Delivering his remarks at the 21st Indonesian Palm Oil Conference (IPOC) and 2026 Price Outlook here on Thursday, Oegroseno criticized the European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR), which he said is inconsistent with international sustainability principles, burdens smallholders, discriminates against developing countries, and potentially violates social justice within the supply chain.
“Universal principles form the foundation of international law. Therefore, the standards must also be universal. It does not mean that western (European) palm oil management standards are better and ASEAN’s are not. The EUDR should have the same standards,” he said in his address.
As a solution, Oegroseno proposed adopting a proven communication mechanism based on Indonesia–EU experience under the FLEGT-VPA agreement in the forestry sector.
He recommended establishing a Licensing Information Unit in Indonesia as an official communication channel for European authorities to verify the origin and sustainability status of products, while ensuring data remains stored in Indonesia.
A similar mechanism, he said, could be replicated for the EUDR by integrating Indonesia’s national dashboard with the EUDR system, allowing verification without burdening smallholders or violating data sovereignty.
“With this approach, EUDR implementation could become fairer, more proportional, and consistent with international sustainability principles,” he added.
Previously, National Development Planning Minister Rachmat Pambudy stated that the future palm oil roadmap must place sustainability, justice, and diplomacy as its main pillars.
He noted Indonesia’s commitment through its WTO victory in the palm oil discrimination case, ISPO certification strengthening, regulatory reforms, and smallholder empowerment to enhance global competitiveness.
Coordinating Economic Affairs Minister Airlangga Hartarto added that the government continues to strengthen ISPO certification and develop an ISPO information system to enhance transparency, real-time tracking, and global competitiveness.
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Translator: Subagyo, Kenzu
Editor: Azis Kurmala
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