InfoSAWIT, LAMANDAU — Efforts to strengthen the capacity and independence of independent palm oil farmers continue to gain momentum. On 6 November 2025, Solidaridad Indonesia held a Farmer Field Day (FFD) for alumni of its Farmer Field School (FFS) program in Lamandau, Central Kalimantan. The event served as a platform for knowledge sharing, network expansion, and promoting sustainable, efficient, and productive palm oil practices.
Carrying the theme “Enhancing Productivity and Sustainability Through a Strong Alumni Network,” the event was also part of the implementation of the Lamandau Sustainable Palm Oil Regional Action Plan (RAD KSB) 2024–2026, focusing on empowering smallholders through capacity building, Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) training, facilitation of Smallholder Plantation Registration Certificates (STDB), and acceleration of Indonesian Sustainable Palm Oil (ISPO) certification.
According to Yeni Fitriyanti, Country Manager of Solidaridad Indonesia, the FFD was not just a meeting but a space for connectivity between farmers and stakeholders. “It allows FFS alumni to share experiences and best practices with fellow farmers, communities, academics, and industry players, while opening access to information, finance, and market opportunities,” she said.
Yeni emphasized that cross-sector collaboration is key to empowering smallholders. “We hope this event strengthens the position of independent palm oil farmers in Lamandau, both in terms of productivity and sustainable plantation management,” she added.
The FFD involved various parties—local governments, technical agencies, companies, academics, civil society organizations (CSOs), and palm oil industry players—serving as a collaborative platform to discuss yield improvement, plantation governance, and sustainability standards such as ISPO and RSPO.
Besides discussions, the event also featured field visits to smallholder plantations and an exhibition. The Lamandau Polytechnic showcased organic fertilizer and crafts made from palm waste, while several companies introduced technological innovations and financing solutions. Financial institutions and fertilizer producers were also present, offering direct services to participants.
The Lamandau Agricultural and Fisheries Office presented updates on STDB, ISPO certification, agricultural infrastructure, and scholarships funded by the Palm Oil Fund (BPDP). Experts also discussed value-added product development from palm fronds and nipa leaves.
Since its launch in 2024, Solidaridad’s FFS program has reached 13 villages in four districts, covering 40,043 hectares and training 760 farmers, including 187 women, underscoring Solidaridad’s commitment to gender inclusivity. At this year’s FFD, 130 farmers graduated as new alumni.
Through this event, participants formulated a Follow-Up Action Plan (RTL) to strengthen the independence and sustainability of community-based farmer institutions. Solidaridad hopes the alumni network will evolve into a collaborative platform that not only focuses on productivity but also on social and environmental sustainability—making Lamandau’s RAD KSB a regional model for sustainable palm oil. (T2)
