PALMOILMAGAZINE, PANGKALAN BUN — Efforts to strengthen sustainable palm oil practices continue to gain momentum in Kotawaringin Barat (Kobar) Regency. The Kobar Agriculture Office held a socialization on Indonesia Sustainable Palm Oil (ISPO) certification on Tuesday (September 30) at Brits Hotel, Pangkalan Bun. The event gathered 50 participants, consisting of smallholder oil palm farmers and agricultural extension officers (PPL) from various districts across Kobar.
The initiative aimed to provide a comprehensive understanding of ISPO certification, especially for independent smallholders, to ensure effective and widespread implementation of sustainable palm oil standards.
In her opening remarks, Head of the Kobar Agriculture Office, Kris Budi Hastuti, emphasized the importance of the event.
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“ISPO certification is mandatory under Presidential Regulation No. 44 of 2020 and Presidential Regulation No. 16 of 2025. We hope all participants will understand the regulations and certification mechanisms explained by auditors from the ISPO Certification Body,” she said, as quoted by Palmoilmagazine.com from the Kobar local government, Sunday (October 5, 2025).
Kris Budi also noted that the activity demonstrates the local government’s commitment to accelerating ISPO adoption, particularly among independent smallholders. The program is funded through Palm Oil Profit-Sharing Funds (DBH Sawit), one of the key tools used by regional governments to improve plantation governance.
One participant, Ahmad from Pangkalan Banteng District, said the session provided valuable insights for farmers.
“Many of us didn’t know where to start when it came to ISPO certification. The explanations about requirements and procedures were really helpful,” he said.
Through this initiative, the Kobar Agriculture Office hopes farmers will better understand that ISPO certification is not merely an administrative formality but a crucial step toward building a more sustainable, competitive, and environmentally responsible palm oil industry. (P2)
