Leading agribusiness giant AALI is injecting IDR 1.5 trillion into rejuvenating unproductive palm plants, with a keen focus on sustainable production practices aligned with the NDPE policy. Strengthening its bonds with local farmers, AALI sets a notable example for sustainability in the industry.

In response to the escalating global call for environmental stewardship, PT Astra Agro Lestari Tbk (AALI) is once again taking decisive action to underscore its enduring commitment to sustainable practices. Against the backdrop of heightened scrutiny resulting from the European Union's Deforestation Regulation (EUDR), this prominent agribusiness entity isn't merely paying lip service but is actively taking tangible steps toward a greener future. With a substantial investment of IDR 1.5 trillion earmarked for 2024, AALI is poised to fortify its No Deforestation, No Peat, No Exploitation (NDPE) policy, focusing on revitalizing unproductive palm plants to ensure a sustainable production cycle that respects both the environment and the industry's longevity.

In a strategic maneuver to align with the stringent requirements of the EUDR, AALI has unveiled a comprehensive plan aimed at replanting and maintaining low-yield palm plants. This initiative not only seeks to stabilize production levels but also aims to avert any potential decline attributable to aging or unproductive palm plants. Approximately one-third of our total palm plants are in urgent need of rejuvenation, having exceeded their peak production periods. This ambitious undertaking is poised to redefine sustainability benchmarks within the industry, ensuring that AALI's operations remain at the vanguard of environmental responsibility.

Recognizing the pivotal role of local communities in sustainable agricultural practices, AALI is solidifying its partnerships with local farmers and plasma gardens. By procuring Fresh Fruit Bunches (FFB) from these partners, AALI not only bolsters the local economy but also stabilizes its production during the critical replanting phase. This mutually beneficial relationship underscores AALI's holistic approach to sustainability, acknowledging the indispensable contribution of local communities toward achieving environmental and economic objectives. Through such collaborative endeavors, AALI is setting a precedent for how corporations can collaborate with local stakeholders to pursue a shared goal of sustainability.

The journey toward sustainability is fraught with challenges, not least of which are the negative perceptions surrounding the palm oil industry. In response to the EU's deforestation regulation, AALI has adopted a proactive stance by not only adhering to its NDPE policy but also advocating for governmental support from the Indonesian government to counteract negative campaigns against Indonesian palm oil. Echoing this sentiment, the Indonesian Palm Oil Association (GAPKI) underscores the imperative of ongoing efforts to raise awareness in the European Union regarding the significant decline in deforestation rates following the presidential instruction on the moratorium of new permits for palm oil. GAPKI contends that such initiatives are pivotal for reshaping the narrative and ensuring a fair portrayal of Indonesia's palm oil industry on the global stage.

As PT Astra Agro Lestari Tbk (AALI) reaffirms its unwavering commitment to the NDPE policy, it becomes evident that the company isn't merely reacting to regulatory pressures but is actively spearheading the drive toward a more sustainable and responsible palm oil industry. Through its substantial investment in replanting initiatives, collaboration with local farmers, and advocacy for governmental support, AALI is demonstrating that environmental sustainability and economic prosperity can coexist harmoniously. With the world's eyes on AALI's efforts, the company may well establish a new standard for the industry, showcasing that dedication to the planet and its people isn't just ethically commendable but also financially astute.