PALMOILMAGAZINE, SINTANG – Efforts to strengthen the capacity of independent oil palm smallholders continue as they strive to compete in global markets that increasingly demand sustainable practices. A key step in this journey is enhancing the understanding and application of the Internal Control System (ICS), which serves as a foundation for achieving sustainability certifications such as RSPO and ISPO.
Dozens of participants took part in a Series Training of Trainers (ToT) program aimed at the ICS of the Begelang Tabun Betuah Independent Smallholders Alliance in Ketungau Tengah District, Sintang Regency. The training was organized by the Rainforest Alliance from August 25–29, 2025.
According to Arief Setya Budi, Head of Plantation Development at the Sintang Regency Agriculture and Plantation Office, the training focused on the stages of ICS implementation. The curriculum covered activity documentation, occupational health and safety (OHS) practices, and ensuring all work procedures comply with established SOPs.
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Arief emphasized that this training is a crucial part of the support process toward Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) and Indonesian Sustainable Palm Oil (ISPO) certification.
“This program is designed so that group leaders and members can build the capacity to share their knowledge with other smallholders,” he explained, as quoted by Palmoilmagazine.com from KBRN RRI.
Currently, Sintang Regency already has two cooperatives certified under RSPO, namely the Harapan Jaya Village Unit Cooperative (KUD) and Rimba Harapan Cooperative. Arief noted that their achievements should serve as an inspiration for other independent smallholder groups in the region.
Through this ToT program, Arief expressed optimism that the governance of oil palm plantations in Sintang will become more sustainable. “Initiatives like this are a tangible contribution to building a more responsible and globally competitive Indonesian palm oil industry,” he concluded. (P3)
