Indonesian Palm Oil Association to Address United Nations in New York

The Indonesian Palm Oil Association (GAPKI), the country’s peak body for palm oil producers, is set to address a summit on development of the oil palm sector at the United Nations September 6.

GAPKI Chairman Joko Supriyono will address the New York-based body on the responsibilities and responses of Indonesia’s business community in addressing sustainability in the sector, the local media reported.

"We will also have informal meetings with related stakeholders during our upcoming visit to the US," Supriyono said in a statement released on Saturday, September 1, as reported by state- owned news agency Antara.

The summit is hosted by the United Nations Development Programme, or UNDP, which focuses on sustainability across the world. The Indonesian delegation will be joined by representatives from Brazil and Liberia, as well as leaders in the business community from across the world.

"We agree that the management of oil palm plantations should be sustainable, and that is why we want to discuss with the UN to realize sustainable palm oil management," Supriyono said.

Palm oil remains Indonesia’s top non- oil and gas export with The Jakarta Post reporting the sector generated US$18.5 billion in exports last year. Around 5 million Indonesians are employed in the field and related sectors.

While the sector faces heavy criticism from environmental bodies around the world, as well as neighbouring Malaysia and Singapore who complain of annual haze due to burning off fields, a renewed focus on establishing sustainable practices rather than outright abandonment has occurred in recent years.