Voices of change from palm oil workers in West Kalimantan

A wave of change is slowly gathering momentum on a palm oil plantation in West Kalimantan, Indonesia, driven by voices that have long been silenced. PT Sumatra Jaya Agro Lestari (SJAL), the trade union of plantation workers, is tangible proof that palm oil workers are not only fighting for better wages and working hours, but also for dignity and a future.

Yublina, an employee at PT SJAL, still remembers vividly the working conditions before there was a trade union. "Our daily wage was only IDR 9,000 (almost €0.50). There were no schools, and roads with poor access," she recalled. Now Yublina is one of the key figures in the labour movement and is fighting for fundamental workers rights.

Extra compensation

The trade union was not welcomed at first. Fear and stigma prevented many workers from joining. "I don't understand why local workers are reluctant to organize," says Yublina. But slowly the situation changed. In 2021, the company began to open up, especially when it launched a certification process. The union was then invited for talks.

Negotiations began to bear fruit. Work in the nursery became better organized and requests for overtime pay were granted under certain conditions. "We asked for an additional allowance of IDR 10,000 per hour for overtime. And the company eventually agreed to that," she said. The rights of workers who retire, resign or die are also better respected now. Previously, they only received IDR 300,000 in compensation. Now they receive compensation based on their length of service.

Better life

Emergency facilities are now available. "If an employee falls ill at night, they can ask to be taken to a medical post. The costs are claimed the next day," she explained. But the struggle is not over yet. Personal protective equipment (PPE) is still limited and is only worn when supervision is present. "PPE was provided for the first time this year, in all the time I have worked here. Before, there was nothing," she added.

Maria, also known as Sela, is the trade union's treasurer. She and her husband had to leave their only child behind in their home village because there are no adequate facilities for children. "I want a better life for my daughter and myself," she said. Her experience with organizing has opened her eyes and motivated her to learn. Sela is a domestic helper on the estate. She cleans the homes of the company's staff. She had not expected to learn so much from her work as an organizer. "About the law, the environment and women. I have learned so much," she said.

Maternity leave

The struggle of and for women in this sector is multifaceted. In addition to the pressure from the company, they also carry a domestic burden. "I don't only think about myself. I don't care if the company fires me. What matters is that I fought for those who have no voice," Yublina added. She also promoted maternity and menstrual leave for female workers and for the trade union. "Nowadays, female workers get three months of maternity leave. And that can be extended if the child is not well," she explained.

It's a different story at the Serikat Buruh Kebun Bersatu trade union at PT Bumi Pratama Khatulistiwa, where Maman Rohman and his wife teach reading and writing. The trade union's secretariat is their classroom. The majority of participants are women. "Maybe the men are too proud to learn to read as adults," Maman joked. The books come from the government or donations. "As soon as they can read, they demonstrate it in front of the class. I am so moved," he said.

It is not unusual for Maman to take the initiative. He visits the houses so that the students do not have to travel far to the secretariat. There are about 20 students. "Maybe they are tired from working during the day and too tired to learn in the evening," he said.

The lessons continue and trade union members actively collect books to read. Just being able to read cooking recipes and comments on social media makes the women in these classes happy.

United for progress

At the beginning of 2023, a new milestone was reached: the establishment of Federasi Buruh Perkebunan Sawit Kalimantan Barat, or the Federation of Palm Oil Workers' Unions of West Kalimantan. Yublina was appointed chairperson, confirming women's leadership in the labour movement. This federation, FSBKS Kalbar, unites six trade unions from different companies and carries the voice of the workers to the international stage.

The six trade unions of FSBKS Kalbar representing the plantation workers of six companies are as follows: PT. Aditya Agroindo Plantation Workers Union, PT. MAR Plantation Workers Union, PT. Surya Agro Palma Plantation Workers Union, PT. Sumatra Jaya Agro Lestari Plantation Workers Union, PT. Bumi Pratama Khatulistiwa Plantation Workers Union and PT. Agro Andalan Plantation Workers Union. "Since we joined the international trade union IPOWU, we can file a claim with palm oil buyers if there are problems with workers' rights that the company does not address," explained Yublina. The federation is part of the IPOWU network established in Amsterdam under the leadership of Mondiaal FNV. Support from the Netherlands, Colombia and Africa has strengthened their struggle.

Online and offline training materials

Many people in Europe think that palm oil production is properly organized. "However, there are many human rights violations," Yublina highlighted. Companies tend to react more quickly to international pressure. The federation also participates in global meetings and exchanges with workers from other countries. The Teraju Indonesia Foundation (LTI), led by Agus Sutomo, or Tomo, is behind the movement. "Many workers are still afraid to organize. We offer online and offline training courses on their rights," he explained. The training materials are designed to be as practical and clear as possible.

This personal approach means that LTI is regarded as a family. "The local government has welcomed the federation. They understand that the trade union can help strengthen the social dialogue," Tomo added. Although there are still obstacles, such as slow responses and signs of intimidation by companies.

Strong broom

The secretary of the West Kalimantan Provincial Labour Office, Piter Bones, emphasized the importance of cooperation. "A trade union is not a resistance movement. Outspoken workers will certainly support the company's productivity," he said. He is even willing to provide negotiation training to workers so that they can better stand up for their rights.

Three years after the federation was founded, their enthusiasm has not waned. Tomo is hopeful: "It is not impossible to offer legal protection to palm oil workers in West Kalimantan. At least through a local ordinance." As the saying goes, the more twigs, the stronger the broom. The voice of palm oil workers from the most remote plantations in West Kalimantan are now also heard abroad, with the message that change is possible if we work together.

Text and photos: Aseanty Pahlevi