PALMOILMAGAZINE, JAKARTA – Member of Indonesia’s House of Representatives Commission IV, Firman Soebagyo, has urged the government to step up international diplomacy efforts and more aggressively counter global disinformation campaigns targeting Indonesian palm oil. He warned that without a firm, data-driven narrative, Indonesia would remain on the defensive amid growing pressure from developed countries.
“We must stop constantly asking to be understood. We need to speak firmly, rely on data, and defend the interests of our farmers and our nation,” Firman said in a statement quoted by Palmoilmagazine.com on Friday (January 2, 2026).
According to Firman, Indonesia’s palm oil industry has long been the target of negative campaigns that are not purely driven by environmental concerns. He argued that environmental issues are often used as a cover for economic interests and trade protectionism, particularly in Europe.
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He pointed to recurring accusations portraying palm oil as a primary cause of deforestation, environmental degradation, and human rights abuses, which are frequently raised without global context or fair comparisons with other vegetable oil crops.
“If we are truly talking about the environment, it must be fair. Palm oil should not be singled out while soybeans, sunflower, or rapeseed — which require far larger areas of land — escape the same level of scrutiny,” said Firman, who also serves as Vice Chairman of the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KADIN).
Firman acknowledged that sustainability remains a critical issue for Indonesia. However, he stressed that the government should not remain passive, as a number of concrete measures have already been implemented, including the Indonesian Sustainable Palm Oil (ISPO) certification scheme, a moratorium on new palm oil plantation permits, and strengthened governance transparency.
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“Indonesia and Malaysia have moved toward a more sustainable palm oil industry. This is a fact often ignored by NGOs and critical countries,” said the lawmaker, who represents Central Java III.
He also rejected the notion that palm oil is inherently linked to environmental destruction. With proper management, he said, palm plantations can contribute positively, including through carbon absorption and improved land-use management.
“What we must fight is not palm oil itself, but bad practices. When properly managed, palm oil can be part of the solution, not a problem to fear,” Firman concluded. (P2)
