RI Affirmed Position of the World's Largest Palm Producers

RI Affirmed Position of the World's Largest Palm Producers

The stakeholders' high-level meeting at UN Headquarters in New York became a milestone for the Indonesian palm oil sector. In this forum, the government and the voiceless business world affirm Indonesia's position regarding the sustainable development of the palm oil sector.

"The strengthening of ISPO is a real commitment from the government and business world in Indonesia to build sustainable palm oil plantation sector," said the Deputy of Food and Agriculture Affairs Ministry of Economy Musdalifah Mahmud when giving his speech at the international forum initiated by UNDP at the United Nations Headquarters ) New York, United States on Wednesday (06/09/2017) local time.

Points to be achieved in a world forum attended by around 300 delegates from various countries, how the world can balance production needs while maintaining environmental sustainability.
Musdalifah, Chairman of GAPKI (Indonesian Palm Oil Entrepreneurs Association) Joko Supriyono also became a speaker in the forum.

Indonesian Palm Oil Plantation

Musdalifah hopes, mid next year, points related strengthening ISPO (Indonesian Palm Oil Plantation) can be met. ISPO is a mandatory sustainability standard for Indonesian oil palm plantations.

"The strengthening of ISPO is a momentum to raise the sustainability standards of Indonesia's palm oil sector to a level that the world can accept," Musdalifah said.

Meanwhile, Joko Supriyono in his presentation asserted if the business community in Indonesia is very committed to achieve the governance of oil palm plantations that are environmentally friendly.

Currently, businesses and governments work together to improve the productivity of oil palm crops especially for smallholders.

"Instead of expanding the land, we are focusing on improving crop productivity," Joko said.

He said, in the midst of the demand for sustainability, Indonesia still have to maintain its position as the world's largest producer of palm oil. "Of course the largest and most sustainable palm oil producers," said Joko.

Apart from Indonesia, the UNDP forum was also present as speakers, among others, Agriculture Minister of Liberia Seklau E. Wiles, Deputy Minister of Agriculture of Paraguayan Ranchos Medina, and President of Sociedade Rural Brazil Marcelo Vieira.

Joko Supriyono's presentation received positive reviews from audiences, including from UNDP (UN Agency for Development Program). "We know how the palm oil sector gets the spotlight on deforestation issues to land fires.

"We have heard how the government and the business community in Indonesia are committed to balancing between economic and environmental interests," said Andrew Bovarnick, UNDP's Global Head, who became a discussion guide.

In addition to the oil palm plantation sector in Indonsia, this UNDP summit also discussed sustainability issues in Liberia, Paraguay and Brazil.