Loss Contract Between Burger and Sinar Mas

Among environmental activists praised the decision of fast food restaurants from the United States (U.S.), Burger King, which stop buying palm oil from PT Sinar Mas Agro Resources and Technology. The reason, Sinar Mas regarded destroying the rain forest by taking profit.


Burger King last Friday said it has canceled a contract with Sinar Mas for oil palm companies were deemed not to apply sustainable agricultural practices. Based on independent audits, Burger King considered that the Sinar Mas palm oil plantation has been violated several provisions, including the plant in the area of peat land and secondary forest.


"These practices were not consistent with our commitment to corporate responsibility," Burger King said in a statement through a Facebook account that is monitored by the Associated Press. However, Burger King does not mention alternative sources of palm oil, since it is an important component to cook their food products.


Termination of the contract was welcomed by the international environmental activist, Greenpeace. The group accused the Sinar Mas had cleared the forest in Sumatra, which became the habitat of orangutans and other endangered species.


Bustar Maitar from Greenpeace also urged companies other food products such as Cargill, Pizza Hut, and Dunkin 'Donuts to make a similar move by Burger King.


Jatna Supriatna of Conservation International Indonesia considered that the steps Burger King is a lesson for Sinar Mas and other companies that have marred the tropical forests in Indonesia. Forest area not only is home to rare animals, but also as a filter to absorb carbon dioxide - a key element for the emergence of global warming.


Meanwhile, the Sinar Mas expressed regret over the decision of Burger King. However, Sinar Mas will work hard to convince U.S. companies that they are committed to practices that are environmentally friendly.

Before Burger King, a number of companies such as Unilever, Nestle, and Kraft Foods also decided in cooperation with Sinar Mas.



Source: Renne R.A Kawilarang - VIVAnews


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