Golden Agri-Resources Ltd (GAR) is proud to announce a significant achievement in its Sawit Terampil programme, as one of its independent smallholder cooperatives has successfully obtained Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) certification. This milestone demonstrates GAR’s commitment to empowering smallholders and promoting sustainable practices in palm oil production.
KJSLJ: A Model for Smallholder Sustainability
The certified cooperative, Koperasi Jasa Sawit Lepan Jaya (KJSLJ), operates in Langkat, North Sumatra, and consists of 250 independent smallholders managing 368 hectares of palm oil plantations. This marks the second independent smallholder organisation under the Sawit Terampil initiative to achieve RSPO certification. The certification was formally presented to Ardiyanto, chairman and group manager of KJSLJ, during the RSPO Roundtable Conference (RT) held in Bangkok, Thailand, from November 11–13, 2024.
The Sawit Terampil programme is a comprehensive capacity-building initiative designed to empower independent smallholders with the knowledge and tools required to adopt best management practices in palm oil cultivation. These practices not only enhance productivity but also prepare farmers to meet sustainability standards, aligning with both RSPO criteria and Indonesian government regulations.
A Step Towards Sustainability
“This achievement is a significant milestone for the farmers participating in the Sawit Terampil Programme who aspire to obtain RSPO certification,” said Helena Delima Lumban Gaol, Head of Smallholders Innovation Department at GAR. “The primary aim of this programme is to equip farmers with best practices, help them meet sustainability requirements, and ensure compliance with Indonesian government regulations.”
The programme also supports farmers in pursuing Indonesia Sustainable Palm Oil (ISPO) certification. This is a critical component of the National Action Plan for Sustainable Palm Oil Plantations (Rencana Aksi Nasional Perkebunan Kelapa Sawit Berkelanjutan – RAN KSB), which emphasizes the importance of independent smallholders obtaining a Cultivation Registration Certificate (Surat Tanda Daftar Budidaya – STDB).
To accelerate the issuance of STDB, the Sawit Terampil Programme includes mapping smallholder land and providing geolocation data. These maps are essential for smallholders to complete the STDB process. “In addition to gaining knowledge about good agricultural practices and achieving RSPO certification, the land mapping assistance provided by the programme has been invaluable,” said Ardiyanto, chairman of KJSLJ. “We have submitted our STDB application to the government and hope to receive approval soon.”
Expanding the Impact
KJSLJ’s achievement is not the only success story from the Sawit Terampil programme. Another smallholder group, CV Perangin-angin Group (CV PAG), based in Aceh Subulussalam and comprising 299 farmers, has received a recommendation from the Certification Body to obtain RSPO certification. These accomplishments follow the success of Perkumpulan Sejahtera Petani Nusantara (PSPN), the first Sawit Terampil participant to earn RSPO certification in late 2023.
Since its inception, the Sawit Terampil programme has trained over 9,000 independent smallholders, integrating them into GAR’s supply chain across various districts in Aceh and Langkat, North Sumatra. GAR’s long-term goal is to scale up the initiative to train a total of 100,000 smallholders by 2035.
Strengthening Supply Chains Through Certification
The Sawit Terampil programme aligns with GAR’s broader strategy of fostering sustainability and strengthening its supply chain. By equipping smallholders with the tools and resources needed to meet certification standards, GAR is creating a more resilient and traceable supply chain.
These certifications not only demonstrate the ability of independent smallholders to comply with rigorous international sustainability standards but also provide them with greater market access and economic benefits. Certified smallholders gain the opportunity to sell their products at premium prices while contributing to global efforts to produce sustainable palm oil.
Looking Ahead
GAR’s Sawit Terampil programme reflects the company’s dedication to empowering smallholders, improving livelihoods, and advancing sustainable agriculture. The certification of KJSLJ and the progress of other smallholder groups are promising indicators of the programme’s potential to transform the palm oil industry.
As the initiative continues to expand, GAR is setting a benchmark for sustainability in palm oil production, fostering collaboration between farmers, government agencies, and international organisations. With a goal of training 100,000 smallholders by 2035, the Sawit Terampil programme is poised to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of sustainable palm oil.
By supporting independent smallholders, GAR reinforces its commitment to sustainable development, ensuring that the benefits of palm oil production are shared equitably while addressing environmental and social challenges.
