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APRIL Group’s Indonesia operations PT Riau Andalan Pulp and Paper’s (RAPP) ongoing commitment to community development continues to make the headlines in Riau.
Staff in the RAPP Employee Volunteering Programme worked hand-in-hand with members of the community in Tebing Tinggi in Kuantan Singingi Regency, Riau to build a 1.5 kilometer 2 metre-wide dirt road.
This latest development is one of many infrastructure projects that RAPP has embarked with the community and local government. Similar to other projects, the company worked closely with the village head and was involved in community meetings to better understand its needs.
The new road now connects the village to neighbouring Benai, and facilitates day-to-day activities, commerce and commute to schools.
The building and paving of roads have helped facilitate smoother commute between villages and towns. Its positive social and economic impact has been felt by the communities.
Tebing Tinggi village chief Harmadi praised RAPP for its active involvement in infrastructure development. He explained, “Previously, the path was very narrow, and not very accessible to motorcycles and cars. Now, thanks to RAPP sponsorship and help, parents no longer need to travel a long distance to fetch their children to school. We also now have an easy walk to the market.”
Residents have also rejoiced at the opening of the road, which was made possible by RAPP’s sponsoring of heavy machinery, equipment and the efforts of dozens of its staff volunteers.
One resident, Yozi Etra said:
The RAPP Employee Volunteering Programme has benefitted us all. Hopefully it will not only continue to do more for our village but extend to other villages as well.
RAPP employee volunteers and members of the Kuansing community worked together to build the 1.5km road
Proactive support of local communities is one of the areas outlined in APRIL Group’s sustainability policy. The sponsorship and involvement in the building of roads are part of a multi-prong approach to the company’s commitment to help alleviate poverty in the rural communities that are within and near its operation areas.
The Employee Volunteering Programme provides a platform for its employees to contribute to the community through activities such as tree-planting, road repairs, community service, and maintenance and painting of village meeting halls, schools, village head offices and places of worship.
Strong relationships are built with the villages and local governments, as the pulp and paper producer strives to be a sustainable and responsible corporate member of the community.
Kerinci in 1993 and 2013. Good for community: RGE companies are community-minded and continue to to play their role in improving infrastructure, and developing communities and the local economy.
