Jakarta, Indonesia – The government held a dialogue to listen to the aspirations of oil palm smallholder representatives to reject the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR). The discussion in Jakarta (29/3) aimed to create a shared understanding among all stakeholders.
The dialogue was attended by several associations such as the Indonesian Palm Oil Farmers Association (APKASINDO), People’s Main Plantation Oil Palm Farmers Association (ASPEKPIR), SAMADE (My Palm, My Future), Santri Tani Nahdlatul Ulama, and the Indonesian Palm Oil Student Forum (FORMASI).
Chairman of APKASINDO, Gulat Manurung, stated that the EUDR undermines palm oil as a source of livelihood for 17 million farmers and palm oil workers.
The Director of KSIA America and Europe, Director of PPKKI, and Director of Diplomatic Security of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs explained the development of Indonesia’s diplomatic efforts in voicing rejection of the regulation. Oil palm farmers’ opposition to the EUDR, considered a form of trade barrier, is understood by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
“The Indonesian Government has consistently voiced its rejection of the EUDR through various diplomatic efforts since this regulation proposal was rolled out at the end of 2021,” said Nidya Kartikasari, Director of KSIA America and Europe.
The EUDR is a draft regulation owned by the European Union to impose due diligence obligations on seven agricultural and forestry commodities, including palm oil. This obligation is to prove that goods entering the EU market are deforestation-free. The regulation is expected to be adopted in May/June 2023.
In declaring rejection of the EUDR, the Indonesian Government has made various diplomatic measures, among others:
First, the Indonesian Trade Minister has written to 27 Trade Ministers of EU member countries and the Executive Vice President, the Commissioner for Trade.
Second, the Indonesian Embassy in Brussels initiated a joint letter signed by 14 like-minded countries addressed to the President of the European Commission, the President of the European Council, the President of the European Parliament, and the President of the European Parliament and Permanent Mission of Rep. Czech Republic to the EU in the Presidency of the Council of the EU.
Third, diplomacy efforts in various forums at the World Trade Organization (WTO) and the Council of Palm Oil Producing Countries (CPOPC).
Fourth, efforts in various bilateral meetings at all levels, from the technical level to the President.
Source: Ministry of Foreign Affairs of RI