Cargill Donates Assistance for Covid-19 Virus Prevention

South Sumatera, 30 April 2020 – Cargill announced a series of support measures to stem the spread of Covid-19 in Banyuasin and Musi Banyuasin, South Sumatera. Through its PT Hindoli oil palm plantation, Cargill carry out program to raise awareness in the community awareness, help with disinfection activities, as well as provide personal protective equipment and medical equipment to the community health centers, general hospitals and local Health Services Office. Cargill employees at PT Hindoli also assist with the distribution of basic food necessities to local communities.

“On behalf of the residents of Sungai Lilin Jaya Village, I thank Cargill for the Company's support in helping the community combat the Covid-19 outbreak. We greatly appreciate Cargill’s assistance in providing and distributing basic necessities to the community, as it means that residents do not have to leave their houses to buy groceries. This greatly minimizes the spread of the coronavirus,” said H. Tatang Jaswadi, S.Pd. M.Si Sungai Lilin Jaya Village Head.

The assistance provided by Cargill to prevent the spread of Covid-19 in Banyuasin and Musi Banyuasin Regency, among others, include:

• Educational material that provides information on the coronavirus and how its spread can be prevented, and how community members can protect themselves and their families.
• Distribution of essential food items to the community such as rice, flour, egg noodles, vegetable oil, milk and sardines.
• Distribution of medical equipment safety equipment such as hazmat clothes, glove, glasses, boots, raincoats, disinfectants, and ambulance.
• Distribution of public health equipment such as masks, disinfectant sprays, and infrared thermometers

Employees of Cargill have helped to prepare and distribute these donations across 11 villages within six sub-districts in Banyuasin and Musi Banyuasin district. Cargill will continue to distribute these donations to local communities surrounding the plantation areas as well as the local Covid-19 task force during the emergency period of the pandemic.

“At Cargill, we believe in putting people first, and that means ensuring the safety of our people, no matter what. We have been working with the local government as well as community leaders to help prevent the spread of the coronavirus, while protecting local communities and employees alike. We are also deeply appreciative of all our health workers who are working hard to overcome the pandemic. To show our support and appreciation, we are collaborating with the community health centers and general hospitals to equip the workers with the necessary personal protective equipment. We are thankful for the cooperation and prevention efforts of all parties to stem the spread of COVID-19,” said Ong Kee Chau, President Director PT Hindoli

In addition to helping communities around the plantation areas, Cargill has also implemented preventive measures at its facilities and plantation areas. Employees and contractors have their temperatures checked daily and are required to maintain a physical distance of one to two meters at worksites, including in transport vehicles. Cargill has also given masks and a thermometer for every worker and their family, totaling 25.000 masks and 8000 thermometers. Doctors and paramedics in these locations have also been trained in the appropriate emergency response protocols, in accordance to the government’s guidelines.

Cargill is monitoring the pandemic closely in Indonesia, and globally, and remains ready to implement new measures in accordance with any changes to national guidelines, ensuring that all Cargill plantations remain a safe workplace for all employees, contractors, and their family members. Cargill’s global and regional COVID-19 response is guided by our purpose to nourish the world in a safe, responsible and sustainable way.

This is just one example of how Cargill is working with our nonprofit and NGO partners around the globe to help address food security, health and safety needs and agriculture and food industry challenges due to the spread of COVID-19. In addition to monetary donations, we are collaborating with nonprofits around the globe to donate food, ingredients, and other high-need products for those who are vulnerable during this pandemic. For example, Cargill has donated nearly 1 million pounds of food to food shelves and hunger relief efforts in local communities where our employees live and work. Cargill’s global and regional COVID-19 response is guided by our purpose to nourish the world in a safe, responsible, and sustainable way.