InfoSAWIT, BANGKOK – On November 10, 2024, the Makmur Barokah Belutu Cooperative officially received the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) certification. The prestigious sustainability certification was presented by RSPO CEO Joseph D’Cruz to the cooperative's chairman, Asmungi, during a ceremony in Bangkok, Thailand.
Located in Belutu Village and Pencing Bekulo Village, Kandis Subdistrict, Siak Regency, Riau Province, the cooperative consists of 161 farmers managing a total land area of 315 hectares. According to Asmungi, achieving this certification required an 18-month process, which included mapping member plantations, farmer training, obtaining SDTB and SPPL permits, and undergoing audits by certification bodies.
"We pursued RSPO certification to ensure that our members' plantations adhere to sustainable palm oil and Good Agricultural Practices (GAP). This has led to more structured management of member plantations following cooperative SOPs, ultimately boosting plantation productivity," explained Asmungi in a statement to InfoSAWIT on Wednesday (27/11/2024).
In alignment with the government's efforts to accelerate sustainable palm oil practices, the cooperative is also preparing for Indonesian Sustainable Palm Oil (ISPO) certification.
“ISPO certification is mandatory for farmers under current regulations. We hope for financial support from the government, including from the Palm Oil Plantation Fund Management Agency (BPDPKS), and assistance from local government authorities,” added Asmungi.
He expressed optimism that with RSPO and ISPO certifications, the cooperative would gain broader market access and stronger government support, particularly for infrastructure and facilities through BPDPKS, the Directorate General of Plantations, and palm oil revenue-sharing funds (DBH Sawit).
Sabarudin, Chairman of the Palm Oil Farmers Union (SPKS), highlighted the commitment of independent farmers to sustainable practices. Currently, 12 cooperatives under SPKS, involving 2,800 farmers managing 4,500 hectares, have obtained RSPO and ISPO certifications.
"This demonstrates that oil palm farmers are strongly committed to producing sustainable palm oil in line with global market demands," said Sabarudin.
He emphasized that the perception of smallholder farmers being unable to meet global sustainability standards is outdated. Farmers have even engaged in forest conservation efforts, such as protecting forests around their plantations in West Kalimantan.
However, Sabarudin acknowledged the high costs of meeting sustainability standards. He noted limited support from large corporations, including RSPO members, despite their substantial profits from the national palm oil industry.
“Government support has also been insufficient. We hope for greater attention from companies and the government to enable more farmers to manage plantations that meet global market standards,” he urged. (T2)
