PALMOILMAGAZINE, JAKARTA – The Indonesian Sustainable Palm Oil Farmers Forum (FORTASBI) is strengthening its role as a platform for learning, collaboration, and capacity building among certified independent oil palm smallholders across Indonesia.
Rukaiyah Rafik, a member of the RSPO Board of Governors and Head of the FORTASBI Secretariat, revealed that approximately 22,000 farmers are currently part of the FORTASBI network, representing a significant portion of Indonesia’s nearly 40,000 RSPO-certified independent smallholders.
“FORTASBI was established to accommodate certified smallholders and provide a home where they can learn, exchange experiences, and support fellow farmers in implementing sustainable practices,” Rukaiyah said during the RSPO Media Brunch attended by Palmoilmagazine.com on Friday (June 12, 2026).
According to her, the benefits of certification extend far beyond market access. Sustainability certification also enables farmers to receive incentives that can be reinvested into community development programs and environmental restoration initiatives within plantation areas.
FORTASBI encourages certified cooperatives and farmer groups to expand their membership while serving as learning centers for producers who are still working toward certification. The organization believes peer-to-peer learning is one of the most effective ways to accelerate the adoption of sustainable farming practices.
“Many farmers are now capable of becoming trainers and mentors for other growers. We also have field facilitators who work directly with farmers to ensure sustainability principles are implemented in a practical and measurable way,” she explained.
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One of the success stories highlighted during the event came from KUD Tani Subur, a smallholder cooperative based in Central Kalimantan. Its chairman, Sutiyana, recalled that introducing RSPO certification to farmers was initially a daunting task.
“At the time, RSPO certification felt like a distant dream. It was extremely difficult to convince farmers of its benefits, especially without adequate guidance and assistance,” he said.
Over time, however, the tangible benefits experienced by members helped transform perceptions. The cooperative has grown significantly, with membership increasing from around 300 farmers to approximately 1,400 independent oil palm growers.
For Sutiyana, the greatest value of certification lies not only in improved market opportunities but also in greater awareness of land legality and better plantation management practices.
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“Personally, the most important benefit has been legal certainty. When farmers have clear and legitimate documentation, they are in a much stronger position,” he noted.
Despite the progress, challenges remain. Administrative requirements for accessing financing and expanding cooperative businesses continue to pose obstacles. One of KUD Tani Subur’s long-term ambitions is to establish a farmer-owned palm oil mill, allowing more value to be retained within the farming community.
Nevertheless, Sutiyana remains optimistic about the future of Indonesia’s smallholder palm oil sector.
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“We want to prove that Indonesian farmers can move forward and compete. RSPO certification has delivered tremendous benefits for our members, and we hope more farmers will come to understand the importance of becoming certified,” he said.
As sustainability requirements continue to shape global palm oil markets, organizations such as FORTASBI are expected to play an increasingly important role in helping independent smallholders strengthen their competitiveness, improve livelihoods, and contribute to a more inclusive and sustainable palm oil industry. (P3)
