Press Releases Sinar Mas Agribusiness and Food Receives PAACLA Award 2026 for Commitment to Child Friendly Plantations

Jakarta, 24 June 2026 – Sinar Mas Agribusiness and Food has received the 2026 Partnership for Action Against Child Labour in Agriculture (PAACLA) Award in the category of National Company with Multinational Company Affiliation, in recognition of the company’s commitment to supporting children’s rights through its Child-Friendly Indonesian Palm Oil (Sawit Indonesia Ramah Anak/SIRA) initiative. The programme aims to create a safe and child friendly plantation environment while preventing the risk of children’s involvement in plantation work.

Sinar Mas Agribusiness and Food has policies prohibiting child labour and applies a zero-tolerance approach to the employment of individuals under the age of 18. This is supported by worker identity verification and efforts to strengthen awareness of child labour risks among supply chain partners, reflecting the company’s commitment to responsible labour practices, respect for human rights, and sustainable business operations.

In addition to ensuring the absence of child labour, the company seeks to fulfil children’s basic rights and support the wellbeing of workers’ families through the provision of basic healthcare services, support for access to education around operational areas, protection for pregnant and breastfeeding employees, and childcare facilities for workers’ families. These initiatives contribute to the development of a more sustainable and inclusive palm oil industry.

“This award encourages us to continue strengthening collaboration in support of children’s wellbeing and development. Creating opportunities for children to learn, grow, and thrive is a shared responsibility that requires long-term commitment from all stakeholders. We believe lasting impact is achieved through collective action, and we remain committed to working with our partners to help foster inclusive and supportive environments for future generations,” said Anita Neville, Chief Sustainability & Communications Officer of Sinar Mas Agribusiness and Food.

Through schools managed in partnership with the Eka Tjipta Foundation (ETF), Sinar Mas Agribusiness and Food strives to ensure that children living around its operational areas have access to quality education and opportunities to develop their full potential.

“In the plantation sector, preventing child labour cannot be achieved solely through prohibition. It requires a holistic approach to ensure that every child has the opportunity to grow, develop, and pursue a brighter future. Education plays a vital role in making this possible,” said Evelyn Widjaja, Divison Head Education Eka Tjipta Foundation.

National Children’s Day 2026 Activities

This commitment is also reflected through various initiatives that actively involve children. In commemoration of the World Day Against Child Labour initiated by the International Labour Organization (ILO), Sinar Mas Agribusiness and Food, together with PAACLA, organised a series of National Children’s Day activities on 10–11 June 2026 under the theme “Voice of the Future, Every Child Matters”.

Held at SMP Eka Tjipta Katayang in Seruyan Regency, Central Kalimantan, the event engaged 50 students and provided a safe and inclusive participatory space to foster understanding, empathy, and awareness of children’s rights, including the Right to Life, the Right to Development, the Right to Protection, Humanistic and Diversity Rights, and the Right to Participation.

As part of the Right to Development session, a psychologist from Kalawa Atei Mental Hospital provided education on personal body boundaries, the importance of self-protection, and how to recognise and prevent the risks of exploitation. The session aimed to encourage vigilance while building children’s confidence in interacting with others within their communities.

“Actively involving children in learning and self-expression is an important part of developing character, empathy, and critical thinking skills. We appreciate this collaboration for providing a safe and meaningful space for children to grow and develop,” said Danang Yudianto Wijaya, Principal of SMP Eka Tjipta Katayang.

In line with this, Misran Lubis, Programme Manager of PAACLA, emphasised the importance of collaboration in strengthening child protection in the agricultural sector through the implementation of the Children’s Rights and Business Principles (CRBP), an initiative jointly launched by UNICEF and the UN Global Compact.

“Every child has the right to grow, learn, and express their aspirations. Consistent implementation of child protection commitments not only supports the development of high-quality human resources but also strengthens the sustainability and global competitiveness of Indonesia’s palm oil industry,” he said.

Through collaboration among companies, schools, communities, and other stakeholders, efforts to strengthen child protection in the plantation sector are expected to continue. These initiatives not only support children’s growth and development but also contribute to creating more sustainable workplaces and communities for future generations.