kalimantan, Salat Island features multiple clusters, including Nusa Satu (596 hectares), Nusa Dua (1,191 hectares), Badak Kecil (104 hectares), and Badak Besar (123 hectares). Since 2016, these areas have served as a rehabilitation center for orangutans released as part of a conservation program in partnership with the Borneo Orangutan Survival Foundation (BOSF).
Henky Satrio Wibowo, Chief Sustainability Officer (CSO) of SSMS, emphasized the importance of Salat Island as a vital element of the company’s commitment under the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) Remediation and Compensation Procedure (RaCP). “Salat Island is a cornerstone of our sustainability strategy, designed to protect orangutans while fostering community involvement,” Henky explained.
The RaCP initiative encompasses four main programs: orangutan pre-release projects, community forest assistance in Kotawaringin Barat Regency, community forest development in Danau Seluluk District of Seruyan Regency, and Village Forest mentoring in Petak Puti Village, Timpah District, Kapuas Regency.
With an initial investment of IDR 1.2 billion (excluding land compensation costs), Salat Island’s conservation status has been managed as an Area for Other Uses (APL) since 2016. This initiative is part of a 25-year RSPO-mandated development plan, with progress reported annually. “We aspire to transform this area into a research hub for both domestic and international scientists,” Henky added.
SSMS achieved significant milestones in its sustainability journey, including obtaining 100% Indonesian Sustainable Palm Oil (ISPO) certification in 2022 and 100% RSPO certification by the end of 2023. “These accomplishments are the result of relentless efforts to ensure all SSMS products meet the highest sustainability standards,” Henky remarked.
The company has also allocated an annual budget of IDR 14 to 16 billion for Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) programs. As part of its holistic sustainability approach, SSMS collaborates with local communities, sourcing fruit from three Village-Owned Enterprises (BUMDes) near Salat Island. This initiative not only protects the environment but also empowers local communities, proving that economic growth and environmental preservation can go hand in hand.
Through Salat Island, SSMS demonstrates that dedicated efforts can safeguard endangered species while creating tangible benefits for surrounding communities, setting an example for sustainable practices in the palm oil industry. (T2)
