InfoSAWIT, JAKARTA – Strengthening the sustainability of the global palm oil industry remains a shared priority for Indonesia and Malaysia. As key members of the Council of Palm Oil Producing Countries (CPOPC), both nations reaffirmed their commitment to closer collaboration during the 12th CPOPC Ministerial Meeting press conference in Jakarta on Friday (29/11/2024).
Indonesia’s Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs, Airlangga Hartarto, emphasized the importance of synergy among palm oil-producing countries in addressing evolving global challenges. “We highly value the partnership and collaboration established with other palm oil producers. Indonesia and Malaysia have agreed to intensify cooperation in the coming year,” he stated.
Airlangga highlighted that this initiative aligns with President Prabowo Subianto’s asta cita vision, which prioritizes food security, energy independence, and downstream development in the plantation sector, including palm oil. The palm oil industry plays a crucial role in bolstering Indonesia’s economic resilience and sustainability.
Both countries also declared their united stance against the European Union’s black campaign targeting palm oil. This includes extending the mandate of the Ad Hoc Joint Task Force on the European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR). As part of the collaboration, Indonesia officially handed over the chairmanship of CPOPC to Malaysia for the upcoming year.
Malaysia’s Minister of Plantation and Commodities, Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani, underscored the critical need for collaboration between the two leading global palm oil producers. “Indonesia and Malaysia together account for over 70% of the world’s palm oil supply. This is a significant contribution,” Johari stated.
He further stressed the importance of unified efforts to ensure the global standardization of palm oil products. “We must speak with one voice to ensure palm oil standards are globally recognized. This partnership is vital in addressing issues of empowerment and compliance with international regulations,” he added.
As the two largest palm oil-producing nations, Indonesia and Malaysia face various challenges, including allegations surrounding environmental sustainability and trade regulations. Through CPOPC, the two countries aim to provide balanced perspectives and advocate for global recognition of the sustainability standards already implemented in their industries.
This strengthened alliance is expected to reinforce palm oil’s position as a strategic global commodity, enhance farmer welfare, and ensure the industry’s inclusivity and sustainability. (T2)
