InfoSAWIT, BANDA ACEH — Aceh is sending a strong signal to the global market: this province is ready to become a world model for deforestation-free palm oil production that is inclusive of smallholder farmers.
This initiative was marked by the establishment of the Aceh Sustainable Palm Oil Working Group, officially launched on August 13. The initiative unites nine industry giants, from Apical to Unilever, alongside the Green Trade Initiative Foundation (IDH), with support from local government.
For Aceh, palm oil is not just a leading commodity; it is the backbone of the regional economy and part of a 3.5 million-hectare tropical rainforest landscape, including the Leuser Ecosystem—the last habitat for elephants, tigers, rhinos, and orangutans in the world.
"The global market demands a supply that is free from deforestation. Aceh is ready to respond with transparent governance and cross-sector collaboration," emphasized Aceh Deputy Governor H. Fadhlullah in an official statement received by InfoSAWIT on August 15, 2025. He stressed the government's commitment to accelerating land legality, farmer registration, and building a provincial deforestation monitoring system.
International support is also flowing in. Dutch Ambassador Marc Gerritsen noted that Aceh is "leading responsibly" through the Sustainable Palm Oil Roadmap that has already been adopted as regional regulation. Meanwhile, Nils Hermann Ranum, Norway's Special Envoy for Climate and Forests, sees opportunities for Aceh to capitalize on the surge in global demand for deforestation-free commodities.
Behind the official meetings and speeches lies a great hope: smallholder farmers can more easily enter the global supply chain, palm oil mills can adopt sustainable purchasing practices, and Aceh's forests can be preserved. All parties agree—no sensitive information will be shared, and each company will maintain control over its procurement policies.
"Aceh has a grand vision. This roadmap is not just about business, but also sustainability and justice," said IDH Foundation Chairman Nassat Idris.
The Working Group is open to inviting more parties that share the same vision. If realized, Aceh will not only be a supplier of palm oil but also a model for global partnerships that balance economy, environment, and community welfare. (T2)
