EFFORTS TO REALIZE SUSTAINABLE SMALLHOLDER PALM OIL PLANTATIONS IN BUNTUT BALI VILLAGE, CENTRAL KALIMANTAN
The Plantation Cultivation Registration Letter (STDB) is a crucial element in the government's efforts to achieve sustainable palm oil plantations. The STDB is a certificate stating that a specific plantation commodity is cultivated on a particular land area, issued by the local government, in this case, the Mayor or Regent. The current STDB target is smallholder palm oil plantations with an area below 25 hectares.
The successful implementation of the STDB program in Central Kalimantan is crucial for several reasons. Firstly, according to the Central Kalimantan Provincial Plantation Office, Central Kalimantan's contribution to the national crude palm oil (CPO) production reaches 25.3%. Secondly, the STDB benefits farmers by providing proof of the legality of their registered plantations in the government's online database (e-STDB). Thirdly, the STDB must obtain the Indonesian Sustainable Palm Oil (ISPO) certificate, ensuring more sustainable management of smallholder plantations. Fourthly, the STDB is essential for palm oil supply chain traceability.
WWF-Indonesia is committed to assisting the local government and smallholder palm oil farmers in Central Kalimantan in accelerating the STDB registration process. Since 2022, WWF has collaborated with Tropical Forest and Land Conservation (TFLC) and the Food Security and Agriculture Department of Katingan Regency. These efforts include mapping and registering palm oil farmers in two districts, Pulau Malan and Katingan Hilir, comprising five villages and two sub-districts. Through this collaboration, 118 palm oil farmers with a total of 148 plantation plots covering 280.74 hectares have been successfully registered in the STDB system with a "Clean & Clear" status.
On February 29th, WWF-Indonesia conducted a Focus Group Discussion (FGD) to socialize the STDB, attended by representatives of 57 smallholder palm oil farmers. During the FGD, the Head of the Food Security and Agriculture Office of Katingan Regency handed over the e-STDB issued for the 148 plantation plots. To continue this achievement, in 2024, WWF-Indonesia will focus its efforts on mapping and registering smallholder farmers in Buntut Bali Village, Pulau Malan District. In this FGD, further socialization about the STDB was also conducted, hoping all independent palm oil plantations in Buntut Bali Village could be registered in the STDB. There are 54 farmers with 81 independent palm oil plantation plots covering approximately 63.18 hectares who have applied for facilitation in mapping and issuing their STDB. WWF-Indonesia is committed to continuing its efforts to realize sustainable plantations and commodities in Indonesia.