PALMOILMAGAZINE, JAKARTA – In an effort to strengthen the sustainability of the global palm oil industry, Indonesia and Malaysia, as the main members of the Council of Palm Oil Producing Countries (CPOPC), emphasized their commitment to work more closely together. This was conveyed at the 12th CPOPC Ministerial Meeting Press Conference in Jakarta on Friday (29/11/2024).
Indonesia’s Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs, Airlangga Hartarto, stated that synergy between palm oil producing countries is essential to face the growing global challenges. “We appreciate the partnership and collaboration that has been established with palm oil producing countries. Indonesia and Malaysia have agreed to strengthen collaboration over the next one year,” he said.
Airlangga emphasized that this effort is in line with President Prabowo Subianto’s vision which prioritizes the asta cita program. The focus includes food security, energy independence, and downstreaming of the plantation industry, including palm oil. The palm oil industry plays an important role in supporting Indonesia’s economic independence and sustainability.
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On this occasion, the two countries agreed to fight the black campaign of European countries against palm oil commodities. This is done through the extension of the formation of the Ad Hoc Joint Task Force related to the European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR). Currently, Indonesia has handed over the chairmanship of CPOPC to Malaysia for the next one year.
Meanwhile, on the same occasion, Malaysia’s Minister of Agriculture and Commodities, Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani, emphasized the importance of collaboration between the two countries as the world’s top palm oil producers. “Indonesia and Malaysia together contribute more than 70% of the world’s palm oil. This contribution is very significant,” Johari said.
Johari added that close collaboration between Indonesia and Malaysia was needed to ensure global standardization of palm oil products. “We must unite our voices to ensure that palm oil standards are recognized globally. This cooperation is important to deal with issues of empowerment as well as compliance with international regulations,” he explained.
As two major palm oil producing countries, Indonesia and Malaysia face various challenges, including allegations on environmental sustainability and trade regulation issues. Through the CPOPC forum, both countries seek to provide a fair perspective and fight for global recognition of the palm oil sustainability standards that have been implemented.
This synergy is expected to strengthen the position of palm oil as a world strategic commodity, improve the welfare of farmers, and ensure the palm oil industry becomes more inclusive and sustainable. (P2)
