ASIATODAY.ID, JAKARTA – A new initiative in Indonesia has just been launched, namely the Forest, Agriculture and Sustainable Trade (FAST) Programme.
This initiative is a collaboration between Indonesia and the UK which aims to increase the sustainability of the agricultural sector, as well as strengthen the competitiveness of Indonesian commodities in the global market.
“In recent years, the UK has become Indonesia’s main partner in efforts to promote sustainable agriculture and increase food security. “This bilateral partnership is realized through joint initiatives in fighting climate change, improving food safety standards, and supporting small farmers,” said the Coordinating Minister for the Indonesian Economy, Airlangga Hartarto at the launch of the FAST Program in Jakarta, Thursday, February 20 2025.
The FAST Programme is designed to support small farmers in facing the challenges of modern agribusiness with better access to financing and technology.
In line with the vision of Advanced Indonesia and the Asta Cita national agenda, the Indonesian Government has set priorities in achieving food and energy security, as well as strengthening the downstream industry to increase domestic added value. One of the strategic steps taken is to expand access to financing and production facilities for farmers through the Plantation Fund Management Agency, which now not only manages palm oil funds, but also coconut and cocoa.
In addition, in an effort to realize energy independence, the Government will implement mandatory B40 in 2025, as well as develop Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) which is in line with Indonesia’s commitment to prioritizing renewable energy solutions. Indonesia’s used cooking oil, which will reach 3.9 million tons in 2023, will be used as raw material for SAF production.
The Indonesian government is also exploring the potential of applying for Palm Kernel Expeller (PKE) as a new raw material to be included in the positive list of the Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA) Eligible SAF.
The Indonesian government has also formulated a draft Presidential Regulation regarding Indonesia Sustainable Palm Oil (ISPO) certification. This regulation aims to expand the scope of ISPO certification to the upstream and downstream palm oil industry, including the biofuel industry, as well as providing financial support for small farmers through the Plantation Fund Management Agency.
The government is also preparing a National Action Plan for Sustainable Palm Oil for 2025-2029 which will become a reference for Regional Governments.
Through this opportunity, Airlangga also expressed his appreciation to the British Government for its support in improving governance of palm oil and other strategic commodities in Indonesia.
The FAST programme, which will last for 3.5 years from August 2024 to March 2028 with facilitation from UNDP, is expected to increase global acceptance of Indonesian commodities. This program is in line with the Government’s efforts to respond to global green policies and strengthen the ISPO tracking system so that Indonesian palm oil products come from clean areas and are free from forest areas.
“Going forward, we see great opportunities to deepen collaboration with the UK. Indonesia’s enormous agricultural potential, combined with UK expertise in agricultural technology, innovation and sustainable practices, creates a powerful platform to address global challenges in terms of food security, environmental sustainability and climate change. “Together, we can ensure that our future generations will inherit a better world,” concluded Airlangga. (AT Network)
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