Farmers' response to Jokowi's plan for the moratorium on oil palm plantations

Jakarta – The Palm Oil Farmers Union (SKPS) estimates that oil palm productivity could reach 36 tonnes per year following the decision of President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) to impose a three-year moratorium on planting permits. oil palms.

SKPS president Mansuetus Darto said the moratorium policy offered five benefits to farmers. First, increase the productivity of the palm to 36 tons per year compared to the previous 12 tons.

This step is encouraged because, with the addition of production, it means an increase in farmers' incomes.

"If productivity can be increased, farmers will get this additional income of 36 tons per hectare per year of 12 tons per year," he said at the national meeting of Indonesian palm oil producers , Redtop Hotel, Jakarta, Wednesday (28.11.2018).
In addition, another advantage lies in the fact that there is a real data collection on land areas because there are free certificates.

"With data collection on oil palm producers, it is hoped that the government, especially the National Land Agency, will be able to provide free certificates to smallholders and farmers in forest areas in order to offer better opportunities. solutions, "he continued.

In addition, the moratorium can also strengthen farmers' institutions in terms of increased production. In addition to supporting the implementation of ISPO to obtain international legality.

"ISPO will be realized at the level of palm oil producers if operations are facilitated to obtain legality," he said.

Finally, said Darto, the moratorium could encourage the allocation of 20% of forest area and Hak Guna Usaha (HGU) to plantation farmers. Because in the future, plantations should be integrated with the nutritional needs of farmers. (DNA / DNA)