Technical Assistance I
It was raining on a particular morning in Berau, the regency remotely located in the northern part of East Kalimantan, Indonesia. But the dark clouds did not dampen Nur Octaviani's spirit to fulfil her duty as an internal auditor for Berau Cacao Geographical Indication Association (MPIG Kakao Berau). She knew her work was essential in ensuring that the production tasks were being handled properly, and was committed to seeing it through. With her raincoat on, Nur ventured out to the cocoa farms, determined to complete her audit despite the pouring rain and strong winds.
"I love and am proud of my duty as an internal auditor," Nur said.
Nur was one of the participants in the internal control system training organised by the Directorate General of Intellectual Property of the Ministry of Law and Human Rights with support from ARISE+ Indonesia on 28-30 June 2022. The MPIG Kakao Berau management, including Nur, Berau Plantation Office, the local exporter (PT. KASS) and the farmers were trained by a team of ARISE+ Indonesia experts, including technician from Koltiva, a consulting company mandated by the project, in collecting cacao production data, including the mapping of GPS coordinates to ensure the accuracy of the production locations that will be subsequently uploaded to the database of traceability application, Koltitrace.
"The training was very insightful. I am very grateful for the eye-opening knowledge on internal control systems and traceability, thanks to ARISE+ Indonesia," Nur said, brimming with enthusiasm.
MPIG Kakao Berau has conducted an internal audit of 300 selected farmers after the training. The Chairman of MPIG Kakao Berau, Maryono, said, "This is a long overdue internal audit. We are grateful to have the support from ARISE+ Indonesia."
Nur was assigned to audit 110 farmers in the Gunung Tabur sub-district. Being the only woman in the internal auditor team of four, luckily, Nur did not face any challenges in her work.
"I think being a woman, we have an advantage of being more thorough and patient in our work," Nur said.
When Nur started her first day as an internal auditor for the MPIG Kakao Berau, she quickly realised that her job was not just about ensuring compliance, but also promoting environmental sustainability and social responsibility. According to Nur, one of the most rewarding parts of her work was visiting the cocoa farms and meeting the farmers who grew the beans. She learned about their families, traditions, challenges and dreams for the future.
"I've gained new friends, and our friendship is still going well," Nur said.
Following the completion of the internal audit, an international certification and inspection agency from Italy, CSQA, conducted an external audit at the end of 2022. Nur's and her auditor colleagues' hard work finally paid off. MPIG Berau Cacao successfully passed the external audit process conducted by CSQA. The external audit certificate will be awarded during the upcoming ARISE+ Indonesia TA 1 project closing event.
In addition, Berau Cacao won first place at the National Cocoa Bean Competition held by the Indonesian Cocoa Board in 2022.
"I am grateful that my work can help improve and assure the quality of Berau Cacao that, in turn, will contribute to improving the lives of the farmers," Nur said with gratitude.
