Jakarta. As Indonesia celebrates Labor Day on May 1st, it is crucial to recognize the critical role that workers play in the country's economy. Indonesia, with a workforce of 130 million people, is the fourth-largest in the Asia-Pacific region, according to the International Labor Organization (ILO). The contributions of its workers are indispensable to the nation's economic growth.

Indonesia's economy has been significantly impacted by various industries, and the pulp and paper sector is one of them. This industry alone has generated 1.2 million jobs indirectly and contributed around IDR 110 trillion to the country's economy as export value, based on data from the Ministry of Industry in 2022.

As one of the leading producers of pulp and paper in Indonesia, APRIL Group has a substantial workforce that is integral to its success. The company recognizes the importance of its workers and has made a significant effort to provide them with a safe and conducive working environment and its various initiatives aimed at improving their welfare. 

The producer of PaperOne has created an average of 89,646 new job opportunities annually, making it a significant employer in Riau Province and across Indonesia. This positive impact on the community has contributed Rp 368.51 trillion ($26.3 billion) to Indonesia's GDP, according to a report by the Social and Economic Research Institution of Indonesia University's Economic and Business School (LPEM FEB UI) in 2019, for the 1998-2018 period.

With a workforce of around 9,000 employees and more than 21,500 contractors working across all business functions and locations, the APRIL Group is expanding its operations. Last year, ground-breaking started on paperboard production facilities worth Rp33.4 trillion, which is expected to increase the company’s workforce and make a further contribution to Indonesia’s economy.

The APRIL Group has also made significant strides in prioritizing the protection of human and labor rights. Its 10-year vision, APRIL2030, has an inclusive progress target that is centered on promoting diversity and inclusion in the workplace. In January 2022, the APRIL Group publicly committed to promoting equal opportunity and diversity in the workplace through its standalone Human Rights Policy. The policy seeks to eliminate all forms of discrimination and harassment, promote equal opportunity and participation for women, and foster a culture of diversity and inclusion where everyone has equal opportunities to thrive and succeed.

"We're committed to advancing women's leadership and inclusion in our workforce, especially in our industry sector. APRIL has set a target for one in five leadership positions to be held by women by 2030," said Sihol Aritonang, President Director of PT Riau Andalan Pulp and Paper (PT RAPP), APRIL Group's operating arm.

The APRIL Group’s commitment goes beyond just creating job opportunities. The company provides concrete support to its employees and their families, such as proper housing, education, hospitals, and sports centers in Riau Kompleks, Pangkalan Kerinci. Additionally, PT RAPP, supports workers' rights by offering favorable working hours, nursing rooms, and providing buses for pregnant workers during the pandemic. The company's comprehensive approach prioritizes its employees' health and safety, and as of December 2021, 99 percent of its employees and contractors were fully vaccinated. 

A solid commitment to providing equal opportunities for all its employees has helped many individuals like Sri Ella Gisti achieve their career goals. Ella joined APRIL Group in 2019 and shared how meaningful support helped her manage the balance of raising a family while pursuing her career.  Her hard work and determination led to her promotion as a plantation trainer in just two years and aims to contribute to APRIL’s diversity goals and challenging stereotypes by helping more women enter the forestry industry. “When I take up a leadership role, I will prepare women employees to be ready for important positions such as supervisors, superintendents, and managers to challenge the stigma associated with women in the forestry industry.”

Supporting Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs)

APRIL Group is dedicated to achieving its APRIL2030 vision, which focuses on inclusive progress and supporting not only its employees but also the wider community. One of the main goals of the company is to help eradicate poverty within a radius of 50 km from its operations. 

To achieve this objective, APRIL Group has launched an MSMEs development program to promote entrepreneurship in the local community. Last year, the company partnered with 243 MSMEs in six sectors, including human resources, transport, material supply, civil construction, and heavy equipment. This initiative has created more than 6,000 jobs and aided 99 MSME partners engaged in crafts, fashion, culinary, and other services.

In partnership with Kreaologi, a digital supply chain platform for craft enterprises, has recently launched SEMARAK, a year-long training program for 30 micro-entrepreneurs. The initiative has made a positive impact on numerous MSMEs, with an increase in monthly income of up to 40 percent by optimizing sales channels through numerous e-commerce. Of the total participants, 80 percent were women from four districts where APRIL operates, namely Pelalawan, Kuantan Singingi, Siak, and Meranti Islands. 

One of the participants, Desi Wirasati, whose signature product is spicy crunchy anchovies, used to struggle with generating revenue by walking around the neighborhood trying to sell snacks. By providing training in areas such as e-commerce and supply chain management, the program has helped these entrepreneurs like Desi, improve their products and reach a wider audience.

"Until I met the people who encouraged me to attend SEMARAK, I learned a lot there that helped me promote my products on Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp. My business has now grown," she said.

Another SEMARAK participant, Elvina, a housewife, was compelled to start her own business to provide for her family’s basic needs. Initially, she began by selling nibbles and crackers and later added traditional drinks called Wedang Serai to her product line. Elvina relied on word-of-mouth promotion to market her products.

However, after participating in the SEMARAK training program, Elvina's income has significantly improved. She has switched to digital platforms, and with support from the program, she was able to design and develop eye-catching packaging, which has helped boost her product's popularity.

After the SEMARAK training, Elvina has seen a benefit in her income. "Now I have turned to digital platforms, and they provided me with support in designing and developing the packaging, which has helped boost my product's popularity."

The active engagement of the local MSMEs in the SEMARAK program ensures effective efforts for inclusive policies in line with the principles of leaving no one behind.