PALMOILMAGAZINE, JAKARTA – The Indonesian Palm Oil Association (GAPKI) has proposed the establishment of a Daily Executor within the ISPO Committee to enhance the technical and administrative implementation of the Indonesian Sustainable Palm Oil (ISPO) certification.
Azis Hidayat, Head of GAPKI’s Plantation Division, emphasized this proposal in response to the revised structure of the ISPO Committee, which no longer includes a Steering Board. Under the new structure, the committee is chaired directly by the Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs. However, Azis believes that the current framework is not sufficiently effective in addressing technical challenges on the ground.
“The establishment of a daily executor would help streamline operational functions and improve ISPO implementation,” Azis said during a discussion hosted by the Agricultural Journalists Forum (Forwatan) in Jakarta on Wednesday (June 4, 2025), attended by Palmoilmagazine.com.
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According to data from the Directorate General of Plantations, only about 100,000 hectares of smallholder plantations have been ISPO certified, out of a total of 6.94 million hectares. The primary barrier for smallholders is land legality—many lack Land Ownership Certificates (SHM) or Cultivation Registration Letters (STDB).
“Of the 6.9 million hectares, only about 980,000 hectares may meet the certification criteria due to having proper documentation. The remaining 6 million hectares fall short,” Azis noted.
Large-scale plantation companies face similar issues. Many are still in the process of obtaining Cultivation Rights Titles (HGU), a key legal requirement for ISPO certification. “This presents a significant hurdle that could prevent many from meeting ISPO standards,” he added.
Despite these challenges, GAPKI remains committed to achieving 100% ISPO certification among its members. To support this goal, GAPKI has established a dedicated division focused on ISPO and smallholder partnerships. “I’ve been specifically assigned to oversee the ISPO and partnership agenda,” Azis stated.
As of June 2025, out of 1,177 GAPKI member companies, 687 (or around 58%) have received ISPO certification, covering a total area of 3.6 million hectares. GAPKI continues to push for full compliance across its membership.
To support these efforts, GAPKI operates ISPO Clinics in 15 provinces, offers subsidized ISPO auditor training for members, and organizes educational and advocacy initiatives—including during international events such as the Indonesian Palm Oil Conference (IPOC) in Bali. At IPOC, GAPKI hosted an “ISPO Café” to provide consultations, policy advocacy, and information on sustainable practices and replanting programs (PSR).
GAPKI views itself as a strategic partner to the government in advancing the sustainability of Indonesia’s palm oil industry. “We are fully committed to adhering to regulations and are always ready to offer constructive feedback on policies that may not yet be effective in practice,” Azis concluded. (P3)
