USAID SEGAR, USAID Indonesia, East Kutai Bappeda, and RSPO delivered their welcoming remarks and presentation at the discussion. Photo: USAID SEGAR 

As a flagship commodity that significantly contributes to the regional economy, sustainable oil palm production and processing has become a priority of the East Kutai District Government, East Kalimantan Province. The need for sustainable palm oil plantation is also reflected in the macro environmental, economic and social indicators outlined in the East Kutai Local Mid-Term Development Plan (RPJMD) for 2021-2026). Achieving these indicators requires collaboration between the local government, development partners, and certification bodies such as the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO).

One strategy that is aimed to be used for sustainable palm oil development is the RSPO-JA, or jurisdictional approach, which aims to minimize the negative impacts of palm plantation on the environment and society within administrative regions through phased certification of production and processing. Initiated by the RSPO, which has certification authority, the RSPO-JA focuses on certifying Fresh Fruit Bunches (FFB), Crude Palm Oil (CPO), and facilities for crushing, refining, and oleochemical production. In 2022, the East Kutai District Government committed to participating in the pilot design phase of RSPO-JA.

To support this effort, USAID Sustainable Environmental Governance Across Regions (SEGAR) and other development partners are assisting the East Kutai District Government in organizing preparatory activities for implementing the RSPO-JA commitment. Previously, a focus group discussion (FGD) was held to identify key activities, modalities, timelines, and technical aspects related to the RSPO-JA implementation.

Following up the results from the previous discussion, USAID SEGAR and the RSPO Secretariat, through the Sustainable Development Multistakeholder Forum (FORMIKA) of East Kutai District, facilitated an FGD on RSPO-JA Implementation Preparation in East Kutai Regency on Monday (13/05). This FGD aimed to support the East Kutai District Government and stakeholders in East Kutai in implementing the pilot region commitment for RSPO-JA, which includes developing a sustainable plantation framework to reduce threats to biodiversity and greenhouse gas emissions from land use.

The FGD was attended by officials from the East Kutai District Government, including the Regional Development Planning Agency (Bappeda), the Environmental Office (DLH), the Plantation Office, development partners, academics, and palm oil companies operating in East Kutai. It was opened by representatives from USAID Indonesia, USAID SEGAR, the RSPO Secretariat, and Bappeda of East Kutai District, representing FORMIKA.

During the presentation, Didik Prayitno, the Head of Plant Protection at the Plantation Office of East Kutai District, emphasized the importance of synergy among all parties involved in the implementation of RSPO-JA. He noted that USAID SEGAR and RSPO would act as facilitators to support the commitments of the District Government and smallholders in implementing RSPO-JA to achieve sustainable development.

“There needs to be a shared understanding and comprehensive agreement among all parties, including the District Government, smallholders, and corporations. Therefore, it may be necessary to follow up with meetings with the private sector, especially corporate management, to explain RSPO and seek their commitment to RSPO-JA implementation,” said Didik Prayitno.