A group photo was taken featuring delegates from USAID and Bappenas, PT KAL, and the community of Laman Satong Village in Kuala Satong, Kuala Tolak, Matan Hilir Utara District, Ketapang Regency. Photo: USAID SEGAR

Ketapang - On Wednesday, January 25, 2023, USAID Sustainable Environmental Governance Across Regions (SEGAR) and PT Kayung Agro Lestari (KAL), a subsidiary of PT Austindo Nusantara Jaya Tbk. (ANJ), signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU). The signing ceremony took place at the Ketapang Regent's Hall and was facilitated by the Ketapang District Government.

The purpose of the collaboration between USAID SEGAR and PT KAL is to enhance the capacity of independent smallholders within PT KAL's supply chain in Ketapang, West Kalimantan. This will be achieved through the certification of independent smallholders to meet sustainability standards. PT KAL, as a company operating in the oil palm plantation sector, is dedicated to implementing a sustainable supply chain. One of the key measures taken is fostering cooperation with independent smallholders and providing support to strengthen the capabilities of farmers and their institutions. As outlined in the agreement, this collaborative effort will be implemented in Laman Satong Village, Kuala Satong, Kuala Tolak, Matan Hilir Utara Subdistrict, and Simpang Tiga Sembelanganan Village, Nanga Tayap Subdistrict, Ketapang District.

The signing of the MOU between USAID SEGAR and PT KAL was witnessed directly by the Deputy Regent of Ketapang, the Regional Secretary of Ketapang, as well as delegates from Bappenas and USAID. Photo: USAID SEGAR

During the event, USAID SEGAR demonstrated its commitment to supporting independent smallholders in practicing sustainable agriculture and assisting companies in incorporating environmental, social, and governance (ESG) principles into their operations. The presence of the Vice Regent of Ketapang H. Farhan, SE, M.Si highlighted the local government's endorsement of collaborative initiatives for a better Ketapang. He expressed his hope that the integration, synergy, and collaboration of programs among ministries, institutions, and NGOs would mutually support one another and serve as the key to success in achieving sustainable development goals (SDGs).

In addition to the Vice Regent of Ketapang, the signing ceremony of the MOU was witnessed by Alexander Wilyo, the Regional Secretary of Ketapang District, Dr. Nur Hygiawati Rahayu, ST, MSc, the Director of Forestry and Water Resources Conservation (KKSDA) at Bappenas, and Gillian Caldwell, the USAID Chief Climate Officer, who was visiting Indonesia along with other USAID delegations from Washington DC, United States. Jerileva Purba, the Director of PT KAL, and Peter Doyle, the USAID SEGAR Chief of Party (COP), signed the MOU on behalf of their respective organizations.