InfoSAWIT, JAKARTA — In an industry closely watched by the world, sustainability and accountability are not options but imperatives. This is where the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) grievance mechanism plays a crucial role.

“These international standards don’t stop on paper. When violations occur, there’s an official channel for resolution,” said Carolus Rudy Pinem, RSPO Grievance Manager for Indonesia.

RSPO ensures that complaints are handled independently, efficiently, and transparently. Anyone—local communities, smallholders, civil society groups, or workers—can file reports.

Complaints range from environmental issues like deforestation and pollution to social grievances, land conflicts, gender discrimination, and unfair labor practices. Once submitted, cases are verified and processed through a clear workflow.

“If a report aligns with RSPO principles and is verifiable, we must follow up,” Rudy explained.

The process begins with an initial assessment to determine eligibility. Cases then proceed to the grievance panel for resolution via two main paths: dialogue/mediation—to seek mutual agreement, or formal investigation—if mediation fails.

RSPO maintains a pool of mediators, both local and international. Mediation costs are typically shared, though third-party support may be available.

Investigations can lead to corrective actions, administrative sanctions such as suspension, or public disclosure on RSPO’s website for transparency. “Decisions can be appealed, but appeal rulings are final and binding,” Rudy added.

Since its inclusion in RSPO’s Principles & Criteria (P&C) 2018, the mechanism has received around 200 complaints—14 active, 28 under follow-up. Indonesia dominates with 152 cases, followed by Africa (16), the Americas (9), and Malaysia (1). (*)

Read more in InfoSAWIT Magazine, September 2025 Edition.