InfoSAWIT, JAKARTA – Village Owned Enterprise (BUMDES) Karya Mandala Makmur, located in Lada Mandala Jaya village, West Kotawaringin Regency, Central Kalimantan is a group of independent oil palm farmers who have successfully obtained the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) and Indonesian Sustainable Palm Oil (ISPO) certifications two years ago. With a total of 214 member farmers, covering an area of approximately 393 hectares, BUMDES Karya Mandala Makmur produces 14,388 tons of certified FFB every year.
On Saturday, July 24, 2021, while still following strict health protocols, BUMDES carried out a Mass Circumcision for free for all children in Lada Mandala Jaya Village. BUMDES received incentives from the RSPO sustainable palm oil certification in 2021, so that they could benefit other communities. According to the Indonesian Sustainable Oil Palm Smallholders Forum (FORTASBI), the average income for BUMDES from RSPO certification incentives is IDR 920 million/year.
The incentives received by BUMDES were not only used for the benefit of the company and its members, but also to give back to the Lada Mandala Jaya Village community.
This year the incentive funds were used to provide free fertilizer for all members registered as BUMDES members for certification, and used to provide free circumcision and financial assistance of Rp 250,000/child for 23 children in Lada Mandala Jaya village. .
“This is one form of our contribution to the village community, so that all communities can benefit from the activities we do. Moreover, the benefits of the RSPO and ISPO certification that we receive should not only be enjoyed by members, but also the entire community in the villages where our BUMDES operates.” Said Sartono, as Manager of ICS BUMDES Karya Mandala Makmur, in a written statement received by InfoSAWIT, recently.
There have been many good examples carried out by independent smallholders who have been certified by RSPO and ISPO in Indonesia. Certification has an impact far beyond expectations and this is proof that the value of Sustainable Palm Oil has been integrated into the industry culture, not only in plantation practices, but also in best practice in social relations, contributing to goal 3 of the SDGs on Healthy and Prosperous Lives for all. (T2)
