InfoSAWIT, JAKARTA – The Indonesian Association of Plasma Smallholders for Oil Palm Plantations (ASPEKPIR) has reaffirmed its commitment to improving the productivity of Smallholders’ oil palm plantations through accelerated replanting programs and stronger farmer institutions.
ASPEKPIR Chairman Sutiyono stated that enhancing plantation productivity will remain one of the organization’s top priorities in the coming years. Speaking during a discussion attended by InfoSAWIT on Tuesday (May 19, 2026), he emphasized that several strategic initiatives are currently being intensified to support Smallholders.
“One of the key efforts is encouraging members to participate in the Smallholder Replanting Program (PSR), which is essential for replacing aging and unproductive oil palm trees,” Sutiyono explained.
According to him, the replanting program is considered crucial for ensuring future productivity growth while maintaining the long-term sustainability of Indonesia’s palm oil sector.
Beyond replanting, ASPEKPIR is also focusing on implementing Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) among Smallholders. Proper cultivation techniques are expected to improve yields while simultaneously supporting sustainable plantation management.
Institutional strengthening for farmers has also become a major concern for the association. Sutiyono noted that stronger farmer organizations would make it easier for Smallholders to access financing, government support programs, and partnerships with plantation companies.
In addition, infrastructure improvement remains an important part of productivity enhancement efforts. Road access, transportation facilities, and supporting infrastructure are still considered significant challenges in several Smallholder plantation areas.
During the discussion, Sutiyono also expressed ASPEKPIR’s full support for proposals to make the PSR program mandatory in certain areas. He argued that accelerating replanting activities is necessary to prepare the Smallholder sector for the implementation of the B50 biodiesel mandate.
ASPEKPIR is urging the government to simplify administrative requirements for PSR applications so that farmers can more easily participate in the program. The association also called for better mapping of potential replanting areas to ensure more targeted implementation.
“Problems faced by farmers at the grassroots level must also be resolved to ensure the replanting program can run optimally,” he said.
Sutiyono further emphasized that farmer institutions must be well prepared to support future biodiesel feedstock demand under the B50 program. He also proposed that former plasma plantations should undergo synchronized replanting to maintain productivity levels.
ASPEKPIR additionally recommended adopting a partnership-based PSR implementation model similar to the historical PIR scheme, which involved close cooperation between plantation companies and Smallholders.
According to Sutiyono, plantation companies should be encouraged to strengthen collaboration with Smallholders to ensure the sustainability and long-term competitiveness of Indonesia’s palm oil industry. (T2)
