InfoSAWIT, SANUR – Dewi Yani Rizki Lestari, Director of Conservation at WWF Indonesia, opened the 7th International Conference on Oil Palm and Environment (ICOPE) held in Bali from February 12-14, 2025, stating that the conference focuses on research, technological innovation, and best practices to enhance the sustainability of the palm oil industry.
"Indonesia, as a contributor to 58% of global palm oil production, plays a significant role in ensuring the sustainability of this industry. We want to see an increase in palm oil commodities aligned with sustainable development goals," Dewi said at the event attended by InfoSAWIT.
Dewi highlighted the government's commitment, particularly from President Prabowo Subianto, in promoting the transition to renewable energy, including through palm oil-based biofuels. "We have already achieved B40, and in the future, we can increase this further. However, this must be balanced with increased palm oil productivity," she explained.
According to Dewi, there are two main ways to increase palm oil production: intensification and extensification. "Intensification means increasing the productivity of existing land with appropriate treatments, such as suitable fertilizers, good irrigation, and optimal plantation management. This will enhance company revenues while improving farmers' welfare," she stated.
Dewi also emphasized the importance of food self-sufficiency, particularly for rice and corn. "With the replanting program and intercropping in young palm oil fields, we can increase rice production. This will help achieve the government's target of reducing rice imports," she said.
She added that palm oil is not just about the economy but also about building community welfare. "Our goal is to create many new wealthy individuals. This means that the welfare of farmers and surrounding communities must improve," Dewi asserted.
As a tropical country, Indonesia has extraordinary natural advantages. "We have sunshine all year round, which other countries do not have. This is a significant asset for achieving food self-sufficiency and renewable energy, both from palm oil biofuels and sugarcane ethanol," Dewi noted.
However, she reminded the importance of maintaining a balance between food production and environmental preservation. "Food estates should focus on land that is indeed suitable for rice fields. We must ensure that palm oil expansion does not sacrifice the environment," she added.
Dewi appreciated the role of the private sector in promoting palm oil productivity. "We thank private companies that have supported plasma farmers with superior seeds and appropriate treatments. This has increased farmers' production," she said.
She emphasized that the responsibility for building a sustainable palm oil industry does not rest solely on the government but also on the private sector and society. "We all need to work together to ensure that palm oil is not only economically beneficial but also environmentally friendly and enhances people's welfare," Dewi concluded.
ICOPE 7 is expected to produce recommendations and innovative solutions to address challenges in the palm oil industry, from increasing productivity to environmental preservation. With strong collaboration, Indonesia can maintain its position as the world's largest palm oil producer while becoming a global example of sustainability.
"Let us make palm oil a force for community welfare and environmental preservation," Dewi urged all ICOPE 2025 participants. (T2)
