PALMOILMAGAZINE, JAKARTA – The palm oil industry in Indonesia faces challenges due to negative campaigns, particularly those that could sway European perceptions. However, many are actively working to counter these negative narratives. One such effort involves leveraging creative industries, as demonstrated by the documentary film “Palm Oil in The Land of Orangutans,” helmed by Danish directors Sal and Ulirk Gutkin.
This film has sparked significant interest as it stands as the sole original production in Europe providing an objective portrayal of the palm oil industry in Indonesia. In an official statement, Indonesian Ambassador to Denmark, Dewi Savitri Wahab, emphasized that the documentary should be viewed as a positive contribution to the image of Indonesia’s palm oil industry within the European Union, particularly in Denmark.
“Palm Oil in The Land of Orangutans” highlights the visit of Carl Tareholt, Director of Copenhagen Zoo, to Indonesia as part of an international initiative. Tareholt toured palm oil plantations operated by United Plantation, a Danish company, located in the Regency of Pangkalan Bun, Central Kalimantan Province. During his visit, he witnessed the company’s forest rehabilitation efforts, including the development of corridor forests that serve as vital connections between plantations and surrounding protected forests.
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The project results were positive. Animals got increasing in numbers by passing (using) the corridor. Kinds of birds got escalated in numbers around palm oil plantations. Besides, the corridor forests would be the habitat for orangutan.
The film also described the economic and social aspects to palm oil industries. Many smallholders in Indonesia got better in economy after joining plasma scheme in agricultural sector.
Dewi also said the the film explored and informed sustainable principles in Indonesia’s palm oil industries. Indonesian Embassy in Kopenhagen, Copenhagen Zoo, and film producrs would be committed to promote the film to many parties to fight for negative campaigns in Indonesia’s palm oil industries to Europe, particularly in Denmark. (T2)
