Page 109 - APICAL_SR2023

Materiality
Assessment Appendix 1: Appendix 2: Appendix 3:
Climate Green Inclusive and Stakeholder GRI Content Assurance Glossary of
Action Innovation Progress Engagement Index Statement Terms

Khairul Anam, Head of KTTPS: The first Cooperative’s RSPO recognition means their fruit
cooperative within the SMILE programme to commands a higher-than-average price, boosting
have earned RSPO certification. income.
The Koperasi Konsumen Tebing Tinggi Pangkatan The improvements Anam experienced have
Sejahtera (KTTPS), an independent smallholders’ resonated with other farmers, drawing more
cooperative located in Labuhanbatu, North smallholders to the programme after witnessing
Sumatra, was established in 2021. Initially its benefits. The cooperative has grown to 580
comprising 239 members who managed 685 ha, members and has constructed a new office to
the association secured RSPO certification in March accommodate the expanding membership.
2022, becoming the first in our SMILE programme
to achieve this milestone in sustainable palm oil With the success of the SMILE programme, Anam
certification. shared his story and the collective achievements
of the smallholders at the Japan Sustainable Palm
Khairul Anam mentioned that the SMILE Oil Network Conference (JaSPON) in Tokyo in
programme has educated them in best agricultural October 2023.
practices that benefit the environment, such
as the correct use of fertilisers and pesticides,
water conservation and resource minimisation.
Sustainability has opened new horizons for the
farmers.

Before joining the SMILE Programme, he
harvested about 1 tonne per hectare. Applying
the knowledge gained from the programme,
his yield increased to 2.5 tonnes per hectare
– a 2.5-fold increase. Moreover, the KTTPS

Sabki Saputra (Independent Smallholder participating in SMILE programme)

All this time, we were essentially untrained smallholders, lacking in
expertise. It was only through SMILE that we received support and learnt
from the experts – we were no longer isolated. Whenever we encountered
an obstacle, we could simply consult the experts, making full use of the
SMILE Programme.
Thanks to the premium pricing from our RSPO certification, we can improve
our road conditions, enabling us to transport our FFB day or night. We can
also make donations and extend the benefits to the local communities.
As an elder, I hope the SMILE Programme continues to improve the
livelihoods of smallholders, ensuring our children and grandchildren do
not have to endure the same hardships we did.

108 SUSTAINABILITY REPORT 2023 APICAL GROUP 109