InfoSAWIT, KUBU RAYA – The Regent of Kubu Raya, Sujiwo, emphasized the vital need for collaboration among the government, business players, and the community to manage the palm oil industry in a way that provides fair and sustainable benefits. He delivered this message at the 5th Indonesian Palm Oil Smallholder Conference and Expo (IPOSC) in Kubu Raya, West Kalimantan, on Thursday (9/25/2025).
According to Sujiwo, palm oil is a strategic commodity that draws significant attention but is often viewed negatively by some. "Palm oil is a sexy commodity. When something is sexy, it naturally attracts a lot of attention. Unfortunately, some still turn a blind eye and refuse to acknowledge the positive impact of palm oil on Indonesia, especially at the regional level," he was quoted as saying by InfoSAWIT.
He stressed that forums like IPOSC must be utilized to build communication, interaction, and genuine collaboration among farmers, cooperatives, companies, and the government. By doing so, the rights and obligations of each party can be mutually understood, minimizing the potential for conflict.
"Companies must know their responsibilities, the government must know theirs, and the community must be aware of their rights and duties. If these three elements work on the principle of symbiotic mutualism, the result will be a cooperative relationship that is mutually beneficial, not mutually destructive," Sujiwo explained.
The Regent also affirmed his commitment to supporting investment flowing into the Kubu Raya area. For him, the presence of palm oil companies is a regional asset that must be protected. "I will be a shield for the business world. The investments made in Kubu Raya are government assets. Companies provide a real contribution in the form of regional revenue and job creation. We must nurture this together," he asserted.
Sujiwo hopes that cross-sector collaboration in the palm oil sector can strengthen Indonesia's position as a global palm oil producer while ensuring its benefits are directly felt by local communities. (T2)
