InfoSAWIT, BANDA ACEH – Aceh is not only known for donating the Seulawah aircraft for Indonesia's struggle for independence. This westernmost region of the archipelago is also recognized as the ancestral home of the national palm oil industry. From the soil of Aceh, the first commercial palm oil plantation in Indonesia grew, specifically in 1911 in Sei Liput, Aceh Tamiang Regency, initiated by European entrepreneurs during the colonial era.
Based on this long history, the government and stakeholders have agreed to designate November 18 as National Palm Oil Day. This means Aceh's palm oil is now 114 years old, marking its journey through a heroic era, a long period of conflict, and now a time of peace and development.
Despite this long history, the pace of palm oil expansion in Aceh has lagged behind other provinces. Data shows that palm oil plantations in Aceh only cover about 500,000 hectares. This figure is far below Central Kalimantan, which has more than 1.9 million hectares.
This lag is inseparable from the impact of the armed conflict that lasted for decades, making investment difficult to develop. However, with fertile soil and a supportive climate, Aceh's palm oil productivity is believed to be higher than in other regions.
More than just an economic commodity, palm oil in Aceh is now being directed to become an important part of preparing future generations. The concept of Child-Friendly Indonesian Palm Oil (SIRA) is being championed as a good practice in sustainable business.
The Head of the Human Resources Development Division of GAPKI, Sumarjono Saragih, explained that the accusations of palm oil plantations employing child labor are not true. In fact, many palm oil companies implement strict standards, only employing workers aged 18 and above.
"Many palm oil companies have proven their care by building schools near the plantations, providing shuttle buses, and opening childcare centers and health facilities. Palm oil can be a partner for the government in preparing Aceh's generation for 2045," he said in an official statement received by InfoSAWIT on Sunday (8/31/2025).
Child-Friendly Palm Oil Seminar
Support for the SIRA concept was demonstrated in the seminar and workshop "Building Aceh with Child-Friendly Palm Oil" held by GAPKI with the support of BPDPKS on August 27–28, 2025, at the Kyriad Hotel Banda Aceh.
The event was attended by 120 participants from various sectors, including companies, farmers, NGOs, labor unions, and government representatives. The forum presented the SIRA guidelines published by GAPKI since 2021 and shared best practices from several plantations that have implemented them.
The Head of the Aceh Provincial Office for Women's Empowerment and Child Protection (PPPA), Meutia Juliana, who attended the event, expressed appreciation for the palm oil sector's initiative. At the end of the event, a declaration and joint commitment were signed between the Aceh Provincial Government, GAPKI, and PAACLA to expand the concept of child-friendly palm oil to other business sectors.
With these steps, the palm oil business in Aceh aims to show that it contributes not only to the economy but also to child protection and social development.
"Aceh's legacy as the ancestral home of palm oil must become part of a new narrative. Child-friendly palm oil can be a great asset in realizing the Golden Acehnese Children 2045," said Sumarjono Saragih. He emphasized that collaboration between the government, farmers, companies, and the wider community is essential to ensure the palm oil industry truly supports welfare and serves as a pillar for protecting future generations. (T2)
