Jakarta, July 25th, 2024 - APP Group convened its annual Stakeholder Advisory Forum (SAF), solidifying its unwavering commitment to sustainable progress. The event, held at the Pullman Thamrin in Jakarta, Indonesia, and streamed online, drew a diverse gathering of over 200 attendees from various sectors - a testament to the company's far-reaching influence and the urgency of its sustainability mission.
Themed "Forward Faster with Actions," this 13th edition of the SAF is closely aligned with the United Nations Global Compact's (UNGC) Forward Faster platform, recognizing the imperative for collective, concrete steps towards the Sustainable Development Goals. APP's steadfast journey, as outlined in its Sustainability Roadmap Vision 2030 (SRV2030), continues to blaze a trail of tangible progress.
Kicking off the event, Ms. Elim Sritaba, APP's Chief Sustainability Officer, struck a resounding chord in her opening address. With unwavering conviction, she emphasized the critical role of sustainability in the pulp and paper industry, “Sustainability has to prevail from the heart and soul of an organization focused on creating shared value to preserve its future, the nature and the wider community.” These words echoed the urgency of aligning and collaborating with global efforts, such as the TCFD framework and the UNGC's forward-facing vision.
Joined by luminaries such as Mr. Yaya W. Junardy, the President of the Indonesia Global Compact Network, the SAF program delved deep into APP's operational excellence, community empowerment initiatives, and sustainable forest management. Speakers shared insights, experiences, and innovative solutions, fostering a dynamic dialogue on decarbonization strategies and the importance of collaboration in navigating the path to a sustainable future.
Next, Mr Shogil, APP's Head of ESG and Compliance from the Sustainability Division, presented the highlights of APP's progress in the past year. He detailed the company's strides in operational excellence, its unwavering commitment to community empowerment, and its persistent efforts in sustainable forest management. Throughout the presentation, significant improvements and ongoing initiatives that underscored APP's dedication to sustainability were showcased.
The SAF experience extended beyond the conference rooms, with attendees exploring vibrant booths featuring community-driven merchandise and conservation initiatives. The Belantara Foundation's booth, in particular, offered a tangible opportunity for stakeholders to contribute to local sustainability projects.
Post-break, two panel discussions took place at SAF. The first panel on community empowerment, named “Engaging Communities in Operational Areas”, was moderated by Mr Herry Purnomo, a Senior Scientist and Indonesia Deputy Country Director at CIFOR. Insights and experiences such as understanding community dynamics, the importance of sustainable and inclusive development, strategies for mitigating negative impacts and enhancing positive outcomes, and highlighting collaborative approaches were shared. This session’s panellists included:
- Yando Zakaria, Anthropologist;
- Musri Nauli, Former Director of Walhi Jambi;
- Rudi Syaf, Senior Advisor of KKI Warsi;
- and Agung Wiyono from APP
The second panel session, “Carbon Pathways: From Source To Sink”, moderated by Mr Agus Sari, Chief Executive Officer of Landscape Indonesia, shifted the focus to decarbonization in the pulp & paper industry. The discussion centered around APP's carbon emissions management initiatives and their ongoing efforts to decarbonize. The panelists shared strategies, challenges faced, and solutions, emphasizing the importance of innovation and collaboration in reducing carbon footprints. This session’s panellists included:
- Mr Wisnu Wijaya Kusuma, APP Head of Environmental Downstream;
- Ms Jasmine Doloksaribu, APP Head of Landscape Conservation & Environment;
- and Ms Nailah Shabirah, World Resources Institute (WRI) Indonesia Engagement Specialist
The event's interactive panels on community engagement and carbon management showcased APP's multifaceted approach. Esteemed panelists, including academics, activists, and APP leaders, illuminated the intricacies of navigating community dynamics, mitigating negative impacts, and driving positive change. The carbon-focused discussion underscored APP's resolve to reduce its environmental footprint, exploring innovative pathways and the power of collective action.
As the event drew to a close, the audience's palpable energy and optimism were encapsulated by Mr. Rizal Algamar's remarks. The Regional Director for Southeast Asia at the Tropical Forest Alliance commended APP's comprehensive sustainability efforts, affirming the company's pivotal role in driving progress and inspiring others to join the cause.
APP's unwavering commitment to its sustainability journey was evident throughout SAF. With a renewed sense of urgency and an unwavering focus on collaborative action, the company stands poised to accelerate its impact, forging ahead with purpose and passion to create a more sustainable future for all.