The RSPO RT2026 Forum Tackles Indonesia's Burning Issues and Promotes Smallholder Inclusion

RSPO RT2026 Forum: Navigating Indonesia's Sustainable Palm Oil Landscape

The annual Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) conference, RT2026, has emerged as a critical platform for advancing sustainable practices in the palm oil industry. Recent discussions held in Jakarta highlighted not only the pressing challenges of wildfires in Indonesia but also the essential role of smallholder farmers in transforming the sector.

Combating Wildfires in Indonesia

As Indonesia grapples with one of the most severe El Niño events on record, data showcases a dire scenario where over 1.9 million hectares of land were burned across the archipelago from January to September 2026. During the conference, CEO Joseph D'Cruz of RSPO addressed the ongoing public scrutiny regarding the industry's environmental practices. He emphasized the commitment of RSPO members to counteract these devastating fires in regions like Sumatra and Kalimantan.

According to preliminary satellite monitoring data shared by Dr. David Gaveau, founder of TheTreeMap, the area impacted by fires within RSPO-certified concessions has been significantly less than the industry average, with only 14,500 hectares affected—this represents merely 0.8% of the total burned land. D'Cruz affirmed the proactive stance of RSPO in monitoring and addressing any unusual fire occurrences, ensuring transparency and accountability within the sector.

Elevating Smallholder Farmers

The forum also spotlighted the importance of smallholder farmers, who contribute to nearly half of Indonesia's palm oil production. The inclusion of these farmers is critical, as the country is home to 77% of the world’s RSPO-certified smallholders. The RT2026 acknowledged 45 newly certified smallholder groups from various countries including Colombia, Malaysia, Peru, and Thailand. This recognition not only uplifts these agricultural enterprises but also connects them to potential international buyers through initiatives like the “Independent Smallholder Business Matching.”

Esteemed members such as Kao Corporation, Nestlé S.A., and Unilever PLC were honored for their contributions to assisting small farmers through RSPO credit purchases from November 2025 to September 2026. By bridging the gap between smallholders and larger markets, RSPO aims to create a more inclusive and sustainable palm oil supply chain.

The Significance of Indonesia's Unified Export Gateway

A pivotal development announced at RT2026 was the establishment of Indonesia’s unified export gateway, which is poised to revolutionize the country's palm oil export landscape. Set up by Danantara Indonesia, the new body, PT Danantara Sumberdaya Indonesia (DSI), aims to supervise and facilitate the export of strategic goods. CEO Luke Mahony stressed the importance of sustainable palm oil as an integral part of building trust within global markets.

This dialogue at RSPO underlines the necessity of aligning sustainability efforts with market access, as Mahony noted: “Our mission is clear—we facilitate, we do not obstruct.” Through fostering compliance with industry standards, DSI aims to enhance the credibility and transparency of Indonesian palm oil on the global stage. The DSI's intermediary model promises to maintain business relationships while ensuring continuity of export and traceability within the palm oil supply chain.

Conclusion

The RSPO, established in 2004 as a multi-stakeholder initiative, continues to drive the global transition towards sustainable palm oil production and consumption. With headquarters in Switzerland and operational bases across Malaysia, Indonesia, and other countries, RSPO's commitment to fostering collaboration and setting certification standards is paramount to achieving long-term ecological and social progress in this vital sector. The discussions and measures adopted at RT2026 pave the way for a more sustainable and equitable future in the palm oil industry, underscoring the need for collective action among all stakeholders involved.

As the challenges of climate change and market fluctuation persist, the role of organizations like RSPO in advocating for responsible practices and fostering community resilience becomes increasingly critical. Through their holistic approach, they are not only protecting the environment but also uplifting the livelihoods of those most affected by these industry shifts.