AmCham Indonesia is a voluntary organisation of professionals with commercial activities in Indonesia. Its central mission is to promote US-Indonesia commercial relations and to serve its members as a key resource for information and business networking. Formed in 1971 as a committee, AmCham Indonesia has grown to hundreds of members representing more than 250 companies.

An American working overseas for over 20 years, Kathy has always trusted AmCham as the go-to business anchor for national trends, regulations and forecasts when operating internationally. When she was stationed in Seoul, South Korea (2000-2007), she worked closely with AmCham as the American Women’s Club President and the Chair of the Professional Women’s Network, as well as being an active member of FAWCO (Federation of American Women’s Clubs Overseas) which represents American women living overseas.

Originally from Chicago, Kathy has been stationed in Jakarta for a year but has lived in France, Italy, Austria, Switzerland and Korea. “This is a really exciting opportunity for me to create close knit relationships with the business community of AmCham which allows me to promote AGS among the foreign and American business community of Indonesia.”

Kathy joined AGS Movers Indonesia in December 2016 after an international career with Crown Relocations and SIRVA. She brings to AGS a wealth experience in GMS and RM. Additionally, she brings with her a personal experience as an expat who has moved more than 15 times across three continents, speaks five languages.

One of the main innovations includes a new Records Management viewing room on a balcony overlooking the branch’s records storage facility.

Now in its sixth year, statistics prove that AGS’ execution of this campaign continues to strengthen each year. This is thanks to AGS’ loyal clients who placed their trust in us, warmly embracing ‘One Move, One Tree’, and enabling AGS’ network of 128 offices in 80 countries to give back to the environment and reduce its collective carbon footprint.

“Having personally spearheaded this project since its start in 2009, I am thrilled that we have surpassed the 100 000 benchmark,” says Gilles Taïeb, Executive Director for AGS.

“We always stress our commitment to preserving and caring for the environment, and this campaign is a highly rewarding means of upholding that promise.”

In 2009 AGS formally launched the campaign by partnering with Planète Urgence, an international Non-Governmental Organisation which supports projects involving the protection of the environment and the promotion of biodiversity.

With each international move booked through AGS, regardless of volume, AGS has committed to donating to Planète Urgence for a tree to be planted. This contributes towards reforestation in three environmental focus areas – Mali, Indonesia and Madagascar – and a certificate confirming this fact is e-mailed to AGS’ clients.

For more information on AGS’ environmental programmes, and to download and familiarise yourself with our detailed Environmental Policy document, please visit the Corporate Social Responsibility section of www.agsmovers.com.

North Sumatra region of Indonesia: swamp trees such as these, planted through AGS’ partnership with Planète Urgence, have played a critical role in reconstructing the mangrove corridor and combatting global warming.

Mopti region of Mali: for a visual representation of trees planted, access Planète Urgence’s map online at

www.planete-urgence.org/environnement-et-developpement/geographic-location.htm

50 companies took part, including MOBILITAS–AGS.

Joëlle was invited to share her thoughts on international trade and knowledge of specific markets with French and international decision-makers.

Accompanied by Steve Chambers, the new manager of AGS Movers Indonesia in Jakarta, she had the opportunity to visit many French and foreign companies to introduce the group. All of these meetings were meticulously organised locally by the Ubifrance team  in Jakarta.

Upon her return to Paris, Joëlle was one of 10 carefully selected businesspeople invited to dinner at the residence of his Excellency the Ambassador of Indonesia in Neuilly-sur-Seine, France. Through this dinner, Mr Rezlan Ishar Jenie aimed to develop trade relations between the two countries.

The AGS group’s “one move = one tree” project, now in its second year, was started to compensate for the carbon footprint of every international move. Working with the NGO Planète Urgence, the project aims to combat the degradation of the environment and the depletion of trees through reforestation.

Since the 1970s, mangrove forests in Indonesia have reduced in size by about 50%. Today, seven unique mangrove sites in the country are under restoration through this valuable project.

Mangroves create a unique ecosystem between terrestrial and marine life. By filtering run-off, water trapping sediments and debris and removing heavy metals, mangroves protect the quality and clarity of water. This gives rise to a plethora of marine organisms, fish, crustaceans, turtles, birds and all sorts of animal life – which in turn support this ecosystem. In addition, mangroves buffer the effects of erosion and protect the coastline from high tides and storms.

The tree-planting process begins with the extraction of propagules from trees in the region. These propagules are kept in a nursery for approximately three months until the seedlings have matured. The seedlings are then transported to the area and planted in places where currents and tides are strong. About 4 500 seedlings are planted per hectare. Mangrove forests are fast-growing and all newly planted trees are closely monitored for pests throughout the year.

AGS is also working in Africa planting trees in Mali to fight against desertification and to promote local economic development.

Through its alliance with Planète Urgence, the AGS Group  has proven  that it is a  leader in  international mobility and socially responsible – both locally and internationally – staying at the forefront of the fight for the protection of the environment.

In particular, Lyra Romdhoni, a relocation consultant, and the professional packing and international removals team all received a special thank you from this international client.

Cedric Castro, member of the AGS Board of Directors and Bruno Moussey, Regional Director for Asia, awarded appreciation certificates to every AGS Movers Indonesia team member involved in this move.

Ebb Hinchliffe, branch manager of AGS Movers Indonesia, commented,

“I have managed teams in other companies for years in various Asian countries, and I have never dealt with a more dedicated team than the AGS one in Jakarta. This team never ceases to amaze me; whether it is replying to a customer’s email on a Sunday afternoon, or being with a client until midnight, they will always go the extra mile.”

The AGS Movers Indonesia team has demonstrated countless times that, not only do their services meet international standards, they are always available to deliver friendly, professional services at all times, while making certain that their clients’ needs are fully met.

Well done to the team in Indonesia for going above and beyond the call of duty.