PANGKALAN KERINCI, Indonesia (News release) -- PT Riau Andalan Pulp and Paper ("RAPP"), the operating arm of leading sustainable fibre and product producer Asia Pacific Resources International Limited ("APRIL") has completed the upgrading and widening of a 350 metre ring road in Pelalawan and handed it over to the Pelalawan Regency Government. APRIL is a member of the Singapore-headquartered Royal Golden Eagle ("RGE") group of companies founded by Sukanto Tanoto.

The development of the two-lane ring road by RAPP, at the cost of Rp.3 billion, is APRIL's contribution to the Pelalawan Regency Government of a strategic infrastructural asset for the region. The road will alleviate traffic congestion and contribute to the mobility of Pelalawan residents, and in turn boost the regional economy.

RAPP Director Mulia Nauli officially presented the completed asset to Pelalawan Regent H Zukri, in a ceremony witnessed by Forkopimda and Pelalawan regency community leaders.

During the event, Mr Nauli reiterated that RAPP is committed to supporting the Pelalawan Regency Government in realising its regional vision and mission, and executing its programmes.

In addition to the upgrading of the road, Post 2, a building used for the management of traffic in Pangkalan Kerinci, located at Jalan Lintas Timur, near the Simpang Langgam red light intersection, will be closed by next month and moved to a new location along the new ring road.

As mentioned in the district government's plan, many buildings had been illegally constructed along the previous road, leading to congestion at the Langgam red light intersection. Working in collaboration with RAPP, the district government has been able to communicate with the communities living in the buildings on relocating to other areas. So far, members of the communities have been cooperative, facilitating the successful upgrading of the road.

Mr Zukri expressed the district government's appreciation of RAPP's commitment to a common vision with the government and its contribution of new solutions to the development of Pelalawan Regency, enhancing its status within the Riau Province.

This partnership with the Pelalawan Regency Government is a major step towards helping APRIL realise its targets set in APRIL 2030, its sustainability commitments blueprint, under which it aims to uplift communities, support their welfare and reduce extreme poverty, among other sustainability initiatives.