PALMOILMAGAZINE, JAKARTA — The implementation of Indonesian Sustainable Palm Oil (ISPO) standards must be enforced consistently and comprehensively, covering not only suppliers but also raw materials and business actors directly involved in the palm oil supply chain. This view was expressed by Rismansyah Danasaputra, Director of PT MISB, during a discussion on strengthening ISPO compliance in the palm oil sector.
Rismansyah stressed that sanctions, including permit revocation, should be real and enforceable consequences for companies that fail to comply with ISPO requirements. However, he emphasized that ISPO is not designed merely for image-building or administrative formality, but is intended to directly regulate actors operating along the supply chain.
“ISPO is meant for direct business actors, not just as a formality. If there is no improvement and violations continue, sanctions up to permit revocation must be imposed,” he said during the ISPO Update Focus Group Discussion attended by Palmoilmagazine.com, Monday (22/12/2025).
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He highlighted a long-standing issue in the palm oil industry: the lack of clear traceability of raw material origins. Practices involving uncertified raw materials are still found, including what is often referred to as aspal—products that appear compliant but are not genuinely certified.
“Going forward, we expect every company and farmer to have clear certification. The identity and origin of raw materials must be traceable, so there is no longer any gray area regarding their status,” Rismansyah asserted.
He also called for a mandatory, gradual increase in the use of certified raw materials. According to him, companies must set measurable targets and avoid stagnation from year to year.
“For example, it could start at 30% in the first year, then increase annually—whether by 5% or 10% per year must be clearly defined. There should be no standstill without improvement,” he explained.
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Beyond upstream enforcement, Rismansyah underscored the importance of collaboration with downstream sectors. Stronger cooperation with crude palm oil (CPO) exporters and processing industries is essential to ensure sustainability standards are applied consistently throughout the entire supply chain.
“We also need to work closely with downstream players, especially CPO exporters. Government pricing policies and export regulations must align with the capacity of palm oil mills to absorb certified raw materials,” he said.
Without strong synergy among farmers, palm oil mills, exporters, and regulators, he warned that comprehensive ISPO implementation would be difficult to achieve. This comes at a time when global markets are increasingly demanding transparency, sustainability, and traceability in palm oil products.
“Going forward, ISPO is no longer just a regulatory obligation—it is a necessity to ensure Indonesian palm oil remains accepted and competitive in the international market,” Rismansyah concluded. (P2)
