Jakarta, ThedailyID — Central Sulawesi has officially launched the Central Sulawesi Sustainable Palm Oil Multi-Stakeholder Forum (FMPSB-Sulteng) to strengthen collaboration and improve sustainable palm oil governance across the province.
The forum was inaugurated in Palu on July 21, 2026. It brings together government agencies, private companies, smallholder farmers, academics, civil society organizations, and development partners.
Local civil society organizations and non-governmental organizations initiated the forum. They aim to improve coordination and accelerate sustainable palm oil development in Central Sulawesi.
Musliman, a member of Commission III of the Central Sulawesi Regional House of Representatives (DPRD), said the forum should produce concrete results rather than simply become a discussion platform.
He said stronger collaboration among stakeholders would help accelerate sustainable growth in the province’s palm oil sector.
Palm oil remains one of Indonesia’s most valuable export commodities. The industry generates between US$20 billion and US$27.75 billion in export earnings each year. It also contributes about 1.6% to Indonesia’s gross domestic product and provides direct employment to more than 4.5 million people.
Jen Kurnia Gembu, Head of the Legal Division at the Central Sulawesi Provincial Secretariat, welcomed the initiative. He said the provincial government fully supports the forum.
According to Gembu, the industry still faces challenges related to regulation, governance, and field implementation. He said stronger coordination will help stakeholders develop sustainable solutions.
He also stressed the government’s role in providing legal certainty and coordinating policies that support responsible palm oil development.
Professor Mohamad Ahlis Djirimu of Tadulako University said collaboration among businesses, provincial authorities, and local governments is essential for long-term industry growth.
He added that downstream development remains limited because most processing facilities operate outside Central Sulawesi. As a result, farmers often transport fresh fruit bunches over long distances, reducing efficiency.
Djirimu also urged stakeholders to strengthen environmental protection and labor rights as the world approaches the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) review.
He said the industry should protect workers’ rights, promote gender inclusion, and continue improving sustainability standards.
Azmi Sirajudin, Executive Director of Ekonesia, described the forum as an important platform for aligning the interests of all stakeholders.
He said the forum will improve communication, strengthen coordination, and encourage collaboration across the palm oil sector.
The forum will also support independent smallholders through capacity-building programs. In addition, it will help resolve disputes and encourage wider participation in sustainable palm oil management.
Azmi said the initiative supports Indonesia’s strategic priorities, including the Smallholder Palm Oil Replanting Program (PSR), implementation of the Indonesian Sustainable Palm Oil (ISPO) standard, downstream industry development, and the transition toward deforestation-free palm oil production.
The forum is expected to strengthen partnerships among stakeholders while supporting Central Sulawesi’s long-term sustainable palm oil development goals.
