Hutan Harapan has established an Environmental and Social Management System (ESMS) to provide a framework for the company to identify, assess, prevent, mitigate, evaluate, and communicate environmental and social (E&S) risks and impacts that may arise from the management and operational activities of the company and its business partners. The ESMS offers strategic benefits such as improved compliance with international standards, improved sustainability governance, social and environmental risk mitigation, and improved internal accountability. The standards detailed in the ESMS are in line with Indonesian government regulations, KfW Sustainability Guidelines, and the World Bank’s Environmental and Social Standards. The staff uses the processes and procedures in this ESMS to identify, screen, assess, and mitigate the E&S risks and impacts of the projects or activities for which they are responsible, allocate the necessary budget and human resources, monitor and document performance, and engage with stakeholders, including addressing their grievances. Additional E&S measures may be set out in the Project or Program Operations Manual (POM) of the specific project or program if deemed necessary. All of our ESMS activities respect our Human rights, Social, and Community engagement (HASCEP), the details of which can be accessed here.
Process Framework
The Process Framework (PF) aims to guide PT REKI’s mandate requirements to align with the rights and interests of affected communities and individuals, and to ensure that the project contributes to sustainable development and environmental protection.
The Process Framework outlines how PT REKI manages land reclamation and access restrictions in the Hutan Harapan area by engaging affected communities (i.e. former oil palm farmers), collecting detailed land use and household data, and systematically assessing potential livelihood impacts. It establishes the core procedures for forming and supporting Forest Partnership Agreements (FPA), through which former oil palm farmers receive alternative livelihood opportunities and secure cultivation rights. To ensure that livelihoods are restored as forest restoration progresses, eligibility criteria for compensation and entitlement mechanisms, mitigation measures for economic losses, and clear requirements for transparent consultations, grievance handling, and conflict resolution are clearly defined and continuously monitored.
Stakeholder Engagement Plan
The Stakeholder Engagement Plan (SEP) outlines PT REKI’s comprehensive strategy for the systematic involvement of all relevant internal and external stakeholders who are directly or indirectly affected by activities in the Hutan Harapan area. The plan specifies how stakeholders are identified, analyzed, and prioritized according to their influence and interest to select appropriate communication and participation formats. PT REKI builds trust and reduces tensions between indigenous communities, migrants, businesses, and government actors through continuous dialogue, joint problem-solving, and participatory approach. Emphasis is placed on cooperation with the Batin Sembilan indigenous community, whose traditional knowledge and role as Community Wardens is essential for the protection of the Hutan Harapan area and for conflict mediation. Overall, the SEP serves as a practical guide for establishing a long-term, collaborative partnership structure among all stakeholders that strengthens the social acceptance of the work of PT REKI and hence ensures the protection of the ecosystem.
Grievance Mechanism
PT REKI’s Grievance Mechanism Procedure is a structured complaint and arbitration system for employees, communities, indigenous groups, authorities, NGOs, and other stakeholders affected by activities in the Hutan Harapan area. It is a four-step process: receipt, registration & evaluation, investigation & proposed solution, and closure of the case.
The Person in Charge (PIC) investigates together with relevant departments, prepares documentation, and develops a proposed solution, which is then presented to the complainant. If this is not accepted, the case is escalated to the level 2 Grievance Committee, which works out a fair and final decision. All steps are documented, the status is regularly updated, and the case is only closed once measures have been implemented and confirmed – or if the case is classified as “unresolved” or “no action required” according to transparent criteria. The aim of the mechanism is to enable transparent, fair, and culturally appropriate solutions and to build trust between PT REKI and its stakeholders. The form to submit a grievance may be accessed here.
Security Risk assessment
There are a range of risks that may potentially occur in the Hutan Harapan area, such as land occupation by migrants, illegal logging, poaching, arson, as well as kidnappings, and violent protests against PT REKI personnel. The prioritized risks include land encroachment by migrants, confrontations during law enforcement, protests/demonstrations, employee kidnappings, theft, and the risk of gender-based violence. Each scenario is assigned a probability of occurrence, impact, and score (up to 20). Limited communication coverage is an additional factor that might influence each of the risks. Countermeasures recommended include police escorts, warning (verbal or by installing signs) and evacuation procedures, access controls (road/river), clear arrest/deployment protocols, mediation with the support of Community Wardens, dialogue/socialization with communities and authorities, as well as training and emergency plans. In order to increase the resilience of personnel, facilities, and the area in the short term and in a structured manner, an actionable plan of measures (priority list, scenario/vulnerability analysis, matrix assessment) and a formal management response are in place.
Security Management Plan
This plan is designed with an aim to ensure risks that may threaten communities, employees, facilities, and the ability to operate, as well as the reputation of the company and its global operations are mitigated. The plan provides organizational direction, integration, and contingencies for the security and asset protection program and staff. This plan was written with the understanding that effective security and respect for human rights are compatible and not contradictory.
The security structure includes clearly defined roles from management to specialized units such as Rapid Reaction, Anti-Poaching, and Firefighting, which work closely with the police, authorities, and local groups. Security measures combine prevention, patrols, technical surveillance, structured escalation processes, and rules for responsible, human rights-compliant conduct. Complaints, incidents, and conflicts are handled through established reporting channels, investigation processes, and transparent communication procedures. Training, community engagement, and established emergency protocols strengthen the ability to respond to threats and promote stable relationships with the communities affected.
Emergency Response Plan
At Hutan Harapan, emergencies are identified using a tiered reporting system. In case of an emergency, a report is immediately forwarded to the responsible management team and assessed according to defined escalation levels. The incident management team and on-scene response team take on their respective strategic and operational tasks, coordinate tactical situation management, ensure communication, and activate internal or external resources depending on the severity of the incident. Every type of incident, whether accident, natural hazard, fire, conflict, or technical failure, follows established procedures for risk assessment, evacuation, medical care, containment, stabilization, and restoration of safe operating conditions. Regular training, exercises, and maintenance of equipment, communication tools, and infrastructure ensure the operational readiness of all participants and guarantee structured interaction in an emergency. Supplementary appendices provide tactical guidelines, role profiles, contact lists, and location-specific information that can be applied immediately in the event of an emergency.
Strategic Community Development Plan
The strategic development plan for 2023–2027 focuses on improving the quality of life of communities in the Hutan Harapan area through programs in education, health, economic empowerment, and preservation of local culture. The plan focuses on the Batin Sembilan and other directly or indirectly affected groups, whose access to basic education, basic medical care, and resilient sources of income will be systematically expanded. Planned measures include mobile health services, school and continuing education, promotion of sustainable agriculture, marketing of non-timber forest products, and support for cultural documentation and knowledge preservation. Implementation is based on clearly defined selection criteria for beneficiaries, multi-year action plans, and a structured budgeting and monitoring system geared toward impact, transparency, and long-term sustainability. This supports both social stability and the ecological goals of forest restoration and strengthens partnerships between communities, authorities, and PT REKI.
