InfoSAWIT, INDRAGIRI HULU – Indonesia’s independent oil palm farmers have made a significant breakthrough on the global sustainability stage, as the Asosiasi Petani Sawit Swadaya Indragiri (APSSI) officially secured Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) certification with a Zero Non-Compliance (Zero NC) rating.
The certification followed a rigorous four-day audit conducted from 16–20 August 2025, covering document reviews, farmer interviews, and public consultations involving environmental agencies and village governments.
A total of 338 farmers managing 610 hectares of oil palm plantations across Rakit Kulim and Batang Cenaku sub-districts participated in the certification process. APSSI plans to expand certification coverage to Kelayang District in the next phase.
APSSI Director Yazid Fauzi said the achievement reflects two years of consistent collective effort. “RSPO certification is our gateway to global recognition and sustainable palm oil legitimacy,” he told InfoSAWIT on Saturday (20/12/2025).
The certification journey included land mapping, internal audits covering 50% of committed farmers, and extensive training in Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) and Best Management Practices (BMP) through field schools.
Support was provided by Widya Erti Indonesia, whose representative Sutoyo stressed that RSPO certification is a starting point rather than an endpoint.
APSSI now plans to pursue Indonesian Sustainable Palm Oil (ISPO) certification, aiming to strengthen market access, input availability, and long-term economic resilience for independent smallholders in Indragiri Hulu. (T2)
