PALMOILMAGAZINE, SANGGAU – Solidaridad Network Indonesia, in collaboration with local partners, organized a Field Day event in Lape Village, Sanggau, under the theme “Dignified, Independent, and Sustainable Farmers.” The event aimed to promote sustainable palm oil practices and strengthen independent farmer organizations. Approximately 150 independent oil palm farmers, government representatives, and stakeholders attended, including Member of Parliament Paolus Hadi from West Kalimantan’s Electoral District II.
Field Day served as a platform to showcase the success of the Sekolah Lapangan (SL) or Farmer Field School program, which trains independent palm oil farmers. The program focuses on adopting best agricultural practices, environmentally friendly cultivation, deforestation risk mitigation, and yield improvement. SL alumni are expected to become facilitators, sharing knowledge with other farmers who have not yet received training.
In his speech, Paolus Hadi, a former two-term Regent of Sanggau (2014-2019 and 2019-2024), highlighted the importance of formalizing farmer groups like the Aliansi Petani Kelapa Sawit Keling Kumang (APKS KK). He emphasized that this step could enhance access to resources, markets, and policy advocacy. Additionally, collaboration with CU Keling Kumang (CUKK) and the Parindu Palm Oil Research Center (PPKS) was seen as a way to boost economic impact and production among independent farmers.
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Representatives from the Sanggau Plantation and Livestock Agency (DISBUNNAK), Kapuas District Office, Regional Planning, Research, and Innovation Agency (Bapperida), and Lape Village Government reaffirmed their commitment to supporting oil palm farmers through sustainable partnerships.
“Sustainable palm oil is not just an environmental necessity but also an economic opportunity for Sanggau. The SL program and Solidaridad’s partnerships ensure that independent farmers receive the knowledge they need to grow while implementing eco-friendly practices,” said Paolus Hadi, as quoted by Palmoilmagazine.com on Wednesday (March 26, 2025).
Yeni Fitriyanti, Country Manager of Solidaridad Indonesia, added that Field Day serves as a bridge between farmers, markets, and policymakers. “By empowering independent palm oil farmers with knowledge and organizational tools, we hope to build a future where productivity and sustainability go hand in hand,” she stated.
The event also included a socialization session on the Electronic Cultivation Registration Certificate (E-STDB) and certification by DISBUNNAK Sanggau, a presentation on the Joint Action Plan (RTL), and a celebration of Solidaridad’s decade-long presence in Indonesia.
Field Day has a long history in Indonesia, originating from the FAO-initiated Farmer Field School in 1989. Today, it remains a vital tool for agricultural extension and farmer empowerment. The Field Day in Lape Village reaffirmed commitments to sustainability, community learning, and local innovation, aligning with national efforts to ensure food security and farmer welfare. (P2)
