JAKARTA – Certification institution in sustainable palm oil commodity, Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) claimed, more than 200 palm oil farmers in Village of Dosan, District of Siak, Riau Province joining Villagers Cooperation (VC) Bungo Tanjung have joined RSPO.

Head of Village Dosan and Supervisor of VC Bungo Tanjung, Firdaus said, the members of VC Bungo Tanjung join RSPO in order to implement sustainable practices and increase their income at once.

“By joining RSPO, we hope to give the enlightment to the villagers and the independent farmers (about the sustainable practices) and also to increase the farmers’ production and income,” he said.

He explained,  by implementing the best and sustainable practices, the villagers are supported by non government organizations, such as, Perkumpulan Elang and Greenpeace to develop their palm oil plantations and avoid to enlarge the plantations in the wetland and forest area.

Director of RSPO Indonesia, Desi Kusumadewi welcomes VC Bungo Tanjung joining RSPO. She thought, the farmers are importants to realize the sustainable palm oil production for 40% of the world production derive from the farmers.

“I am very happy and proud of the farmers in VC Bungo Tanjung  joining RSPO. Having many experiences and commitments to cultivate sustainable palm oil plantation, they will increase their social economical life and the people aroud. Beside that, they support the natural preservation by keeping the  forest good. We should be proud of their commitment and the achievement and this shows that independent farmers could contribute to produce sustainable palm oil,” she said in her written offical letter which InfoSAWIT got, Tuesday (24/3).(T3)