PALMOILMAGAZINE, NORTH ACEH – Hundreds of independent palm oil smallholders across five villages in North Aceh Regency are facing challenges due to the deteriorating production roads used for transporting Fresh Fruit Bunches (TBS). In response to these complaints, the Aceh Palm Oil Smallholders Union (SPKS) plans to utilize grant funds from the Palm Oil Plantation Fund Management Agency (BPDPKS) for infrastructure repairs in 2025.
Abubakar AR, Chairman of SPKS Aceh, stated that the road conditions are worsening with the increasing rainfall, causing transportation costs for TBS to rise by up to IDR300 per kilogram. This additional cost burdens smallholders, especially amidst rising fertilizer prices and labor costs.
“The damaged roads have caused a significant spike in transportation costs, leading to losses for smallholders. SPKS Aceh will support the application for road repair assistance to ensure it is realized by May 2025,” said Abubakar AR to Palmoilmagazine.com on Monday (March 24, 2025).
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A total of 350 independent palm oil smallholders, organized in the Berkat Bunga Damai Plantation Producers Cooperative in Cot Girek Village, Cot Girek District, and four other villages—Seureuke, Lubok Pusaka, Buket Lintueng (Langkahan District), and Cinta Makmur (Baktiya District)—are managing 800 hectares of land. These plantations are in production, with plant ages ranging from 5 to 17 years.
Currently, the cooperative is applying for infrastructure grant funding through the SAPRAS BPDPKS application. Abubakar emphasized that this request must be prioritized for the sustainability of the smallholders’ operations. He also promised to oversee the process to ensure no obstacles arise in securing the assistance.
“We will continue to coordinate with relevant agencies, such as the National Land Agency (BPN) of North Aceh and the Forest Area Consolidation Center (BPKH) of Aceh Province, to expedite the technical recommendations. All requirements outlined in the Director General of Estates Decision No. 62 of 2023 must be met immediately,” he asserted.
Furthermore, SPKS Aceh reaffirmed its support for the eight Asta Cita of President Prabowo-Gibran, particularly in the areas of food security and bioenergy. With full backing from the government and BPDPKS, the road repair project is expected to improve the welfare of palm oil smallholders in North Aceh. (P2)
