SINTANG - The Government of Sintang Regency together with WWF-Indonesia launched a coordination forum in the field of Sustainable Palm Oil Development at the Hall of the Sintang Regent's Office, Wednesday (23/5/2018). The launch of this forum was also followed up with the preparation of a regional action plan for sustainable palm oil in Sintang Regency.

Sintang Regent Jarot Winarno said the economic structure of Sintang Regency in 2016 was dominated by three economic sectors. "The three sectors are agriculture, trade and construction," he said during the launch of the Sustainable Palm Oil Development Coordination Forum at the Sintang Regent's Office House.

According to Jarot, the role of the three sectors dominated development in Sintang by 55.03 percent. The agricultural sector, including the plantation subsector, made the largest contribution of 23.46 percent.

The local government has finally focused the development of plantation commodities on five commodities, namely oil palm, rubber, coffee, cocoa, and pepper. "Farmers of these commodities play an important role because some of these commodities have been developed by the community. It is certain that these commodities are the drivers of the community's economy," Jarot said.

"It's just how the district government responds so that the development of plantation commodities is developed in a sustainable way (sustainable)," he added.

Meanwhile, Henry Harahap, representing the chairman of the Sintang District Sustainable Palm Oil Development Coordination Forum, said that this forum is a forum for all parties to realize sustainable palm oil development in Sintang. "This is in line with the commitment of the Sintang District Government to realize sustainable commodities which are part of the Sustainable District commitment", he concluded.

The Sustainable Palm Oil Plantation Development Coordination Forum was officially launched by the Regent of Sintang on Wednesday (23/5) based on the Decree of the Regent of Sintang Number 525/305/KEP-DISTANBUN/2018 concerning the Establishment of the Coordination Forum and Secretariat of the Sustainable Palm Oil Development Coordination Forum of Sintang Regency for the 2018-2020 period, which was set on April 25, 2018.

Henry Harahap further said that there are five areas in this forum, namely the legality of plantation business, plantation management, environment, corporate social responsibility, and economic empowerment and sustainable business improvement. "This forum is expected to be able to give birth to programs based on regional needs through the existing fields," he added.

WWF-Indonesia Sustainable Palm Oil Program Manager Putra Agung said that the development of oil palm plantations today continues to show an increasing trend. "Smallholders manage up to 4.3 million hectares or 42 percent of the national total of oil palm plantations," he said.

According to him, this condition is of course characterized by a number of challenges. For example, lack of knowledge on aspects of good and responsible cultivation, labor, access to capital and markets, inappropriate management systems, and lack of knowledge on sustainability issues.

Agung further explained that irresponsible management of the agricultural sector, including oil palm commodities, causes this sector to reap negative impacts on both humans and the environment. In terms of threats, it can currently be felt, most of which are caused by unsustainable practices from palm oil producers, including farmers.

"Plantation development that is not in accordance with the rules has caused many areas that are not intended for oil palm plantations to be opened for oil palm plantations. For example, forest areas and high conservation value areas are opened for oil palm. This can happen to large companies and community plantations. All will lead to environmental damage, "he said.

"We hope that the forum launched today can provide positive benefits for the regional economy while still preserving the environment," Agung said.

For more information, please contact:

M Munawir | Market Transformation Initiative Coordinator | WWF-Indonesia Kalbar Program
JL. Karna Sosial Gg Wonoyoso 2 No. 3 Pontianak, West Kalimantan
PHONE: +62 812 5728 740 | Email: mmunawir@wwf.id