InfoSAWIT, JAKARTA – Women play an important role in Indonesia’s palm oil supply chain, from plantation maintenance to supporting household livelihoods. However, limited access to training, domestic responsibilities and inadequate social support continue to restrict their opportunities for development.
Magdalena Sunaryati, a smallholder and village official from Sekuto Jaya, Long Ikis, Paser Regency, East Kalimantan, shared her experience at a dialogue on women’s representation in the palm oil value chain in Jakarta on Thursday, attended by InfoSAWIT, October 29, 2026.
Magdalena said women are capable of managing multiple responsibilities but often face social and cultural expectations that limit their confidence and participation.
Together with other women in her farmer group, she takes part in plantation activities ranging from land clearing and fertilising to spraying. The group has also received assistance from Solidaridad through training programmes covering gender equality, decent work, financial literacy and practical oil palm cultivation.
The training has helped Magdalena improve her plantation management knowledge, which she subsequently shares with other women farmers.
Empowerment initiatives have also introduced women to producing laundry and dishwashing soap. Initially intended to reduce household expenses, these products could eventually provide an additional source of income.
Nevertheless, access to training remains uneven, particularly for women balancing plantation work with household responsibilities.
Magdalena believes gender equality programmes should involve men, including husbands, to build stronger family support for women’s development.
“If we share the same understanding of how to support women, more women will develop their skills, confidence and courage to express their opinions,” she said.
She also encouraged farmer groups and cooperatives to expand training opportunities so more women can develop their capabilities and participate in collective decision-making.
For Magdalena, empowerment means more than involving women in plantation activities. It also requires access to knowledge, supportive families and opportunities to improve household welfare. (T2)
