InfoSAWIT, EAST KALIMANTAN — Indonesian palm oil smallholders have marked another milestone in meeting global sustainability standards. Koperasi Perkebunan Belayan Sejahtera, a member of the Sustainable Palm Oil Smallholders Forum (FORTASBI), has officially become the first cooperative in Indonesia to disclose environmental data globally through CDP (Carbon Disclosure Project).
Beyond mere participation, the RSPO-certified smallholder cooperative achieved an outstanding result by earning a B rating from CDP, the highest score in the Small and Medium Enterprises (SME) category.
CDP assessments are widely recognized for their independent and rigorous methodology. Evaluation criteria include data transparency, climate risk awareness, environmental governance, and concrete actions taken to address climate change and deforestation. In 2025, nearly 20,000 organizations were assessed, with more than 22,100 entities submitting disclosures through the CDP system—now a key global reference for investors and buyers in evaluating supply-chain readiness for a low-emission economy.
Chairman of Koperasi Perkebunan Belayan Sejahtera, Jamaluddin, emphasized that the achievement goes far beyond administrative compliance. “A B rating from CDP is not merely recognition—it is a statement. We want to show that farmer cooperatives, often positioned on the margins, are fully capable of meeting global environmental transparency standards traditionally dominated by large corporations,” he said, as quoted by InfoSAWIT from Fortasbi on Saturday (27/12/2025).
According to Jamaluddin, the decision to participate in global environmental disclosure was made consciously, despite the consequences of undergoing strict and independent scrutiny. “We believe that the future of farmers is not shaped by normative defenses, but by open data, disciplined management, and the courage to transform,” he stated.
He added that the achievement reflects the real efforts of cooperative members in managing plantations responsibly—preserving landscapes, regulating production, and adapting business practices to future climate and market demands. “This proves that sustainability is not an additional burden, but a core strategy for survival and growth,” Jamaluddin stressed.
Nevertheless, he noted that this milestone is not the final destination, but rather a foundation for strengthening governance, ensuring consistent reporting, and integrating global market compliance into cooperative operations and farmer practices. He also encouraged other cooperatives and businesses to take action. “Environmental transparency is not the exclusive domain of large corporations. It is a collective responsibility if Indonesian agriculture is to remain relevant and competitive globally,” he concluded.
From a global perspective, CDP CEO Sherry Madera underscored the importance of CDP scores for international business and finance. “CDP scores reflect a commitment to high-quality data that enables organizations to make economically positive decisions for the planet, enhance competitiveness, and build long-term resilience,” she said.
FORTASBI also expressed its appreciation for the achievement, noting that it further demonstrates how certified independent palm oil smallholders continue to move forward—not only in production, but also in transparent, responsible, and sustainable environmental management. (T2)
