From right to left: Petrus Gunarso; Dr. Mutiara Nasution; Edi Abdurrachman, President Director of the Palm Oil Plantation Fund Management Agency (BPDPKS); Edi Martono, Chairman of GAPKI (Indonesian Palm Oil Association); Sahat Sinaga, Palm Oil Expert; Ambassador Havas Oegroseno, Deputy Foreign Minister; Tungkot Sipayung, Executive Director of PASPI; Yohanes F. Silaen, ICDX; Dr. Gunawan, Coordinating Ministry for Economic Affairs – Food Affairs Division.
JAKARTA - Sawit Asia: Indonesia’s sprawling palm oil industry, a critical engine for the country’s economy and a key player in global food and energy supply chains, is under renewed scrutiny as policymakers grapple with longstanding governance issues.
At a closed-door policy discussion hosted Wednesday by Indonesia’s Ministry of National Development Planning (Bappenas), senior officials, industry stakeholders, and environmental experts acknowledged the urgent need for institutional reform in managing the nation’s palm oil sector.
The meeting, held in central Jakarta, marks a pivotal step toward shaping a medium- and long-term strategy for sustainable palm oil governance.
“The sector contributes significantly to national food security and renewable energy goals,” one official noted, “but we cannot ignore the internal and external challenges that persist — from regulatory fragmentation to global market pressures.”
Environmental scientist Petrus Gunarso, who holds a Ph.D. from an Australian university and is widely regarded as a leading expert in natural conservation, emphasized that palm oil cultivation is not inherently destructive.
“Palm oil does not damage the environment — if it is managed wisely and with sound knowledge,” Gunarso said. He stressed that any comprehensive understanding of the palm oil industry must begin with a deep understanding of conservation principles.
To support this perspective, Gunarso presented and formally handed over his latest book, Konservasi Alam Indonesia (Nature Conservation in Indonesia), to Minister for National Development Planning Rachmat Pambudy.
The 434-page volume reflects years of research and advocacy for conservation-based development.
“That is why I wrote this thick book,” he added, holding up the substantial tome.
Indonesia is the world’s largest palm oil producer, but the industry has been dogged by allegations of deforestation, labor violations, and land conflicts. The government has signaled a stronger commitment to sustainability, yet observers say enforcement and inter-agency coordination remain weak.
The Bappenas forum is expected to generate policy recommendations aimed at institutional strengthening, regulatory integration, and investment in sustainable practices. Whether those plans can overcome entrenched interests and bureaucratic inertia remains to be seen.
-- Rangkaya Bada
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