InfoSAWIT, JAKARTA – Indonesian oil palm plantation company PT Astra Agro Lestari Tbk (AAL) officially became a full member of the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) on September 18, 2026, marking a new stage in its efforts to strengthen sustainability practices and pursue certification.
The company secured full membership after approximately two years of qualification, including due diligence, document reviews, and mandatory public consultation.
In its official statement, RSPO confirmed that Astra Agro Lestari had completed the required membership procedures. The process began more than two years ago, with the company and RSPO announcing plans to pursue membership and initiating due diligence.
In 2026, the company submitted the final components of its documentation for review, followed by the organization's required public consultation. Full membership was announced after the consultation period concluded.
RSPO Chief Executive Officer JD D'Cruz welcomed Astra Agro Lestari into the organization's global partnership, describing the milestone as the result of two years of engagement, rigorous assessment, and comprehensive consultation.
RSPO said it would support the company in strengthening sustainable palm oil practices and progressing toward certification.
Company Plans to Continue Toward RSPO Certification
Astra Agro Lestari CEO Djap Tet Fa described full membership as an important achievement following the two-year qualification process. He said the company viewed membership as a significant first step toward full certification.
In a statement received by InfoSAWIT on Wednesday, October 21, the company highlighted initiatives undertaken in recent years, including landscape management, conservation, community support, climate change mitigation, and circular economy practices.
Astra Agro Lestari said it intended to participate actively in RSPO and collaborate with fellow members and other stakeholders to support sustainability across the palm oil industry.
However, the company still needs to complete the applicable certification requirements before its operations can be recognized as RSPO-certified.
Membership Is Not the Same as Certification
Full RSPO membership should be distinguished from sustainability certification. Membership confirms that Astra Agro Lestari has been accepted into the organization after completing the required qualification and consultation process. Certification is a separate subsequent stage that the company aims to achieve.
RSPO's September 18 announcement did not specify a certification completion date, the number of plantations targeted for certification, or the detailed technical steps planned after membership approval.
The next stage will therefore depend on the company's progress in meeting the relevant certification requirements in cooperation with RSPO.
For the wider palm oil industry, the development highlights the role of due diligence, public consultation, and continued compliance in sustainability governance. Astra Agro Lestari's stated priorities include landscape management, conservation, community engagement, climate mitigation, and circular economy initiatives as it moves toward its certification objective. (T1)
