Call for Solidarity: “The Takeover of PT Duta Palma Assets by PT Agrinas Palma Nusantara Must Consider the Fate of Its Workers”

Statement of the Greater Borneo Workers Union (SPBR)

KASBI West Kalimantan Region

 

“The Takeover of PT Duta Palma Assets by PT Agrinas Palma Nusantara

Must Consider the Fate of Its Workers.”

 

In relation to the acquisition process of PT Duta Palma Group by PT Agrinas Palma Nusantara, the Greater Borneo Workers Union expresses deep concern over the uncertain future of workers and the labor rights violations that have occurred thus far.

Prior to the takeover, PT Duta Palma Group conducted mass layoffs of approximately 2,000 workers unilaterally, without consultation and without clarifying the rights of those affected. Additionally, before this mass layoff, 7 workers were laid off without receiving the rights entitled to them under applicable laws and regulations.

In an effort to address this issue, labor representatives from the Greater Borneo Workers Union (SPBR-KASBI) have engaged in several processes, including bipartite and tripartite discussions, as well as audiences with the Ministry of Manpower of the Republic of Indonesia, facilitated by the Sambas Regency Manpower Office in West Kalimantan. The conclusion and decisions reached in these discussions recommend that the layoffs be canceled, and that both workers and employer continue to fulfill their obligations as usual. However, to date, the fate of the 2,000 affected workers and the 7 others remains uncertain, as PT Duta Palma Group has not complied with its obligations.

The situation for the workers at PT Duta Palma Group is further exacerbated by the uncertainty following the takeover by PT Agrinas Palma Nusantara, which was mandated by the Attorney General’s Office of the Republic of Indonesia. PT Agrinas Palma Nusantara has assumed almost all assets and operations of PT Duta Palma Group plantations in Sambas and Bengkayang Regencies, West Kalimantan. Consequently, there have been no concrete steps from the management of PT Duta Palma or PT Agrinas Palma Nusantara to ensure the fulfillment of labor rights and the continuation of work for the workers.

Based on the current situation, we, the Greater Borneo Workers Union (SPBR-KASBI), hereby state the following:

• The takeover and acquisition of assets and operations by PT Agrinas Palma Nusantara must prioritize the fulfillment of labor rights.

• The mass layoffs conducted by the PT Duta Palma Group represent a serious violation of labor rights. As a business entity authorized by the Indonesian Government, PT Agrinas Palma Nusantara is obligated to restore the status and rights of workers previously violated by the management of the Duta Palma Group.

• We demand that the rights of seven workers who were laid off prior to the mass layoffs be fulfilled. PT Agrinas Palma Nusantara must not neglect the situation of these seven workers who were unilaterally dismissed before the large-scale layoffs occurred.

• We urge the Government of the Republic of Indonesia—specifically, the Ministry of Manpower, the Ministry of State-Owned Enterprises, the Attorney General’s Office, and the local governments of Sambas and Bengkayang—to ensure that the acquisition of PT Duta Palma Group’s assets and operations by PT Agrinas Palma Nusantara proceeds smoothly, adhering to the principles of justice, certainty, welfare, and the sustainability of decent work for all workers.

• To strengthen our advocacy for labor rights, the Borneo Raya Workers Union (SPBR) KASBI West Kalimantan Region will take further action in accordance with applicable laws and regulations, including organizing mass protests in coordination with other labor unions and worker alliances.

• We invite all people’s movements in Indonesia to show solidarity and support the struggle of PT Duta Palma Group workers in Sambas and Bengkayang, West Kalimantan.

We thank you for your attention and cooperation.

 

Sambas, March 15, 2025

Best regards,

Firmansyah (West Kalimantan KASBI Regional Coordinator)

Vitalis (Head of SPBR WHS 1)

Edianto (Head of SPBR WHS 2)

Ramos (Head of SPBR WHS 3)

 

We express our solidarity support:

1. SPBR KASBI
2. Komite Solidaritas Kalimantan Barat
3. SERBUK Kalbar
4. LBH Kalbar
5. AGRA Kalbar
6. Link-AR Borneo
7. Sawit Watch
8. TPOLS

 

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Please write your name/organization to express solidarity support for the approximately 2000 victims of PT Duta Palma Group layoffs and their families who are experiencing uncertainty, at the following link:

Solidarity Support Link