PANGKALAN KERINCI - Since September 2021, PT Riau Andalan Pulp and Paper (RAPP) has been the first private company in Sumatra to deploy electric buses for employee transportation and mobility. This initiative is part of the company’s efforts to achieve zero emissions in support of its APRIL2030 commitment to reduce carbon emissions, while also aligning with the Indonesian Government’s climate action goals.

On numerous occasions, the government has encouraged industry players to transition to clean energy. Lowcarbon modes of transportation, such as electric vehicles, are seen as key solutions in supporting climate mitigation efforts. PT RAPP recognizes this and has taken concrete steps in response to climate change.

PT RAPP is the operating unit of APRIL Group, a leading pulp and paper producer that strives to maximize the use of renewable energy within its operations—including employee transportation at the Riau Complex in Pangkalan Kerinci, Pelalawan Regency, Riau Province.

Between 2021 and 2023, this APRIL Group subsidiary had already deployed 10 electric buses. At the beginning of 2024, PT RAPP added another eight electric buses. Unlike the first batch, the new fleet was manufactured by BYD in collaboration with PT VKTR Teknologi Mobilitas Tbk (VKTR), the official distributor in Indonesia. This brings the total number of electric buses supporting operations to 18—underscoring the company’s strong commitment to sustainable business practices.

VKTR’s electric buses were selected due to RAPP’s trust in the company’s quality and proven track record as a pioneer in commercial electric vehicles, particularly electric buses, in Indonesia. The addition of these VKTR electric buses further reinforces APRIL Group’s commitment to supporting the government’s Net Zero Emissions 2060 target.

“The use of electric buses is one of the many efforts we are making to fulfill our commitment to reducing carbon emissions in our operations, as part of APRIL2030—a sustainability commitment launched in 2020,” said PT RAPP Chief Operating Officer (COO) Eduward Ginting on Thursday (1/25/2024).

“As a pioneer in Indonesia’s commercial electric vehicle sector, VKTR is honored by the trust RAPP has placed in us for this additional fleet. We are proud to support the APRIL2030 commitment to carbon emission reduction. VKTR deeply values and is ready to support companies that take real, tangible action toward both their sustainability targets and the government’s 2060 Net Zero Emission goal,” said VKTR Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Gilarsi W. Setijono.

By operating electric buses, RAPP is helping mitigate global warming and eliminate hazardous waste such as used oil, while also proving cost-efficient in terms of fuel savings.

Ginting further emphasized that introducing electric buses at the Riau Complex for employee shuttle services reflects the company’s strong commitment to using clean and renewable energy, while also supporting national emission reduction goals.

Beyond electric buses, PT RAPP is also committed to maximizing renewable energy use by installing solar panels to power its pulp and paper mills. To date, the company has developed 11 megawatts (MW) of solar capacity toward its 2030 target of 50 MW.

He also highlighted that these efforts are part of APRIL2030, APRIL Group’s long-term vision to address the challenges of the coming decade, built on four key commitments: Climate Positive, Thriving Landscapes, Inclusive Progress, and Sustainable Growth.

About PT VKTR Teknologi Mobilitas Tbk 
PT VKTR Teknologi Mobilitas Tbk. (VKTR – pronounced “Vector”) is a pioneer in the electrification of commercial vehicles in Indonesia. VKTR is committed to accelerating sustainable mobility in Indonesia through manufacturing and strategic partnerships with world-class electric vehicle producers.

About APRIL 
APRIL Group is a leading producer of fiber, pulp, and paper based in Riau Province, Indonesia. The company is committed to sustainable business and landscape management in its operational areas. APRIL upholds a 1- for-1 commitment: conserving and restoring one hectare of forest for every hectare of plantation forest it manages. This commitment protects approximately 365,000 hectares of forest, including one of Indonesia’s largest peatland restoration projects, the Restorasi Ekosistem Riau (RER). For more information, visit www.aprilasia.com and follow @discoverapril on Instagram.

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