InfoSAWIT, SAMARINDA — East Kalimantan has once again underscored its commitment to transitioning towards a green economy. In the First Round of the Regional Consultation Forum (FKD) held at the Mercure Hotel Samarinda on Thursday, sustainable palm oil was placed center stage as one of 15 priority economic sectors.
The event was organized by the East Kalimantan Plantation Office (Disbun), in collaboration with GIZ (Germany’s development agency) and the Provincial Development Planning Agency (Bappeda Kaltim). Over 50 stakeholders attended, including local government officials, palm oil industry players, academics, NGOs, labor unions, farmer groups, and local communities.
Wahyu Gatut Purboyo, Head of the Economic and Natural Resources Division of Bappeda Kaltim, stressed that palm oil must be seen not merely as an export commodity but as a pillar for a more just and green economic transition.
“Palm oil is not just a commodity—it’s a vital pillar in our shift from an extractive to a sustainable economy,” Gatut said, as quoted by InfoSAWIT on Sunday (28/7/2025).
Moderated by Iwied Wahyulianto of GIZ Sustain Kutim, the forum emphasized the need for social justice at every stage of the transformation to ensure no group is left behind.
Acting Head of the Plantation Office, Andi Siddik, delivered the keynote presentation, highlighting the importance of strengthening farmer institutions, improving human resource capacity, and integrating the palm oil supply chain from upstream to downstream.
“This is not just about increasing output—it’s about ensuring sustainability throughout the entire value chain, involving everyone from smallholders to large corporations,” said Andi.
A well-managed palm oil industry, he added, can boost economic equity and protect the environment.
Participants included representatives from the Indonesian Palm Oil Association (GAPKI), Triputra Agro Persada, palm oil cooperatives, financial institutions, academics, and civil society groups.
With such broad participation, the provincial government hopes this forum lays a solid foundation for more detailed discussions in the upcoming second FKD round.
“Synergy and collaboration are key. We want this palm oil transformation to be inclusive and to deliver real impact—especially for small farmers and vulnerable communities,” Andi Siddik concluded. (T2)
