PALMOILMAGAZINE, KUALA LUMPUR – Asian Agri, Apical, and Kao Corporation have reached a significant milestone in their collaborative SMILE (SMallholder Inclusion for better Livelihood & Empowerment) programme. During the RSPO Annual Roundtable Conference (RT2025) in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, four independent smallholder (ISH) groups were officially awarded Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) certification on November 5.
The RSPO Annual Roundtable Conference is a key global event that brings together stakeholders from across the palm oil supply chain, including growers, processors, traders, consumer goods manufacturers, NGOs, and governments. The conference serves as a platform to discuss vital sustainability issues and share best practices for responsible palm oil production.
The 2025 certification marks a strong step forward for independent smallholders in North Sumatra, Riau, and Jambi. Four ISH groups have now been certified, namely Perkumpulan Tani Maju Badang Sepakat, Perkumpulan Asosiasi Bentang Alam, Koperasi Produsen Perkebunan Kelapa Sawit (KPKS) Wahyu Agung, and Perkumpulan Berkah Mulia Tani. Together, they represent 1,078 smallholders who manage a total certified area of 2,804 hectares.
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The progress achieved this year reflects more than individual effort. It is the result of collaboration within the SMILE program. Ivan Novrizaldie, Head of Sustainability at Asian Agri, emphasized the importance of this partnership. “Each of us plays a crucial role, but it is our shared commitment to smallholders that truly makes this program successful. Asian Agri provides hands-on training in good agricultural practices and helps smallholders prepare for sustainability certification.”
The path to this success has not been without its challenges. Many smallholders were initially skeptical about joining the program, but through consistent education and engagement, they have come to understand the long-term benefits of RSPO certification, including premium prices for their fresh fruit bunches, which can significantly improve their livelihoods.
“At first, many people doubted the program, but once the benefits became clear, more farmers began joining in the second phase,” said Bambang Guntoro, Head of the Wahyu Agung ISH group to Palmoilmagazine.com. His experience reflects a broader shift in confidence as smallholders started to see real results.
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A similar sentiment was shared by Eka Chandra, Head of the Perkumpulan Berkah Mulia Tani ISH group, who highlighted the perseverance behind the achievement. “Success is the ability to move through and overcome one failure after another without losing enthusiasm,” he said, adding that without the support provided through the SMILE program, it would have been far more difficult for farmers to stay committed through each challenge.
Tor Mooi See, Head of Sustainability at Apical, underscored the ongoing nature of the effort. “For us, sustainability is a continuous journey that we embark on together with our partners, suppliers, and smallholders. This journey is defined by a transformative supply chain that embraces circularity, inclusivity, and shared growth. By working hand in hand with smallholders, we are creating lasting, positive change from the field to the market.”
Building on this commitment, Apical will continue encouraging the uptake of RSPO credits provided by smallholders in the coming months to further strengthen long-term support for certified independent smallholders.
Also Read: Apical & Asian Agri Strengthen Sustainability Commitment, Optimize Carbon Emission Reduction
Kao Corporation echoed this sentiment, highlighting how collaboration under SMILE also strengthens the foundation of responsible sourcing across the value chain. “Kao welcomes this milestone. Reliable, traceable supply chains help us maintain the high product standards our customers expect, and partnerships like SMILE give us the confidence to keep innovating and delivering consistent quality,” said Terasawa Kenji, Vice President, Procurement Strategic Sourcing, Raw Materials, Global Kao Corporation.
Since its launch in 2020, the SMILE program has provided smallholders with valuable training to enhance productivity, responsibly manage their land, and meet international sustainability standards. By 2030, the program aims to empower 5,000 independent smallholders by boosting yields, increasing income, and achieving RSPO certification. To date, more than 4,000 smallholders in North Sumatra, Riau, and Jambi have participated in the program, with 2,834 already receiving RSPO certification as of October 2025.
The SMILE program highlights the effectiveness of collaboration in achieving lasting impact. Aligned with the 5Cs— Good for Community, Country, Climate, Customer, and Company—the initiative not only uplifts smallholders but also contributes to broader sustainability goals. By strengthening the palm oil supply chain, supporting environmental conservation, and promoting socio-economic development in Indonesia, SMILE exemplifies the power of shared commitment among stakeholders to drive the global transition toward responsible palm oil production. (P3)
