PALMOILMAGAZINE, KUBU RAYA – The opening of the 5th Indonesian Palm Oil Smallholder Conference (IPOSC) has become a pivotal moment for the smallholder movement in Indonesia. Mansuetus Darto, Chairman of the Indonesian Palm Oil Farmers’ Organization Association (POPSI), emphasized the need for a single national platform to unite various palm oil farmer groups across the country.
According to Darto, there are currently around 12 palm oil farmer organizations operating in different regions. However, many of the issues they face remain unresolved at the local level. “This is why a national union or platform is crucial—to connect and amplify the voices of all farmers,” he stated during the conference opening on Wednesday (September 23, 2025), attended by Palmoilmagazine.com.
The conference, scheduled to run for the next two days, has received support from multiple stakeholders, including the Palm Oil Plantation Fund Management Agency (BPDP), private plantation companies, and media partners. A series of business forums are also being held to connect farmers directly with industry players.
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Coinciding with National Farmers’ Day on September 24—established by President Soekarno through Presidential Decree No. 169 of 1963—Darto reminded participants of the agrarian struggle that underpins the celebration. “Farmers’ Day is a reminder that land, water, and natural resources must be utilized for the greatest prosperity of the people, as mandated by Article 33 of the Constitution,” he stressed.
He added that the farmers’ struggle is far from over, especially regarding agrarian justice and the recognition of smallholders living within forest areas. “Negotiation with the government is essential so that policies do not disadvantage smallholders. A fair dialogue must be built,” Darto said.
With a spirit of solidarity, the 5th IPOSC is expected to outline strategies for a stronger and more unified farmer movement, while reinforcing the role of palm oil smallholders as a vital part of Indonesia’s sustainable national development. (P2)
