On March 11, 2025, APP Group held a DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) Webinar to commemorate International Women’s Day. The webinar, themed “Unity in Diversity, Synergy in Equity, and Collaboration in Inclusivity,” emphasized diversity, equal opportunities in the workplace, respect for individual rights, and adherence to business ethics and regulations.
The webinar aimed to raise employee awareness about the importance of implementing DEI concepts in the workplace and to create a work culture that values every individual regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, or social status.
Chief Sustainability Officer of APP Group Elim Sribata stated in her opening remarks, “DEI is a global issue that must be addressed and implemented in organizations. APP Group is committed to creating an inclusive work environment, free from discrimination based on race, ethnicity, gender, or social status.”
The webinar also featured Sera Noviany, Senior Sustainability Expert of APP Group, as the keynote speaker. Sera discussed the importance of DEI in the company and its connection to ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance).
DEI in the Context of ESG and Its Benefits
Sera explained that DEI is an integral part of ESG, a framework for assessing an organization’s performance in environmental, social, and governance aspects. ESG serves as a reference for investors, financial institutions, governments, and NGOs in evaluating a company’s sustainability practices.
According to various studies, companies that effectively implement ESG are more attractive to job seekers and employees. Additionally, an inclusive work environment can:
- Increase employee engagement and innovative contributions
- Enhance job satisfaction and employee retention
- Strengthen reputation and customer trust
ESG Implementation at APP Group
APP Group has integrated ESG principles into its operations, including through its Sustainability Roadmap Vision 2030 (SRV 2030), which aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
One of the main pillars of this roadmap is the Human Resources pillar, which includes targets for women’s empowerment and gender equality, aiming for 30% female participation at the management level by 2030. According to the latest Sustainability Report, APP Group has achieved 27.5% at its headquarters.
Strategies for Building DEI at APP Group
To strengthen DEI, APP Group implements the following strategies:
- Commitment and Policy: Establishing DEI commitments supported by relevant policies and procedures.
- Training and Development: Educating employees on DEI concepts and their implementation.
- Formation of a DEI Committee: Developing a structured DEI action plan with a team supporting program sustainability.
- Continuous Evaluation and Improvement: Measuring progress and devising improvement strategies.
DEI Initiatives at APP Group
APP Group has undertaken numerous initiatives to implement DEI within the company. The group regularly holds webinars, discussion forums (Woman Talk), and competitions related to DEI. Additionally, APP Group provides various supporting facilities to strengthen DEI implementation, including health check-ups (pap smears) for female employees, nursing rooms, special parking for pregnant employees, a sports hall for employee activities, and regular religious events.
Empowering Women and Communities
Women’s empowerment is a primary focus for APP Group. However, DEI also encompasses the entire business ecosystem, including men. APP Group is committed to empowering surrounding communities through capacity building and training, especially for women. Various activities have been conducted to empower women around APP Group’s operational areas.
Sharing Session with APP & Forestry Employees
The webinar included a sharing session featuring three employees: Dewi Susanti (CPD-HQ), Yayuk Ridiana (Converting, Production Department, Ekamas Fortuna), and Martupa Preddy Nikson Lubis (Social Community Engagement, Forestry Kalbar).
During the session, the panelists shared inspiring stories. Dewi discussed balancing work with activities outside of work, such as sports and religious activities. Yayuk shared her experience working in a male-dominated field, maintaining open communication with her team. Martupa, an employee with physical disabilities, shared his experience working in Forestry and actively participating in various activities without facing discrimination.
APP Group’s Long-Term Commitment
Implementing DEI is a long-term commitment requiring support from both management and employees. Moving forward, APP Group will continue to develop DEI programs based on current conditions and gap analysis. These programs aim to accommodate all elements within the organization and create an inclusive and sustainable work culture.
Thus, it is hoped that DEI implementation will not only meet stakeholder expectations but also improve company performance, build a better work environment, increase employee engagement and satisfaction, and drive sustainable innovation.