InfoSAWIT, KUBU RAYA – The opening of the 5th Indonesian Palm Oil Smallholder Conference (IPOSC) marks a significant moment for the smallholder movement in Indonesia. The Chairman of the Indonesian Prosperous Palm Oil Farmers' Forum Association (POPSI), Mansuetus Darto, stressed the need for a single national platform to unify the various smallholder organizations.

According to Darto, there are currently about 12 palm oil smallholder organizations across different regions. However, of the issues they face are not resolved at the regional level. "Therefore, it is important to form a single national union or platform that can connect the voices of all farmers," he said in his opening remarks at the event attended by InfoSAWIT on Wednesday (9/23/2025).

The two-day conference also received support from various parties, including the Palm Oil Plantation Fund Management Agency (BPDP), private palm oil companies, and media partners. Several business agendas were also held to connect farmers with industry players.

Coinciding with National Farmers' Day on September 24, Darto reiterated the importance of the agrarian struggle that has been championed since President Soekarno established the day through Presidential Decree No. 169 in 1963. "Farmers' Day is a reminder that land, water, and natural resources should be controlled for the greatest possible prosperity of the people, as mandated by Article 33 of the 1945 Constitution," he emphasized.

He added that the farmers' struggle is still far from over, especially regarding agrarian justice and the recognition of farmers living in forest areas. "Negotiations with the government are crucial so that policies do not harm palm oil smallholders. A fair dialogue must be built," Darto said.

With a spirit of togetherness, the 5th IPOSC is expected to formulate a more solid strategic movement while strengthening the position of palm oil smallholders as an important part of sustainable national development. (T2)