InfoSAWIT, PONTIANAK – The Provincial Government of West Kalimantan (Kalbar) has taken a significant step toward sustainable palm oil development by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Solidaridad Network Indonesia Foundation. This partnership aims to establish strategic collaboration to promote eco-friendly practices and drive sustainable economic growth.
The agreement was signed by the Acting Governor of West Kalimantan, Dr. Harrison, and Solidaridad Country Manager, Yeni Fitriyanti. It marks a continuation of prior collaborations and will be effective for the next five years, encompassing critical initiatives for responsible palm oil governance.
Key areas of focus in this partnership include, Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions (GHG): Supporting Indonesia’s Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC) targets. Human Resource Development: Enhancing the capacity of farmers and other stakeholders to manage sustainable palm oil effectively.
And Sustainable Commodity Production: Prioritizing sustainability and inclusivity in palm oil production, aligned with West Kalimantan’s economic priorities. Joint Monitoring Systems: Establishing systems to track environmentally friendly governance in agriculture, plantations, and forestry sectors.
Dr. Harrison emphasized the local government’s commitment to balancing economic benefits with environmental sustainability. "This agreement is a crucial step in ensuring that the palm oil industry in Kalbar is not only economically beneficial but also environmentally responsible," he stated in a press release on Sunday (December 8, 2024).
Yeni Fitriyanti, Solidaridad’s Country Manager, highlighted the importance of the partnership for the region’s palm oil sector. "This strategic collaboration reflects a shared commitment between the local government and development partners to support a competitive palm oil industry, build a sustainable supply chain, and improve the livelihoods of palm oil farmers," Yeni remarked.
The collaboration is expected to transform palm oil governance in West Kalimantan significantly. Anticipated benefits include creating a more inclusive and sustainable market, improving services and governance for smallholder farmers, facilitating easier access to information and financing, and enhancing local human resource capacity.
Moreover, the initiative is projected to contribute positively to the economy while safeguarding biodiversity and promoting environmental sustainability in West Kalimantan.
The signing of the MoU underscores the synergy between local government and development institutions in shaping a more inclusive and responsible future for the palm oil industry. (T2)
