RT2026 Conference Tackles Forest Fires and Sustainable Palm Oil Industry Challenges

RT2026 Conference: Promoting Sustainable Palm Oil in Challenging Times

The RT2026 conference hosted by the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) has brought together global stakeholders in Jakarta, Indonesia to discuss pivotal issues surrounding the sustainable palm oil industry. This year's conference, held under the shadow of extensive forest fires exacerbated by one of the most intense El Niño phenomena on record, addressed not only the environmental challenges but also sought to promote actionable solutions for sustaining the palm oil sector amidst geopolitical and economic changes.

Addressing the Fire Crisis in Indonesia

In the period from January to September 2026, over 1.9 million hectares of land have been devastated by fires in Indonesia. Early observations from satellite data collected by Nusantara Atlas indicate that RSPO certified concessions experienced significantly fewer incidents of fire compared to the sector average. Joseph D'Cruz, RSPO’s CEO, underscored the commitment of RSPO members to tackle these fires, emphasizing that they are not an industry that shies away from scrutiny.

D'Cruz stated, "We are a partnership that holds ourselves to stricter scrutiny than any outside could impose. We need to ensure that our industry is not defined by the actions of a few unscrupulous actors who risk undermining two decades of progress."

He highlighted pivotal data showing only 0.8% of the total area burned in Indonesia (14,500 hectares) came from within RSPO-certified areas. Furthermore, Dr. David Gaveau, founder of TheTreeMap, noted no evidence suggests that certified units deliberately ignited fires.

By encouraging RSPO members to rely on factual data and transparent practices, D'Cruz hopes to restore public trust and bolster the sustainable palm oil model that is crucial for millions of livelihoods.

Inclusion of Smallholders in the Market

Smallholder farmers play an essential role in the Indonesian palm oil sector, producing nearly 50% of the country's palm oil. Indonesia accounts for 77% of the world's certified RSPO smallholders. The RT2026 conference celebrated the recent certification of 45 new groups of independent smallholders from countries including Indonesia, Colombia, Malaysia, Peru, and Thailand. This certification opens doors for them to participate actively in the sustainable palm oil market.

To facilitate business connections, a matching event for independent smallholders and potential buyers of RSPO credits was held, affirming the RSPO's commitment to enhancing market accessibility for small farmers. Distinguished contributors such as Kao Corporation, Nestlé S.A., and Unilever PLC, received accolades for their efforts supporting smallholders through the purchase of RSPO credits.

The Single Export Window: A Game Changer

Among the significant topics discussed was Indonesia's Single Export Gate (SEG), a strategic evolution in the export framework for the palm oil industry. Launched by Danantara Indonesia, SEG aims to streamline the exportation of strategic commodities while ensuring compliance with sustainable practices. Luke Mahony, CEO of PT Danantara Sumberdaya Indonesia (DSI), elaborated on how this new system could reinforce trust and facilitate market access.

Mahony articulated, "Our mission is clear; we aim to support without creating barriers. DSI’s role is to ensure consistency in exports while enhancing tracking and transparency across the supply chain."

As the SEG model launches further in January 2027, it promises not only to maintain direct relationships between buyers and sellers but also to uphold industry standards and strengthen confidence in Indonesian palm oil globally.

The Future of RSPO

Founded in 2004, the RSPO represents a multi-stakeholder initiative aimed at advancing sustainability in palm oil production. It encompasses a broad spectrum of members from growers to NGOs, all committed to transforming palm oil production and consumption to mitigate environmental and social repercussions. The RSPO stresses the importance of showcasing the social and environmental benefits of sustainable palm oil, fostering collaboration to drive necessary changes, and upholding rigorous certification standards.

The RT2026 conference encapsulated a pivotal moment for the global palm oil community, presenting a unified front aimed at combating adverse environmental impacts and promoting a sustainable path forward for farmers and consumers alike.