In the operation of APRIL Group’s mill, one individual stands out, ensuring seamless functioning every hour of the day. Nancy Sionita, our esteemed RPE Shift Superintendent, oversees operations and addresses challenges during their shift. Her responsibilities are pivotal in ensuring that all utilities, such as power, steam, water, and air, meet the mill's operational targets.

The pulp and paper industry is traditionally male-dominated, yet for Nancy, this challenge has only fueled her passion for her work. She views every obstacle as an opportunity to learn and grow. This resilient mindset propelled Nancy to become the first female shift superintendent in APRIL.

Originally from Pekanbaru, Nancy graduated from Sriwijaya University, South Sumatra, with a degree in Chemical Engineering. Eager to contribute to sustainable practices, she chose to work at APRIL as the company is committed to deliver a positive impact on climate, nature and people while growing its business sustainably.

“I wanted to be a part of sustainability actions. I was very grateful when I got accepted,” Nancy said.

Nancy's journey with APRIL began in 2015 as a Trainee. Since then, she has gained invaluable experience as a turbine process engineer for 3.5 years before assuming the Power Side Team Leader role for an additional 2.5 years. In 2022, she was entrusted with the role of RPE Shift Superintendent, leading a dedicated team.

Nancy exemplifies APRIL’s commitment to providing equal opportunities for women who aspire to contribute passionately to the industry. As of 2022, 18.6% of our workforce comprises women, as APRIL actively enhances the participation of women through trainee programs, fosters an inclusive workplace environment, and establishes a female forum for collaboration.

In alignment with our commitment to diversity and inclusion, APRIL recently launched the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DE&I) Policy in March 2024. This policy is a robust foundation, propelling APRIL to sustain our journey to ensure a diverse workplace and equal opportunities for all employees and increase participation of women and people with disabilities.

Nancy praised APRIL's supportive culture, emphasizing the company's dedication to continuous improvement, particularly for women in the field. She highlights the various training opportunities the APRIL Learning Institute provides to empower everyone to excel in their roles.

This International Women's Day, Nancy extends a message to women aspiring to chase their dreams and careers: "For all the women out there, be confident in your career. Always believe in yourself that you can achieve whatever your heart desires."

The pulp and paper industry may be traditionally dominated by men, but that didn’t stop Yoseva Ester S from dreaming of becoming an engineer since her time in high school.

“In my opinion, being an engineer is an interesting job and not monotonous. Moreover, the job prospects of an engineer are very wide. Even though there are fewer women than men, at least I can show that women have equal opportunities in this field,” explained Yoseva.

In pursuing her dream, the youngest of two siblings chose the Pulp and Paper study program, majoring in Chemical Engineering at the University of Riau. She was fortunate to earn a full scholarship from PT Riau Andalan Pulp and Paper (RAPP), which also enabled her to join the company after graduation.

Currently, 22-year-old Yoseva works as a Process Engineer at PT RAPP, in the Pulp Dryer area. She said this profession has its challenges. Among other things, she has to work with heavy machinery that in some cases is many times her size.

"There were so many ups and downs when I became a Process Engineer, but because I am still very new in this field, I have to learn with engineer colleagues who are already senior to become a qualified female engineer," she said.

Yoseva is one of many female engineers in the company. We provide equal opportunities for women to have a career in any field as part of our commitment to Inclusive Progress in our APRIL2030 roadmap.

Not only that, PT RAPP actively participates in providing scholarship opportunities for young people around the operational area. RAPP and Tanoto Foundation collaborated with the University of Riau to establish a Pulp and Paper Technology major in 2018, which covers the entire pulp and paper production process.

President Director of PT RAPP, Sihol P Aritonang, hopes that this major can raise the standard within the industry and become a driver of economic growth in the region.

"The presence of the pulp and paper major program not only aims to raise the experts in the field of the pulp and paper industry but also a solution for the company to absorb workers with qualified skills like Yoseva,” said Sihol.

Meet Christian Pranoto who is on a continuous journey of learning, striving to become a sustainability specialist.

It all began when he selected Conservation and Natural Resources Biology as his major at the National University in Jakarta, Indonesia (add what year) . Later, he extended his studies at the University of Edinburgh's Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies in Scotland, focusing on animal behavior and welfare, which he knew would be valuable in his future pursuits.

After completing his studies, Christian joined the Borneo Orangutan Survival Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to the conservation of orangutans. Then, he landed a job at a palm oil company where he got to learn the industry's pressing sustainability issues.

“Motivated by a strong desire to make a difference and save Indonesian wildlife, I set out on a journey that would take me through various experiences and opportunities,” Christian said.

ASPiRE sustainability mentoring programme 

To advance his skills and expertise in sustainability and seek a suitable platform to develop his mission of wildlife protection, he enrolled in the APRIL Sustainability Professional Readiness Programme (ASPiRE) Batch 4. 

ASPiRE, launched by APRIL, offers comprehensive training, mentoring, and hands-on experience to nurture young sustainability enthusiasts. It provides a broad perspective on sustainability, making it ideal for individuals exploring various aspects of the field.

“When I first discovered this programme, I recognised its potential for facilitating my personal and professional development as a sustainability expert,” Christian said. 

Learning sustainable fishery

Christian actively participates in the APRIL restoration project known as Restorasi Ekosistem Riau (RER). Here, he works on a project to integrate traditional fishing methods to support the economic and social well-being of villagers living near the Serkap River in Indonesia's Riau province.

The project’s goal is not to prevent the indigenous people from fishing as they have relied on the river for generations for both sustenance and transportation. 

“Our top priority is maintaining healthy fish stocks by preventing overfishing, minimising environmental impacts, and implementing effective governance and management strategies,” he said.  

He also stressed the importance of proper fisheries management in sustaining the livelihoods of local communities. The company launched a project to actively measure the fish catch in the region as accurate data is critical for evaluating the effectiveness of restoration initiatives and guiding decision-making.

Access to this data empowers fishermen to adapt and plan during periods of potentially lower fish catch. It also offers a transparent view of the fishery's condition, encouraging the community to prioritize ecological preservation and ensure the sustainability of their harvest.

“Hopefully, this valuable data will encourage nearby fishermen to take a proactive approach to sustainable environmental management,” he said.  

Through this project, Christian learned that altering behaviour and promoting sustainable practices requires patience. Accomplishing long-term sustainability goals demands strong commitment and consistent action. 

“I am grateful for the opportunity to explore sustainability through my enrolment in the prestigious ASPiRE Batch 4 to hone my skills and start a rewarding career in sustainability,” Christian said. 

Christian's commitment and ambition in sustainable development have positioned him for accelerated career progression within APRIL and RGE's global business group. APRIL anticipates welcoming new participants to ASPiRE each year, inspired by individuals like Christian who are dedicated to making a difference.

Over 10,000 people call APRIL Group’s town site on the edge of Pangkalan Kerinci, home.

Made up of employees, their families, and the people who help make the complex a functioning and dynamic society, this unique community sees thousands pass through its gates every month to help us produce biodegradable products that are used by billions of people around the world.

The purpose-built town is constantly expanding; thousands of homes, supermarkets, a hotel, international schools, sports facilities and a variety of places of worship to cater for this multi-cultural community.

PAPER TOWN profiles 9 prominent members, showing how they integrate with one another, each person offering their own, distinctive story.

THE HUMAN RESOURCES MANAGER

Elwan Jumandri is a man of many jobs. Since joining APRIL Group 26 years ago, he has worked across a variety of departments until finally finding his home in human resources. As an HR Service Manager, he has taken on many roles, while helping develop APRIL Group’s health and safety policy. Having achieved so much in over a quarter of a century, Elwan looks back on his career with great pride.

THE SUSTAINABILITY SPECIALIST & THE COMMUNITY LEADER

Creating a home away from home was top priority for sustainability specialist Susan Slabbert when she first arrived in Pangkalan Kerinci from her native South Africa. Since then she has embraced everything about small town life and, by making new friends and learning the local language, it has made the long trip from South Africa all worthwhile.

Budiyanti has been a leading light in the APRIL community for over 21 years and has helped form a group for the wives of employees. Ikatan Wanita Riau Andalan or IWARA for short, has 42 members and counting, who are encouraged to learn new skills, influence environmental initiatives and regularly hand out donations to the surrounding local communities.

THE SCHOOL PRINCIPAL

Robert Solis is the principal at Mutiara Harapan International School at APRIL Group’s complex in Pangkalan Kerinci.

Over the last two years of working at the school, the Filipino native has made a huge impression on the children and the community, bringing positive energy and a brand of teaching that is set to have a lasting impact.

THE PLANNING SPECIALIST

Amit Halder is in his dream job. Growing up in India, he was always fascinated with the latest gadgets.

So, when he joined APRIL as a Planning Specialist, where he works with state of the art satellite and drone technology, it was a perfect fit.

Amit moved to APRIL Group, along with his wife, five years ago and the first thing that struck him about living here is its unique sense of community.

THE CIVIL SUPERVISOR & THE SOCIAL CAPITAL OFFICER

It could be argued that Civil Supervisor Tri is one of the most recognizable faces in the community. Why? His role in facility management is so varied, it takes him to all four corners of the complex. He wears many hats throughout his day and he wouldn’t change that for the world.

After graduating in forestry in 2017 Indra Hartanto joined APRIL Group. The motorbike enthusiast loves the long, well paved roads in the complex as well as the sporting facilities where he regularly challenges friends to badminton. Indra’s time at APRIL has flown by and as each year passes, his responsibilities grow. Whether he is dealing with stakeholders or briefings with the security team or even meeting with employees, Indra hopes the next four years are as exciting as the last.

THE SECURITY OFFICER & THE ELECTRIC BUS DRIVER

After more than 15 years working as a security officer, Dedi Darwis Sinaga has seen it all. The rapid development throughout APRIL Group’s complex is something he has witnessed up close. Not only that, the evolution has resulted in an increase of employees and visitors as they pass through the gates he watches over.

The responsibility of driving some of Indonesia’s first electric buses isn’t something Wicak Putra takes lightly. It could be technicians, engineers, mill workers or secretaries, the young bus driver is in charge of transporting APRIL’s employees to and from work.