Cross-Sector Collaboration Increases the Role and Empowerment of Women in Palm Oil Plantation Communities

Sekayu, November 2, 2022 – Yayasan CARE Peduli (YCP) and PT Cargill Indonesia together with the Musi Banyuasin District Government today declared the commitment to build the capacity of women palm oil farmers through Women's Empowerment Program in Palm Oil Communities in Musi Banyuasin Regency, South Sumatra. The launch of this program was inaugurated by the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding among the Musi Banyuasin District Government, Yayasan CARE Peduli, and Cargill. This program, which focuses on women empowerment, will be carried out for 3 years, and implemented in 13 villages in 3 sub-districts, namely: Sungai Lilin, Keluang and Tungkal Jaya.

Indonesia is the largest producer and consumer of palm oil commodities in the world, making the palm oil plantation sector the backbone of the country's economic development. In 2021, the production of this commodity reached around 46.2 million metric tons (MMT) which accounts for 57% of world production.* This sector is also the most labour-absorbing sector in Indonesia. In Musi Banyuasin district, the palm oil plantation sector is the main source of livelihood for the local communities. There are 2.67 million householders, and 50% are female palm oil smallholders**.

Drs. Safaruddin, MSi, Assistant III for General Administration of the Musi Banyuasin Regency Government, said, “The program for empowering women in the palm oil plantation community is in line with the policies and strategic plans of the Musi Banyuasin District Government. We welcome the commitment initiated by Cargill and Yayasan CARE Peduli. We hope that this program will have a positive impact on increasing the capacity and economic welfare of the community, as well as the realization of gender equality in Musi Banyuasin Regency.”

The involvement of women in the palm oil plantation sector shows that women play a central role and contribute to the development of the country. However, women in this sector often experience various challenges, namely limited access to financial resources, knowledge, and technology, as well as the wage gap between male and female oil palm farmers. In addition, women in the plantation sector are also vulnerable to sexual harassment and sexual violence. Therefore, it is necessary to practice sustainable protection and empowerment of women.

Anton Asmara, President Director PT Hindoli, Cargill's palm oil business unit in Musi Banyuasin District, said, “Through our partnership with Yayasan CARE Peduli, we hope to create a significant impact on the livelihoods of women in palm communities in Musi Banyuasin district, and we appreciate the local government’s support for the program. Women play a significant role in the communities, and we believe by working together we will increase their economic opportunities and improve the welfare of themselves and their families.”

Bonaria Siahaan, CEO Yayasan CARE Peduli, said, “The implementation of women's empowerment programs in the palm oil plantation community in Musi Banyuasin is carried out with a holistic resilience approach that is collaborative and inclusive. Gender equality in this approach is very important. Therefore, every activity in this program will focus on strengthening women's voices, optimizing the roles and involvement of men and boys, implementing inclusive good governance, and building community resilience, especially women in facing risks and challenges."

Women are prone to different types of vulnerabilities, and their vulnerabilities are often ignored, especially in the plantation sector. This program, which is the result of cross-sectoral collaboration, is expected to increase the resilience of women in the plantation sector, especially the palm oil plantation sector and make a greater contribution to the people of Indonesia.

Azlan Adnan, Managing Director, Cargill Tropical Oils said, “At Cargill, we are committed to feeding the world in a safe and responsible way, reducing our environmental impact, and improving the communities where we live and work. We are proud of our partnership with Yayasan CARE Peduli to support women in the Palm Oil sector in Musi Banyuasin district to improve their capacity, health status, and livelihoods for them to reach their full potentials. This partnership is a testament to Cargill’s long-term commitment to driving economic growth in Indonesia.”

*https://gapki.id/en/news/21136/palm-oil-performance-in-2021-and-prospect-in-2022 
** https://www.beritasatu.com/news/989017/kampanye-digital-perempuan-petani-sawit-bicara-keberlanjutan-diluncurkan