InfoSAWIT, KUALA LUMPUR — A significant milestone for Indonesian smallholders was marked at the RSPO Annual Roundtable Conference (RT2025) in Kuala Lumpur on 5 November, where four independent smallholder groups officially received RSPO certification through the SMILE (SMallholder Inclusion for Better Livelihood & Empowerment) program.
The four groups—Perkumpulan Tani Maju Badang Sepakat, Perkumpulan Asosiasi Bentang Alam, Koperasi Produsen Perkebunan Kelapa Sawit Wahyu Agung, and Perkumpulan Berkah Mulia Tani—represent a total of 1,078 farmers managing 2,804 hectares of certified land.
Asian Agri Head of Sustainability, Ivan Novrizaldie, emphasized that the certification achievement reflects consistent multi-stakeholder collaboration. “Every stakeholder plays an important role, but collective commitment to smallholders is the most decisive factor,” he said in a statement to InfoSAWIT.
Many farmers were initially hesitant due to limited understanding of RSPO standards, but attitudes shifted once benefits became evident, including opportunities for premium FFB pricing.
Bambang Guntoro, Head of the Wahyu Agung group, recalled how doubts gradually faded. Eka Chandra of Berkah Mulia Tani likewise stressed perseverance, noting the crucial support provided through the SMILE framework.
Apical’s Head of Sustainability, Tor Mooi See, said the program reflects a long-term sustainability journey built on a circular, inclusive supply chain. Kao Corporation also reaffirmed its commitment to responsible sourcing and supply chain traceability.
Launched in 2020, SMILE aims to strengthen smallholder capacity by offering training on land management, sustainable agronomy, environmentally friendly inputs, and administrative skills for certification. As of October 2025, more than 4,000 farmers across North Sumatra, Riau, and Jambi had joined the program, with 2,834 already certified. The program targets empowering 5,000 farmers by 2030.
The initiative aligns with the 5C sustainability framework—Good for Community, Country, Climate, Customer, and Company—demonstrating that sustainable palm oil production can deliver environmental, social, and economic benefits. (T2)
