Targeting RSPO Certificate in 2023, SSMS and Ecogreen Assisted Independent Palm Oil Farmers Audit RSPO Certification

Independent Palm Oil Smallholders assisted by PT Sawit Sumbermas Sarana Tbk (SSMS) Group and Eco green Oleochemical who are members of BUM Desa Berkah Mulya Jaya (BMJ) held a Roundtable Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) certification audit which took place on 8 – 10 May 2023 by an Independent Certification Body, namely Mutu Agung Lestari.

In the audit activity located at Mekar Mulya Village Hall, Lamandau Regency, the Head of Mekar Mulya Village and the management of the Internal Control System (ICS) of BUMDes BMJ, the Head of the Farmer Group and Farmer Representatives as well as assistants from the SSMS and Eco green Sustainability Teams were also present.

Head of Sustainability SSMS, Henky Satrio Wibowo said that SSMS and Eco green will take a role to encourage more independent smallholders to be involved in the sustainable palm oil market through the RSPO certification program. "The target of this first phase of certification is 128 farmers with an area of 552.9 hectares. In the future, SSMS and Eco green will encourage and empower more independent smallholders to obtain RSPO certificates that are recognized globally, especially farmers in Lamandau District," said Henky.

Henky hopes that this program is not only limited to obtaining RSPO certification, but how companies can contribute to increasing crop productivity which will have an impact on improving the welfare of independent farmers themselves.  Henky further explained that independent smallholders play an important role in sustainable palm oil production for domestic and international markets. Therefore, through this mentoring program, SSMS is committed to strengthening Indonesia's sustainable palm oil standards. "Later, independent smallholders involved in this program can adopt best practices for environmentally friendly and sustainable oil palm plantation management," he added.

On the same occasion, the Chairman of BUMDes BMJ, Choirul Fuadi expressed his gratitude and gratitude to the two companions, SSMS and Eco green who had fully supported during the certification preparation process and obtained RSPO membership. "It is a matter of pride because BMJ BUMDes have officially become RSPO members and are currently conducting audits in order to obtain RSPO certificates.  Hopefully this will have a good impact on the management of plantations by our farmers and at the same time become pioneer farmers who care about sustainable palm oil management, especially in Lamandau Regency," said Choirul.