Collaborative Work Plan Workshop attended by Distannakbun Ketapang, PT KAL, and smallholder representatives, marking commitment from each stakeholder to achieve sustainable supply chain in West Kalimantan. Photo: USAID SEGAR

One of the instrumental tools in advancing sustainable palm oil development is the Indonesian Sustainable Palm Oil (ISPO) certification. This certification serves as a means of support for smallholders, achieved through collaboration with the government and private sector, to connect the palm oil commodity supply chain from smallholders to certified companies. This certification encompasses both ISPO and global Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) levels.

In assisting smallholders to meet the requirements of sustainable certification, USAID Sustainable Environmental Governance Across Regions (SEGAR) has conducted a comprehensive gap assessment of the readiness of smallholder groups in West Kalimantan. Specifically, this assessment targeted three locations in Ketapang Regency and one location in Kubu Raya. The findings identified a need to formulate follow-up actions to synergize support across sectors from the government, private sector, and other supporting organizations. Consequently, the realization of ISPO certification for smallholders can be achieved, thereby creating a more responsible supply chain addressing both environmental and social aspects.

In collaboration with the Agriculture and Plantation Office of Ketapang District (Distannakbun), USAID SEGAR organized a workshop to discuss the Collaborative Work Plan for the implementation of ISPO certification for smallholders in Ketapang on January 9, 2024. Serving as a platform to secure initial commitments from involved parties in supporting ISPO certification for smallholders, the workshop delved into potential program intersections and formulated a draft collaborative plan of activities involving the government, companies, and smallholders. This plan aims to facilitate the implementation of ISPO certification based on the findings of the gap assessment.

During the meeting held at the Distannakbun Office, USAID SEGAR and Distannakbun Ketapang acted as facilitators, with the inclusion of PT Kayung Agro Lestari (KAL) as a participating private sector, smallholder representatives from the Asosiasi Kelapa Sawit Harapan Matan Bersama, and Mitra Pembangunan Ketapang (MPK). Opening the event, the Head of the Plantation Division of Distannakbun Ketapang, Fardy Akhyarsyah, S.P., M.P., expressed hopes regarding the formulation of a collaborative work plan.

In his opening remarks, Fardy emphasized the importance of ISPO certification for smallholders, as it plays a pivotal role in establishing a sustainable palm oil supply chain. He aspires that this collaborative work plan marks the beginning of supportive efforts from Distannakbun, followed by commitments from companies and development partner institutions to organize activities oriented towards a sustainable supply chain.

In Kubu Raya District, a similar event was held on Friday (12/1) at the district’s Plantation Office. The event was attended by representatives from PT Bumi Perkasa Gemilang (BPG), Village-Owned Enterprises (BUMDes) Teluk Bayur, and JARI Indonesia Borneo Barat. A key component of the event was the presentation of the gap assessment results for ISPO certification fulfillment for smallholders in Kubu Raya by USAID SEGAR, along with an analysis of the palm oil supply chain from smallholders. The event concluded with a discussion to agree on a collaborative work plan to promote the implementation of ISPO certification for smallholders involving USAID SEGAR, relevant government agencies, private companies, and smallholder groups.