Ministry of Industry reviews the implementation of health protocols and vaccinations for the company’s employees in the Industrial Estate
KARAWANG, August 13, 2021 – Ministry of Industry visited the Karawang Industrial Estate to review the implementation of health protocols in preparation for the transition of Community Activities Restrictions (PPKM) from level 4 to level 3, one of which was to the facility of PT HM Sampoerna Tbk.’s (Sampoerna facility). During the visit, Sampoerna reaffirmed the company’s commitment to progress and performance as an export-oriented industry.
Acting Director General of Agro Industry at the Ministry of Industry, Putu Juli Ardika, expressed his appreciation for the implementation of the health protocol at Sampoerna. This is also supported by Sampoerna’s efforts to accelerate its vaccination program. “We appreciate Sampoerna for carrying out the procedures very strictly, and even exceeding the applicable standards. Moreover, I think Sampoerna’s vaccination program is a very positive signal and should be used as an example for other industries,” he said.
Sampoerna is committed to always making optimal and continuous efforts in prioritizing the health and safety of every employee, including those at the production facility in Karawang, West Java. Sampoerna also continues to implement strict health and sanitation protocols as mandated by the Ministry of Industry and Ministry of Health, as well as adapts to new normal standard in performing its business.
Head of Sampoerna Karawang Plant, Kurnia Adhi Sulistyawan, stated, “We appreciate the government’s measures in combating the pandemic. Sampoerna fully supports these efforts and is committed to improving supervision and ensuring compliance with applicable regulations in all production facilities and company operations.”
Furthermore, the implementation of health protocols at Sampoerna is supported by the Tracing, Testing, and Treatment (3T) system in collaboration with local laboratories and hospitals. The plant is now equipped with facilities to carry out antigen and PCR swab tests and has medical personnel on standby.
Sampoerna also extends the support for employees’ health and wellbeing, among others, by preparing vitamin or supplement packages recommended by medical experts to help maintain their immune system. In addition, Sampoerna provides sanitation packages such as hand sanitizers, alcohol wipes, and masks; access to facilities and accommodation for self-isolation; access to providers of teleconsultation or home care services; etc.
Maintaining Export Performance
Aside from fulfilling domestic demand, Sampoerna’s facility in Karawang is also an export-oriented industry and currently meets the demand for tobacco products in 43 markets globally. Kurnia said that Sampoerna’s success in maintaining export performance was in part due to the Ministry of Industry’s policies for essential sectors during the pandemic. “Despite the challenges presented by the pandemic, we are grateful to the Ministry of Industry policy in responding to business activities. For this reason, we as a labor-intensive industry apply health protocols according to, or even exceeding, the applicable standards to maintain the trust placed in us,” he added.
HM Sampoerna’s steady export performance was also appreciated by the Acting Director General of Agro Industry, who said, “We highly appreciate the efforts of business actors such as Sampoerna to continue to boost exports by continuing to implement strict procedures. We hope this can be carried out continuously and consistently.”
Vaccination of 65,000 Employees
The visit from the Ministry of Industry coincided with the follow-up Gotong Royong Vaccination program run for a number of Sampoerna employees at the Karawang Facility. All of these are part of Sampoerna’s commitment to vaccinating all of its direct and indirect employees. As of July 2021, more than 42,000 employees had been vaccinated and the other 65,000 employees are scheduled to receive the first dose of vaccines before the company’s 108th anniversary on August 27.
Furthermore, the company requires employees the use double masks, medical and cloth masks, provided by the company, in accordance with applicable regulations while in the production facilities. The company also disinfects the facilities at the production area and common facilities such as cafeteria, restrooms, praying rooms, lockers rooms, cooperatives offices, ATM machines, etc. every two hours.
“Nearly all Sampoerna employees at the Karawang Plant have been fully vaccinated against the COVID-19 through the Gotong Royong Vaccination program. We also play an active role in supporting the government to achieve herd immunity, such as by making our facility a Gotong Royong Vaccination Center for employees at the KIIC and the Surya Cipta Industrial Estates,” concluded Kurnia.
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About PT HM Sampoerna Tbk. (Sampoerna)
Established in 1913, Sampoerna – an affiliate of Philip Morris International Inc. – is the leading Indonesian tobacco company, focusing primarily on manufacturing and trading clove cigarettes. Sampoerna produces some of the best-known kretek (clove) cigarette brand families such as Sampoerna A, the legendary “King of Kretek” Dji Sam Soe, Sampoerna U and Sampoerna Kretek. Sampoerna also distributes the Marlboro cigarette brand throughout Indonesia, through a long-term distribution agreement with PT Philip Morris Indonesia.
Sampoerna operates six production facilities located in Surabaya, Pasuruan, Probolinggo, Malang, dan Karawang. Sampoerna partners with 38 Third Party Operators in Java, employing – directly and indirectly – a total of approximately 65,000 employees, mostly in the production of hand-rolled clove cigarettes. Sampoerna distributes its products through 112 sales and distribution area offices across Indonesia.
Sampoerna is one of the largest issuers by market capitalization on the Indonesian Stock Exchange, where it trades under the ticker symbol "HMSP."
For further information, please visit: www.sampoerna.com.
Media Contact:
Tantri Kadiman-Beekelaar
Head of Corporate Communications
PT HM Sampoerna Tbk.
Mobile: 0812-2014-960
Email: contact@sampoerna.com