InfoSAWIT, JAYAPURA — Papua Governor Mathius Fakhiri has urged regional governments to utilize former palm oil plantation land—whose permits have been revoked—for the development of cocoa commodities. The policy is seen as a strategic step to safeguard environmental sustainability while increasing economic value for local communities in Papua.
“This is part of a restructuring of the plantation sector in Papua, particularly for palm oil land whose permits were revoked due to companies failing to meet their obligations,” Fakhiri said in Jayapura, as reported by InfoSAWIT quote Antara on Monday (January 5, 2026).
Fakhiri emphasized that the land will not be reassigned for the opening of new palm oil plantations. The Papua Provincial Government, he said, is committed to closing the door on the issuance of new palm oil permits in order to protect environmental sustainability. “We are not opening any new palm oil permits,” he stressed.
According to Fakhiri, former palm oil land will be redirected toward more environmentally friendly commodities, with cocoa identified as a key option. Cocoa development aligns with directives from the central government and has received support from Indonesia’s Ministry of Agriculture, including the provision of cocoa seedlings for Papua.
“Cocoa has high economic potential and can be managed sustainably by local communities. This presents an opportunity for local farmers to improve their livelihoods,” he said.
Beyond economic benefits, the conversion of former palm oil land to cocoa is also intended to restore soil structure that has long been neglected and to prevent environmental damage caused by new land clearing. The provincial government, Fakhiri added, will coordinate with district governments and relevant agencies to ensure the program is implemented effectively.
Meanwhile, Fakhiri reaffirmed that strict evaluations will continue for palm oil companies still operating in Papua. Firms that fail to comply with licensing requirements and environmental obligations will face firm sanctions, including permit revocation.
“Papua must not be sacrificed in the name of investment. All policies must favor the people and environmental sustainability,” he asserted.
He expressed hope that cocoa development on former palm oil land will create new jobs, increase farmers’ incomes, and strengthen Papua’s local economy in a sustainable manner. (T2)
