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AAL is owned by Astra International, a portfolio company of Jardine Cycle & Carriage, an investment holding company majority owned by Jardine Matheson. Jardine Cycle & Carriage maintains oversight of AAL through representation on the Board of Commissioners of Astra International.

As a supportive and engaged shareholder, Jardine Matheson works with our portfolio companies to ensure they minimise the impact they have on the environment and biodiversity, safeguard local communities, and that they are doing all they can to promote ethical and responsible practices.

AAL has issued a detailed clarification regarding the allegations levied against it, which were referenced in the Mongabay article. This was published by the United Nations Human Rights Council on 9th December 2024, and key points from this are highlighted below:

• The landholdings of AAL and its subsidiaries are covered by the Cultivation Rights Title (“Hak Guna Usaha” or HGU). The conferring of HGU by the Government demonstrates that thelands in question have undergone a rigorous “clean and clear” process, ensuring compliance with prevailing regulations and in consultation with local communities to avoid potential conflicts arising from overlapping claims.
• AAL and its subsidiaries have faced criticism from environmental groups WALHI and Friendsof the Earth on the impact of palm oil plantations on the local communities and the environment. AAL has engaged with these groups numerous times with the assistance of the independent third party EcoNusantara and advisor Robertsbridge, but has found it challenging to establish meaningful communication, as both organisations have been largely unresponsive to outreach attempts.
• In relation to land ownership, individuals with valid land ownership certificates are able to file a claim. These claims are processed according to procedures established by the government, which include inspections by the Land Team formed by the local Regent, with involvement from the National Land Agency. If the claim is substantiated with valid supporting documentation, the company will negotiate with the landowner on whether the land will be transferred to AAL and the landowner compensated, or if the owner wishes to manage it independent

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Over the course of a rigorous eight- month long on-the-ground assessment, EcoNusantara directly engaged with the communities concerned to verify the validity of grievances.The findings were published in November 2023, which showed no evidence for a number of land grabbing and criminalisation claims levied against the subsidiaries.

Although the allegations are unsubstantiated, with good will and faith, AAL has worked with EcoNusantara to put together a three-year action plan to implement their recommendations, developed transparently with inputs from key stakeholders and academic experts, emphasising inclusive engagement and measurable outcomes.

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