PALMOILMAGAZINE, SERUYAN – The Seruyan Regency Government has addressed an online press conference held by civil society organizations, including WALHI Central Kalimantan, Save Our Borneo, and LBH Palangkaraya, titled “Jurisdictional RSPO Certification in Seruyan Regency: For Whom?” The district government reiterated its dedication to sustainability through the jurisdiction-based Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) Certification model.
Since 2015, Seruyan Regency has adopted a jurisdictional approach aimed at establishing a regional framework to guide palm oil businesses toward sustainability. This model aligns RSPO initiatives with national regulations and actively involves stakeholders such as civil society organizations, farmers, and businesses.
The approach is implemented in phases, beginning with a sustainability commitment, followed by regulatory development and the application of certification principles and criteria. Notable achievements include the enactment of regulations such as a Regional Regulation on the Recognition and Protection of Indigenous Peoples and guidelines for managing plantation business conflicts.
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“This gradual approach is designed to ensure that all requirements are met before certification is granted, so as to avoid the practice of greenwashing,” said a representative of the Seruyan Regency Government in his statement quoted by Palmoilmagazine.com, Tuesday (26/11/2024).
The Seruyan Regency Government emphasized that this gradual approach ensures that only companies that meet the sustainability criteria get certified. To date, five companies and two farmer organizations have expressed willingness to join the certification process under the jurisdictional entity that will be established.
The Jurisdictional Entity is not yet fully operational, but is designed to be an independent certification unit. Non-certified members, such as RSPO-certified companies, can still join to support the platform without having to undergo recertification.
Conflict resolution is one of the main focuses of the jurisdictional approach. The Seruyan Regency Government revealed that it has started the process of collecting conflict data and conducting mediation in stages. Several cases highlighted in the civil society press conference are also in the process of being handled.
“This approach requires dialogue and cooperation from all parties, including civil society organizations, to find solutions together. We invite all parties to dialogue in the Jurisdictional Certification Working Group for sustainable plantations,” said the government representative.
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The Seruyan Regency Government recognizes the challenges faced in this jurisdictional approach and continues to strive to improve its capacity. By involving multi-stakeholders, the government hopes that this approach will become a platform for joint solutions towards sustainable palm oil that is in line with economic, social, and environmental principles.
Seruyan District emphasizes that sustainability is a long-term process that requires a shared commitment from all parties to create a better future for the community and the environment. (P2)
