Update on the PT PP London Sumatra Indonesia Tbk Complaint Case

In relation to the complaint by Indonesian Labour Rights Association (OPPUK), Rainforest Action Network (RAN), and International Labour Rights Forum (ILRF) against PT PP London Sumatra Indonesia Tbk (https://rspo.org/members/complaints/status-of-complaints/view/92) RSPO would like to inform all stakeholders that the RSPO Complaints Panel has been investigating this matter since a formal complaint was submitted in October 2016, and investigation is still underway.

This has proved a rather protracted process, as the Complainants were initially unwilling to  reveal the names of the exact locations referred to in their initial report, as they feared reprisals against the workers. The Complaints Panel then issued a letter assuring the Complainants that measures will be undertaken to ensure the protection of the rights of workers against possible reprisals by the Company, as a result of this Complaint.

Several discussions were held between the Complainants and the RSPO Complaints Desk to convince the Complainants to reveal the location, so an onsite field verification could be initiated. The Complainants, after consultation with the workers in two of the concession units referred to in their report, reverted that they were willing to reveal the name of one of the locations, in order to facilitate the field verification. The Company was also directed by the Complaints Panel to issue a statement of non-reprisal against the workers as a result of this Complaint, which has since been issued. After discussions, the Complaints Panel tasked the Secretariat to draft a Terms of Reference (ToR) that outlines the objectives, terms and scope of the field verification.

The Complaints Panel has reviewed the comments on the ToR from the company and is now awaiting the comments from the complainant before finalising the ToR. The date of field verification is from 4 – 8 June 2018.