PALMOILMAGAZINE, BALI – The synergy between business, environment, and social aspects is seen as essential for creating a sustainable palm oil industry. The 7th International Conference on Oil Palm and Environment (ICOPE) served as a platform to showcase this balance.
Supported by Sinar Mas (business), WWF Indonesia (environment), and the French research institution CIRAD, the event demonstrated successful collaboration in implementing environmentally friendly, socially responsible, and economically viable palm oil practices.
“Balancing profit, environmental sustainability, and social aspects cannot be ignored. We cannot focus solely on economic gains or environmental concerns. The three-pillar collaboration ensures the long-term sustainability of the palm oil industry,” said ICOPE Vice Chairman Haskarlianus Pasang during the closing session on Friday (February 15, 2025).
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He highlighted that ICOPE itself applied eco-friendly principles, such as minimizing paper use by replacing printed documents with digital scans and eliminating plastic bottles in line with the Bali Green initiative. “We replaced plastic bottles with refillable tumblers, and even participant appreciation gifts were made from recycled materials. This is our commitment in action, not just theory,” he stated.
Haskarlianus emphasized that sustainability starts with individual actions. “If research is presented impressively but not applied in daily life, it’s pointless. After this conference, we must continue reducing plastic use and supporting eco-friendly practices at home,” he added.
On the policy front, he underscored the government’s crucial role in implementing recommendations from the event, which involved academics, corporations, and NGOs. “We don’t just criticize; we actively provide solutions. Policy recommendations for sustainable palm oil have been submitted to the government, and we expect to see results in the coming months,” he explained.
He concluded that this multi-sector collaboration not only supports the palm oil industry but also aligns with Indonesia’s global commitment to achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). “The 7th ICOPE proves that sustainability can be achieved without sacrificing economic growth,” he affirmed. (P2)
