Disclaimer
This article may contain copyrighted material, the use of which may not have been pre-authorized by the copyright owner. This material is made available for the purpose of giving information and knowledge. The material contained on the Astra Agro website distributed without profit. If you are interested in using copyrighted material from this material for any reason that goes beyond ‘fair use’, you must first obtain permission from the original source
Transparency International Indonesia (TII), in collaboration with TEMPO Data Science, awarded PT Astra Agro Lestari Tbk the title of a palm oil company with high integrity and anti-corruption measures.
On Tuesday, December 10, 2024, at the Salihara Art Center, Astra Agro Lestari received the Sustainable Business Integrity Index award in the Sapphire category. This award recognizes the company’s genuine efforts to implement business practices that prioritize integrity and sustainability.
The recognition also confirms the company’s success in integrating anti-corruption principles, respect for human rights, and environmental sustainability into its corporate governance. The assessment conducted by TII and TEMPO Data Science serves as evidence that the company has taken strategic steps to uphold these principles.
Santosa, the President Director of Astra Agro Lestari, stated that the sustainability program has become central to the company’s vision of “Prospering Together with the Nation,” while also addressing global responsibilities related to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
“We continue to fulfill this commitment through a sustainability action plan aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Our sustainability policy emphasizes principles such as no deforestation, conservation of peatlands, and respect for human rights,” he explained.
Astra Agro Lestari Director Widayanto added that this award is clear evidence of the company’s commitment to making a positive contribution to all sectors of society and the environment. “We believe that sustainability is the foundation for long-term growth. This recognition motivates us to continually enhance our governance quality and create a greater impact for all stakeholders,” he stated.
Arif Zulkifli, CEO of Tempo Media Group, stated that companies that prioritize integrity are better positioned to promote environmental sustainability and make a meaningful impact on society.
“The term integrity is not something to be taken lightly. It embodies honesty, authority, and the ability to uphold principles and ethics in business. Today, conducting business with integrity and sustainability is essential in the corporate landscape,” said Arif.
Astra Agro’s success can be attributed to its excellence in three key areas. In terms of anti-corruption, the company enforces a strict code of ethics, offers integrity training to its employees, and consistently provides transparent information to both stakeholders and the public.
Astra Agro is committed to human rights through its community empowerment programs, the protection of workers’ rights, and the creation of a safe and comfortable working environment for all employees. In terms of environmental responsibility, the company diligently implements eco-friendly agribusiness practices, effective waste management strategies, and initiatives aimed at preserving biodiversity across all its operational areas.
According to Danang Widoyoko, the Secretary General of Transparency International-Indonesia, the primary purpose of this award is to promote integrity in both the public and private sectors. He noted that sustainability issues have become a focus for all stakeholders, including the government, business leaders, and the community. This awareness led Transparency International-Indonesia, an anti-corruption NGO, in collaboration with Tempo, to carry out ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) measurement initiatives.
“We conduct direct and objective assessments, so please understand that we review each website individually, starting with the annual report, the Sustainability Report, the Code of Conduct, and all other available documents,” he stated.
With this award, PT Astra Agro Lestari reinforces its position as a company that not only prioritizes profit but also takes significant responsibility for society and environmental sustainability.
Source: Tempo.co
