
InfoSAWIT, PASARWAJO – The Buton Regency Government conducted a public test of the Regional Action Plan (RAD) for Sustainable Palm Oil in 2024. The event took place at the Buton Regent's Office Hall and was attended by various stakeholders, including local officials, business actors, and the community.
Palm oil is one of the leading commodities in Buton Regency. In his speech, the Secretary of Buton, Asnawi Jamaluddin, representing the Acting Regent of Buton, La Haruna, stated that palm oil has significant potential to drive the regional economy, alongside the oil and gas sector, which has long been a mainstay.
"Buton Regency has a vast expanse of palm oil plantations. According to the 2023 Plantation Statistics data, there are over 10,740 hectares of plantation land spread across seven sub-districts," Asnawi stated, as quoted by InfoSAWIT from KBRN RRI on Sunday (December 22, 2024).
However, Asnawi also highlighted the global challenges faced by the palm oil sector. He mentioned that various issues and negative allegations against the Indonesian palm oil industry, particularly regarding sustainability and environmental impact, remain a focus of international scrutiny. Therefore, sustainability is a key element in the management of palm oil plantations in Buton Regency.
As a strategic step, the central government has launched a sustainable palm oil plantation program since 2011 through the Indonesian Sustainable Palm Oil (ISPO) certification. Presidential Instruction Number 6 of 2019 reinforces this commitment, which is now translated into action plans at the regional level.
The Secretary of Buton revealed that the draft of the Sustainable Palm Oil Regional Action Plan for Buton Regency for the 2024-2026 period has been completed. However, input from various parties is still needed to make this document more comprehensive and effective in its implementation.
"Alhamdulillah, today we have completed the drafting of the Sustainable Palm Oil RAD. However, to make it more perfect, we require consultations to obtain constructive feedback and suggestions," Asnawi explained.
In closing, Asnawi emphasized the Buton Regency Government's commitment to continue supporting the development of sustainable palm oil. He stressed the importance of balancing economic development with environmental preservation.
"This commitment can be realized through various efforts, such as preventing forest and peatland fires, managing sustainable commodities, social forestry, agrarian reform, conservation and restoration, as well as developing energy and electricity," he stated.
With this initiative, Buton Regency is expected to set an example for other regions in creating sustainable and environmentally friendly palm oil management in Indonesia. (T2)