InfoSAWIT, MANGGAR – The East Belitung Regency Government, through the Department of Agriculture and Food (Distangan), conducted a Focus Group Discussion (FGD) on Friday to draft the Regional Action Plan (RAD) for Sustainable Palm Oil. Held at the Zahari MZ Auditorium, this event marked the fourth stage in the RAD development process. 

The FGD aimed to gather input from diverse stakeholders, including palm oil companies, farmers, workers, cooperatives, environmental NGOs, and relevant regional apparatus organizations (OPD). Head of Distangan East Belitung, Heryanto, explained that the discussion focused on strategic palm oil issues and refining the program matrix. 

“We discussed strategic palm oil issues with all stakeholders. All suggestions will be integrated into the RAD for Sustainable Palm Oil,” said Heryanto, as quoted by InfoSAWIT from the East Belitung DiskominfoSP on Sunday (17/11/2024). 

Heryanto highlighted one key challenge: aligning the RAD with the National Action Plan (RAN). For instance, the nomenclature used in data collection still needs to be adjusted to meet national standards. 

“Our data collection approach is based on business licensing guidance. However, this nomenclature needs to align with the national framework,” he explained. 

Acting Regent of East Belitung, Asmawa Tosepu, emphasized the importance of palm oil as a strategic commodity supporting the regional economy. 

“With the mining sector in decline, plantations, particularly palm oil, have become a crucial economic driver,” stated Asmawa. 

He noted that agriculture, forestry, and plantation sectors contribute approximately 25% to East Belitung’s Gross Regional Domestic Product (GRDP), with palm oil accounting for 90% of the plantation subsector’s contribution. 

Covering 62,043 hectares—around 25% of East Belitung’s total area—the palm oil sector also employs thousands of local workers. 

Asmawa expressed his hope that the RAD document would serve as a comprehensive guide for improving palm oil plantation quality in the region. 

“Coordination and synergy between institutions are essential to implement the RAD effectively, and this should be reinforced through a Regent’s Decree,” he concluded. (T2)