InfoSAWIT, JAKARTA – Smallholders replanting program (SRP) has become the significant factor to develop palm oil industries in Indonesia. It may deliver fairness for smallholders.

Serikat Petani Kelapa Sawit (SPKS) emphasized it needs the supports from the Government of Indonesia to make sure the smallholders get fairness in this country.

Chairman of SPKS, Sabarudin thought for all these years, independent smallholders are put aside. SRP would be the significant thing to deliver fairness for them. But SRP fund that Palm Oil Plantation Fund Management Agency (PFMA) collected is not enough and fair for smallholders.

“SRP fund which is only Rp 30 million per hectare is not enough. The actual needs in SRP should actually Rp 60 – 70 million per hectare,” he said, as in the official statement to InfoSAWIT, Tuesday (13/2/2024).

He also mentioned the new numbers would be significant for their welfare.

If the numbers are enough in SRP, this would help them to prepare the better plantations. The fund would not be only for SRP but other activities in implementing the best and sustainable agricultural practices, such as, land preparation, superior seeds, and nursery.

But SRP also raises impacts for smallholders’ income. They have to get alternative sources of income, such as, planting vegetables and breeding animals. SPKS is committed to provide trainings and development.

By these, SPKS hoped to escalate the smallholders’ capability in sustainable agricultural practices. The end goals are they would cultivate environmentally and contribute to food and energy security nationally.

In the political context, SPKS hoped the president and vice president candidate should support the smallholders’ welfare. By the idea to increase SRP fund and available infrastructure fund, it is hoped the smallholders would be more welfare in the future.

Though the politic process would spend some time, SPKS told that everyone should be patient and trust that the general election would end to get responsible leaders for the people of Indonesia.

Sabarudin also told that the increasing SRP fund to be Rp 60 million per hectare should be realized after the election day. The last discussion with Tim Pemenangan Nasional (TPN) Ganjar-Mahfud, this would encourage the smallholders’ welfare in Indonesia.

It is for sure that the president and vice president candidate, Ganjar-Mahfud had the idea that was agreed to realize the increasing SRP fund from Rp 30 million to be Rp 60 million per hectare if the candidate wins the 2024 election. Besides, the increasing infrastructure funds would be adjustable with the smallholders’ needs and locations. (T1)