PALMOILMAGAZINE, JAKARTA – In response to climate change challenges and the growing need for sustainable agriculture, the Indonesian government continues to innovate through various strategic initiatives. One of the latest efforts is the Forest, Agriculture, and Sustainable Trade (FAST) Programme, a collaboration between Indonesia and the United Kingdom aimed at enhancing agricultural sustainability and boosting the competitiveness of Indonesian commodities in global markets.
Speaking virtually at the launch event, Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto stated, “Over the past few years, the UK has been a key partner in promoting sustainable agriculture and strengthening food security in Indonesia. This bilateral partnership is reflected in joint initiatives to combat climate change, improve food safety standards, and support smallholder farmers,” he said, as quoted by Palmoilmagazine.com from the official website on Thursday (20/02).
On the same occasion, Dida Gardera, Expert Staff for Connectivity and Service Development, officially launched the programme on behalf of Minister Airlangga. The FAST Programme is designed to support smallholder farmers in overcoming modern agribusiness challenges by providing better access to financing and technology.
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Aligned with Indonesia’s Vision 2045 and the Asta Cita national agenda, the government has prioritized food and energy security while strengthening downstream industries to enhance domestic value addition. A key strategy involves expanding financial access and production facilities for farmers through the Palm Oil Plantation Fund Management Agency (BPDP), which now manages not only palm oil funds but also those for coconut and cocoa sectors.
To support energy independence, the government plans to implement the B40 biodiesel mandate by 2025 and develop Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), in line with Indonesia’s commitment to renewable energy solutions. With 3.9 million tons of used cooking oil available in 2023, this resource is expected to be converted into raw material for SAF production. The government is also exploring the potential of Palm Kernel Expeller (PKE) as a new raw material for inclusion in the Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA) Eligible SAF list.
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Furthermore, the government is formulating a Presidential Regulation on Indonesia Sustainable Palm Oil (ISPO) certification, aimed at expanding ISPO certification to both upstream and downstream palm oil industries, including biofuel sectors. It will also offer financial support for smallholder farmers through BPDP. Additionally, the government is preparing the 2025-2029 National Sustainable Palm Oil Action Plan, which will serve as a guideline for regional governments.
During the event, Minister Airlangga expressed appreciation to the UK government for its support in improving palm oil governance and other key commodities in Indonesia. The FAST Programme, running for 3.5 years from August 2024 to March 2028, facilitated by UNDP, is expected to enhance global acceptance of Indonesian commodities. The initiative aligns with government efforts to respond to global green policies and strengthen ISPO traceability, ensuring that Indonesian palm oil comes from clean, forest-free areas.
“Looking ahead, we see vast opportunities to deepen our collaboration with the UK. Indonesia’s vast agricultural potential, combined with the UK’s expertise in agricultural technology, innovation, and sustainable practices, provides a strong platform to tackle global challenges in food security, environmental conservation, and climate change. Together, we can ensure that future generations inherit a better world,” Minister Airlangga concluded. (P3)
