InfoSAWIT, KUALA LUMPUR — Smallholder farmers from Ketapang, West Kalimantan, took the spotlight at this year’s Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) RT2025 conference after the Perkumpulan Petani Mitra Harapan (PPMH) was named among the recipients of the prestigious RSPO Excellence Awards.
PPMH, a group of independent smallholders from Desa Kalimantan in Manis Mata Subdistrict, was recognized for implementing sustainable management that balances productivity and environmental protection. The group has been an RSPO member since January 2023 and has since expanded its sustainability initiatives.
Their efforts include:
Protecting 51 hectares of remaining forest within their area
Planting 1,000 agarwood seedlings to enrich biodiversity
Developing 12,000 seedlings of various tree species for members
Promoting participatory natural resource governance through eco-friendly practices
Group manager Sandi Priana emphasized their long-term commitment. “When nature is protected, it ultimately gives back to the community,” he said in a statement via Fortasbi.
Strengthening Community Roles
PPMH also works to empower local communities through tree planting, village regulation development, and capacity building for farmers. Training programs cover land management, farm maintenance, fertilizer access, and procurement of heavy equipment.
Recognizing Smallholder Leadership
The award was presented during the RT2025 Welcome Reception on 3 November at Shangri-La Hotel, Kuala Lumpur. The Sustainable Palm Oil Farmers Forum of Indonesia (FORTASBI) praised PPMH, noting that the achievement reflects the growing influence of smallholders in advancing sustainability.
FORTASBI stated that PPMH’s success should inspire other farmer groups to strengthen community-based sustainable palm oil practices. (T2)
