PALMOILMAGAZINE, JAKARTA — The Ministry of Industry (Kemenperin) has opened broad participation for civil society and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) to strengthen downstream Indonesian Sustainable Palm Oil (ISPO) implementation. Through Minister of Industry Regulation (Permenperin) No. 38 of 2025 on Indonesian Sustainable Palm Oil Certification for the Downstream Palm Oil Industry, the government formally establishes complaint mechanisms, special audits, and a national information system to safeguard sustainability in the palm oil sector.
The policy was outlined by RR Citra Rapati from the Directorate of Chemical, Oleochemical, and Animal Feed Industries under the Ministry of Industry’s Directorate General of Agro-Industry, during a presentation on the role of NGOs and the public in downstream ISPO implementation.
According to RR Citra, Permenperin 38/2025 explicitly regulates access to a complaint mechanism that can be initiated not only by business actors, but also by the government and the public. Members of the public may appoint representatives, including NGOs, to formally submit complaints.
Also Read:
“Complaints may be submitted by the government, business actors, or the public, provided they are accompanied by a written document signed by the complainant or their authorized representative, along with supporting evidence,” she explained during the ISPO Update Focus Group Discussion attended by Palmoilmagazine.com, Monday (22/12/2025).
She noted that the complaint mechanism differs from an appeal process. Appeals are submitted by companies to certification bodies, while complaints may be filed by the public against certification bodies conducting ISPO processes.
The regulation also stipulates a clear timeline for complaint resolution. In line with existing provisions, complaints must be resolved within a maximum of 30 working days from the date they are officially received.
Beyond complaints, Kemenperin has introduced a special audit mechanism as an additional layer of oversight. Such audits may be conducted outside routine audit schedules upon request from the Minister of Industry, the Director General, or in response to public complaints.
“This special audit mechanism is crucial to ensuring the integrity of the certification process. Field audit documentation will serve as the basis for further assessment,” RR Citra said.
She also highlighted the development of an integrated ISPO information system in the form of a national dashboard. This system is designed to consolidate palm oil supply chain data, covering plantations, downstream industries, and bioenergy sectors.
“Going forward, the national dashboard will contain comprehensive data on palm oil and its derivatives, enabling Indonesia to meet export destination requirements, including assurances related to deforestation-free supply chains,” she explained.
Through this system, all downstream palm oil products will be required to source raw materials exclusively from certified companies. NGOs and civil society organizations will also be granted access to verify compliance, reinforcing transparency and public oversight.
In addition to environmental aspects, downstream ISPO regulations also address labor standards. Compliance with labor regulations is a key sustainability indicator, with monitoring carried out in coordination with relevant ministries.
“Labor standards are a critical parameter of sustainability. Industrial supervision is already strict, and this forms an integral part of sustainable palm oil certification assessments,” RR Citra concluded.
With stronger regulations, open complaint mechanisms, and an integrated information system, the Ministry of Industry expects downstream ISPO to enhance global acceptance of Indonesian palm oil products while strengthening the role of civil society in overseeing the industry. (P2)
