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Keep on trucking: Building a solid supply chain for palm oil

What does it mean to build a clean and fair palm oil supply chain? For drivers in Indonesia used to unsafe working conditions, this is what it could look like.

When Jali first formed transport company Parung Jaya Cooperative, he only had five trucks.

Today, he owns 50. They are used to transport fresh fruit bunches from oil palm plantations to mills for processing into palm oil. 

Jali, who goes by one name like most Indonesians, is one of the many transportation workers that form the backbone of the industry, but who face a host of issues from unsafe working conditions to late payment of wages.

Since 2007, the co-operative has been working for Cargill Tropical Palm. “Working with Cargill, we must comply with their safety rules. Drivers must have a driver’s licence, the vehicle must have a rotary light, seat-belts, first aid kits and fire extinguishers for work safety,” said Jali. 

Besides providing safety training and added assistance for any job-related issues, Cargill also ensures timely payment to all partners in the supply chain.

Watch the video for a glimpse into the palm oil supply chain.