PALMOILMAGAZINE, JAKARTA – Lembaga Pertahanan Nasional Indonesian Republic (Lemhanas RI) raises concerns over the imperfect governance of palm oil plantations. To address this issue, the institution has proposed collaboration and improvement through a seminar group diskusi (SGD) themed “Strategi Pengembangan Perkebunan Kelapa Sawit yang Berkelanjutan Guna Meningkatkan Kredit Karbon dan Mengurangi Emisi Gas Rumah Kaca” (Strategies for Sustainable Palm Oil Plantation Development to Increase Carbon Credits and Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions).
The SGD, organized by Yayasan Bentang Merah Putih and the Palm Oil Plantation Fund Management Agency (PFMA) in collaboration with Lemhanas RI, took place at the Dwiwarna hall, Lemhanas, attended by Palmoilmagazine.com in Jakarta on Monday (29/4/2024).
In his address, Vice Governor of Lemhanas RI, Letjen TNI Eko Margiyono, M.A., emphasized the significance of supporting sustainable palm oil plantations as a vital pillar of the country’s economy. He highlighted their potential as a significant contributor to national defense, particularly in the economic sector.
Also Read: The Carbon Emission Potential of Palm Oil Plantations
Meanwhile, Deputy of Strategic Studies at Lemhanas RI, Professor Reni Mayerni, presented seven recommendations for sustainable palm oil plantations to enhance carbon credits while simultaneously reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. These recommendations include expanding plantation availability, integrating research and innovative technology, enhancing competitiveness through branding, mastering palm oil carbon data management, ensuring effective supervision and law enforcement, improving community welfare, and fostering inter-institutional cooperation.
To provide accurate information about palm oil plantations, Yohana E. Hardjadinata, Chairman of Yayasan Bentang Merah Putih, expressed hopes that the discussion would lead to a better understanding and potentially inspire the production of a film themed “Story about Us: Palm’s Love.” This film could serve as part of Indonesia’s soft diplomacy efforts, illustrating the role of palm oil in carbon trading and GHG reduction.
As the world’s largest palm oil producer and the third-largest contributor to GHG emissions globally, Indonesia holds a crucial role in managing carbon dioxide emissions. However, there are debates surrounding whether palm oil plantations contribute to reducing or increasing carbon dioxide emissions, particularly concerning new planting and its potential impact on deforestation.
It is important to get sustainable palm oil plantation development approach to minimize GHG emission but in the same time, it escalates carbon credit.“The approach should also prioritize environmental and social palm oil production. By implementing the strategies in degraded areas, it is hoped, Indonesia would get the welfare of low carbon, maintain natural diversity, carbon backup, and escalate the local’s welfare,” Yohana said. (T2)