BANJARMASIN — The South Kalimantan Provincial Board of the Indonesian Employers Association (DPP Apindo) continues to strengthen consolidation efforts by uniting regional business players under a single organizational umbrella. This strategic move began with a working visit by DPP Apindo South Kalimantan officials to the PT Wijaya Triutama Plywood Industri factory in the Sungai Barito area on Tuesday, August 11, 2026.
During the meeting, the Chairman of DPP Apindo South Kalimantan, Winardi Sethiono, emphasized the importance of all business entities—ranging from MSMEs to large-scale industries—joining forces. He noted that Apindo plays a pivotal role as the official representative of the business community within Tripartite institutions and Wage Councils.
“Apindo’s primary duty is to advocate for and defend the interests of entrepreneurs as they conduct their business operations. Entrepreneurs play a noble role in creating jobs and driving the economy,” said Winardi on Tuesday, August 11, 2026.
Winardi added that job creation through labor-intensive industries is key to reducing unemployment, a challenge that persists in many regions. Beyond regulatory advocacy, Apindo South Kalimantan is committed to acting as a bridge connecting national and international business networks to facilitate market expansion for its members.
The visit—attended by board members including DPP Apindo South Kalimantan Secretary Abdul Haris Makkie and Deputy Chairman for Organization Noorhalis Majid—was welcomed personally by the General Manager of PT Wijaya Triutama Plywood Industri, Djoko Wahyudi.
During the discussion, Djoko highlighted various fundamental pressures currently threatening the sustainability of the plywood industry. Key issues include raw material shortages, shrinking markets for processed wood products, global political dynamics, and obstacles related to regulations, licensing, and taxation. To address the limited timber supply for companies that do not hold Forest Concession Rights (HPH), a collaborative concept has emerged involving the development of community-based or village forests.
“If village forests are utilized to grow timber species that meet the needs of the plywood industry, we are ready to accept and absorb the entire harvest,” asserted Djoko Wahyudi.
This cooperation model is viewed as a win-win solution: it guarantees a reliable supply of raw materials for the factory while simultaneously creating a long-term income source for villagers.
Abdul Haris Makkie, Secretary of the South Kalimantan Apindo (Indonesian Employers Association) Provincial Board, urged the management of PT Wijaya Triutama Plywood Industri to encourage similar businesses to join the association. He emphasized that the South Kalimantan Apindo secretariat is fully operational on all working days to handle complaints and provide assistance to members.
“Leveraging our network, Apindo is ready to provide the best service and support to all members,” said Haris.
This visit to the plywood factory marks the beginning of a series of “Industry Safaris” by the South Kalimantan Apindo board to various strategic companies across the province’s regencies and cities.
“We are optimistic that if all business owners unite under the umbrella of Apindo, South Kalimantan’s economy will advance rapidly,” concluded Winardi.
Daffa Ibrahim
