Modern Slavery in the Palm Oil Industry
Approximately 50 million people worldwide are living in modern slavery, with the largest proportion represented in the Asia Pacific region. Indonesia has been identified as a major source and destination for Trafficking In Persons (TIP), with 1.5 million child labourers in the agricultural sector alone. The palm oil industry, particularly in Northern Kalimantan that accounts for 40% of the country’s palm oil production, is a hotspot for forced labour due to its remote locations and limited access.
Creating Lasting Change
Innospec Performance Chemicals has partnered with IJM to combat this issue and strengthen the capacity of key stakeholders in protecting Indonesian workers. The partnership aims to increase the reliance of vulnerable Indonesian workers on government systems for protection. The proposed interventions include education and sensitization campaigns, training for law enforcement and government officials, and capacity-building for palm oil plantation labour unions in Northern Kalimantan. Additionally, the partnership will ensure the provision of trauma-informed survivor services for those who have experienced forced labour and labour trafficking in the palm oil sector.
Key interventions
Addressing forced labor and labor trafficking in the palm oil sector requires that stakeholders, including migrant and local workers, civil society organizations (CSO), law enforcement, government officials, labor unions, the media, private companies, and communities, understand TIP laws and regulations that aim to protect workers, and how cases of TIP are managed by the appropriate authorities. This partnership aims to inform these stakeholders through a national campaign on safe migration and sensitization training for law enforcement officials and palm oil plantation labor unions.
Immediate relief and psycho-social support to survivors of forced labor and labor trafficking is critical. When a person is identified as a victim through the police, national hotline or labor unions, the survivor is referred to local CSOs in the area for support services. This partnership aims to ensure survivors of forced labor and labor trafficking are provided trauma-informed care.
Our Accomplishments So Far
Aftercare & repatriation
Supported the aftercare and repatriation of 8 survivors
Trauma-informed training
Conducted trauma-informed training for operators of the government’s shelters
Trusted relationships
Built relations with the Indonesian government and local implementing partners
