PALMOILMAGAZINE, SANUR – Vice Minister of Agriculture, Sudaryono, highlighted the challenges facing Indonesia’s palm oil industry, from the impacts of climate change to international regulations such as the European Union Deforestation-free Regulation (EUDR). Speaking at the 7th International Conference of Oil Palm and Environment (ICOPE), he stressed the importance of sustainable plantation governance to maintain Indonesia’s competitiveness in the global market.
As part of the government’s strategy to address global challenges, Surat Tanda Daftar Budidaya (STDB) has been introduced for smallholder farmers with landholdings of less than 25 hectares. This program aims to: Gather data on smallholder plantation ownership, Facilitate farmers’ access to financial assistance from the state budget (APBN) and other funding sources, Ensure sustainable plantation management, and Serve as a prerequisite for Indonesian Sustainable Palm Oil (ISPO) certification.
To reinforce sustainability, the government mandates ISPO certification under Minister of Agriculture Regulation No. 38 of 2020. ISPO covers environmental aspects, including greenhouse gas emission mitigation, biodiversity conservation, and waste and hazardous material management within the palm oil supply chain.
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“We continue to encourage all industry players, including smallholders, to obtain ISPO certification to boost productivity without harming the environment,” Sudaryono stated while opening ICOPE 2025 in Sanur, Bali, on Wednesday (Feb 12, 2025).
Sudaryono also called on all stakeholders—including the government, private sector, NGOs, and farmers—to strengthen sustainable agricultural practices and elevate the industry’s sustainability standards.
“We must work together to ensure that the palm oil industry remains competitive and sustainable,” he emphasized.
Closing his speech, Sudaryono expressed his hope that these initiatives would benefit all stakeholders in achieving an environmentally friendly and sustainable palm oil industry. (P2)
