InfoSAWIT, MANOKWARI – The West Papua Provincial Government, through the Department of Food Crops, Horticulture, and Plantations (TPHBun), is working to expedite the issuance of a gubernatorial regulation (Pergub) on the regional action plan for sustainable palm oil plantation development. This regulation is expected to serve as a legal foundation for more environmentally friendly and sustainable palm oil industry management.
Benediktus Hery, Head of the Plantation Division at the TPHBun of West Papua, stated that the drafting of the Pergub has been completed and has undergone harmonization with the Ministry of Home Affairs and the Ministry of Law and Human Rights.
"The draft has been harmonized at both the central and regional levels. We aim to have it issued this year," Hery said in Manokwari, as reported by InfoSAWIT from Antara.
The formulation process of this regional action plan document involved various stakeholders, including working groups focused on data strengthening, capacity building for farmers, environmental monitoring, dispute resolution, and Indonesian Sustainable Palm Oil (ISPO) certification.
The document will be applicable for the period 2024-2026 and has been aligned with policies from the West Papua Regional Development Planning Agency (Bappeda) and the West Papua Environment and Land Agency (DLHP).
"We want to ensure that palm oil management in West Papua complies with regulations, especially in preventing negative environmental impacts," Hery explained.
Palm Oil as a Strategic Commodity
Hery emphasized that palm oil is one of West Papua's leading commodities, playing a crucial role in supporting regional economic development. However, its management must be conducted properly to maximize benefits for local communities.
Currently, the total palm oil plantation business permits in West Papua cover 97,566.5 hectares, but only about 45,000 hectares have been planted. These plantations are spread across several regions, including Manokwari, Teluk Bintuni, and Fakfak.
"With the available land area, West Papua currently only produces crude palm oil (CPO) without higher-value processed derivative products," Hery stated.
It is hoped that the issuance of this Pergub will enable the palm oil industry in West Papua to develop sustainably, support the local economy, and maintain environmental balance. (T2)
