Enviro News Asia, Jakarta — The Asosiasi Pulp dan Kertas Indonesia (APKI) has appointed Suhendra Wiriadinata as Chairman to serve the remainder of the 2021–2026 executive term, following the passing of APKI Chairwoman Liana Bratasida on December 22, 2025.
The decision was taken during a meeting of the APKI Supervisory Board together with Vice Chairpersons, in accordance with the association’s Articles of Association and Bylaws, to ensure leadership continuity and organizational stability.
Chairman of the APKI Supervisory Board, Ngakan Timur Antara, stated that the appointment of an interim chairman refers to Article 29 of APKI’s Articles of Association, which authorizes the Supervisory Board to appoint a Chairman in the event of a leadership vacancy before the end of the term.
“Leadership vacancies cannot remain unresolved for long. This appointment ensures that the secretariat’s operations and APKI’s work programs throughout 2026 continue to run effectively,” Ngakan said. He also expressed deep condolences over the passing of Liana Bratasida, noting her strong leadership and significant contributions to the association.
According to Ngakan, Suhendra was appointed by consensus, taking into account his organizational experience, leadership continuity, and extensive engagement with government and industry stakeholders. The appointment is temporary and will remain in effect until the association’s congress, where members will elect a definitive Chairman for the next five-year term.
During his tenure, the Chairman will continue APKI’s priority policies and programs established in the previous period, including strengthening the association’s role as a strategic partner to the government and enhancing the sustainability and competitiveness of Indonesia’s pulp and paper industry.
The decision received collective support from APKI Vice Chairpersons, who considered the appointment fully compliant with organizational rules and the most appropriate solution to maintain stability and effectiveness ahead of the upcoming congress.
In his statement, Suhendra Wiriadinata conveyed his condolences over the passing of Liana Bratasida and reaffirmed his commitment to ensuring organizational continuity.
“Mrs. Liana’s passing was sudden and represents a great loss for us. However, the organization must continue to move forward. I accept this mandate to ensure APKI remains solid and that agreed programs can be carried on,” Suhendra said.
He emphasized that the assignment will last approximately ten months until the congress, with a primary focus on ensuring smooth organizational operations and preparing the congress agenda. Suhendra also stressed his commitment to prioritizing collective interests above those of any individual company.
“The most important thing is to keep the organization united,” he said, adding that he would strengthen daily operational functions through collective mechanisms at the secretariat while accelerating organizational consolidation ahead of the congress.
APKI affirmed that the leadership transition will not affect the association’s commitment to safeguarding the interests of Indonesia’s pulp and paper industry at both national and global levels. (*)
