Positive social impact
Millions of people worldwide rely on agriculture for their livelihoods. Multi-generational families have built their lives and careers with SIPEF, with children born on plantations attending SIPEF schools and some earning scholarships to international universities.
SIPEF is committed to respecting human, labour, and community rights, in accordance with local laws and international frameworks. By providing employment, health, education, and infrastructural services, we create shared value and foster long-term relationships within the communities in which we operate.
We extend this same respect to the communities that neighbour our operations and those of our suppliers. This includes upholding indigenous and local communities' legal and customary land tenure rights, as well as their rights to resources, territories, livelihoods, and food security.
Free, Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC)
A thorough Free, Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC) process is critical to the long-term success of any new operation. All PT Tolan Tiga Indonesia's plantations, and those of its suppliers, must adhere to FPIC principles as defined by the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) and Rainforest Alliance (RA). This includes, for example, a community's right to say 'no', its right to legal representation of choice, and its right to compensation, where existing operations have had a proven impact.
The concept of FPIC does not end with the transfer of land rights. All social aspects and impacts are identified and addressed at all stages of plantation development through an ongoing stakeholder engagement process in line with the SA8000 social accountability methodology. These engagements are audited annually for representativeness, transparency, and other criteria as per sustainability standards.
Where land conflict exists, we implement agreed conflict resolution processes. Our conflict resolution mechanism is embedded in our Grievance Procedures. Details of land conflicts are available on the Grievance Dashboard.
Fair labour practices and workplace safety
SIPEF is committed to treating all employees fairly, protecting their rights, and upholding labour standards across its operations. We comply with all applicable local laws and aligns with international frameworks, including the International Labour Organization’s (ILO) Declaration on Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work and the United Nations’ Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Our commitment is reflected in SIPEF's Responsible Plantations Policy (RPP) and Human Rights Policy, as well as in dedicated policies on child labour, forced or trafficked labour, freedom of association, occupational health and safety, equal employment opportunity, and protection of reproductive rights.
Beyond compliance, our commitment extends to enhancing the well-being of employees across our operations.
Permanent and casual workers are employed according to labour regulations and receive a decent living wage, including those on piece rate/quotas, for which the calculation is based on achievable quotas during regular working hours. SIPEF is committed to providing a fair and decent living wage as required by the RSPO.
Safety at work is ensured through continuous training, by the provision of appropriate protective equipment, and by internal supervision and control systems. Every working day starts with a safety briefing.
Most of PT Tolan Tiga Indonesia's employees and their families live within its operations and are provided with housing, clean water, medical services, as well as access to education for all their children.
Supporting long-term relationships
Our operations are embedded in broader natural and social landscapes, where long-term relationships are built with local communities. We seek to ensure that local communities benefit from our presence by providing employment and investing in essential infrastructure such as schools, roads, health centres, bridges, and places of worship.
Our teams engage regularly with communities and key stakeholders through surveys and participatory meetings. These engagements capture perceptions of SIPEF's activities, including positive and negative impacts, which are integrated into a risk management process with mitigation measures that are implemented, monitored, and continuously improved.
SIPEF also supports food security for communities and employees. In Indonesia, workers and their families receive on average 28–32 kilograms of rice per household each month.
Many surrounding communities depend on farming and we support their livelihoods where requested. In Indonesia, this includes providing planting material, land management services, and guaranteed market access through village planting programmes (Kebun Masyarakat Desa).
Community engagement
SIPEF works closely with smallholders and local communities to promote inclusive development and reduce environmental pressures. We support income diversification, strengthen resilience, and encourage sustainable land use.
In Indonesia, community initiatives are integrated into conservation programmes, such as SIPEF Biodiversity Indonesia (SBI). Through agroforestry and food garden projects, farmers generate household income while contributing to forest protection.
We monitor our community engagement programmes and incorporate community feedback to ensure these initiatives respond to local needs and contribute to wider conservation and sustainability objectives.