PALMOILMAGAZINE, EAST ACEH – The Chairman of Serikat Petani Kelapa Sawit (SPKS) Aceh, Abubakar AR, has committed to supporting the development of smallholders’ groups to submit proposals for the Smallholders Replanting Program (SRP) in 2024.
He explained that this initiative involves preparing and submitting proposals to the National Land Agency to obtain recommendations for land rights and to the Forest Management Financial Agency (BPKH) for technical recommendations concerning forest areas.
“We have received complaints from smallholders’ groups about the lengthy proposal process. Some have been waiting for recommendations from the Directorate General of Plantations for nearly two years. We will closely monitor every step of the process and are prepared to take legal action if any parties attempt to manipulate it,” Abubakar told Palmoilmagazine.com on Tuesday, August 6, 2024.
Addressing the challenges faced by smallholders in proposing SRP, Abubakar emphasized the importance of obtaining accurate information from relevant agencies in Aceh Province, particularly in East Aceh, regarding the requirements and procedures for SRP applications with the National Land Agency. He also stressed the need for efficient bureaucracy to support the program, as it is crucial for improving the livelihoods of smallholders.
Abubakar AR asked for the governor, regents and related agencies to transparently publish the programs of palm oil plantation companies in fasilitasi pembangunan kebun masyarakat sekitar (FPKMS). “We would keep monitoring the program implementation and if it is needed, we would propose to get audience to every plantation agency in the regencies to get official information about FPKMS,” he said.
He told that because the on 31 December 2024 would be the deadline for smallholders to get sustainable certification according to what General Director of Plantation Ministry of Agriculture, Andi Nur Alam Syah, ordered in last June 2024. SPKS Aceh, managed by Abubakar AR promised to monitor every process for the smallholders and groups’ interests in East Aceh. (P2)
