TIMES HONGKONG, JAKARTA – Joko Widodo, the President of Indonesia, has played a significant role in promoting the production and utilization of red palm oil, also known as red cooking oil, within the country. Under his leadership, initiatives have been undertaken to advance the palm oil industry and empower local farmers, positioning red palm oil as a key contributor to economic growth and sustainability efforts.

President Widodo's vision for the palm oil sector encompasses not only economic prosperity but also environmental stewardship and social development. Recognizing the importance of palm oil to Indonesia's economy, which boasts one of the world's largest palm oil industries, he has championed policies and investments aimed at maximizing the value-added potential of this commodity.

One notable initiative spearheaded by President Widodo is the establishment of pilot plants for the production of red palm oil. These facilities, such as the Pagar Merbau plant in Deli Serdang Regency, North Sumatra Province, inaugurated on March 14, 2024, signify a significant step forward in the palm oil industry. By investing in infrastructure and technology for the production of red palm oil, President Widodo aims to create added value within the country, ensuring that the benefits of palm oil production accrue to local communities and smallholder farmers.

President Joko Widodo's recent inauguration of the Pagar Merbau red cooking oil pilot plant also marks farmer empowerment. As a country with 15.3 million hectares of oil palm plantations, 40.5 percent of which are owned by farmers, Indonesia continues to strive for increased value-added production domestically.

"We want this added value to be within the country. Therefore, we are building a red cooking oil plant, which is the first of its kind, and we hope that this can provide significant added value for palm oil farmers, especially those in cooperative form. So, the price of fresh fruit bunches does not fluctuate because here everything is processed into finished products, namely red cooking oil," President Joko Widodo remarked as said in presidenri.go.id.

Furthermore, President Widodo's support for cooperatives and smallholder associations underscores his commitment to inclusive economic growth. By empowering local farmers and cooperatives, he seeks to enhance their livelihoods and strengthen rural economies. The production of red palm oil provides an opportunity for smallholders to participate in value-added activities, thereby increasing their income and improving their standard of living.

President Widodo's advocacy for sustainable palm oil production aligns with global efforts to address environmental and social concerns associated with the industry. Through initiatives such as the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) and the Palm Oil Innovation Group (POIG), Indonesia has demonstrated its commitment to responsible palm oil practices. By promoting sustainable production methods and certification schemes, President Widodo aims to mitigate deforestation, biodiversity loss, and human rights issues while ensuring the long-term viability of the palm oil sector.

In conclusion, President Joko Widodo's leadership has been instrumental in advancing the production and utilization of red palm oil in Indonesia. By prioritizing economic development, environmental sustainability, and social empowerment, he has positioned red palm oil as a key driver of growth and progress in the country. As Indonesia continues to pursue its vision for a sustainable and inclusive palm oil industry, President Widodo's commitment to red palm oil underscores its importance as a strategic resource for the nation's future. (*)