RSPO claims certified concessions have less fire damage

Jakarta (ANTARA) - The Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) reaffirmed its commitment to preventing and managing forest and land fires in Indonesia, citing evidence of significantly lower fire damage at certified concessions.

RSPO Chief Executive Officer Joseph D’Cruz said certified concessions experienced substantially less fire damage than the industry average, according to data presented at the group's 2026 annual roundtable.

Satellite monitoring by Nusantara Atlas and TreeMap showed that of 1.9 million hectares burned in Indonesia from January to September 2026, about 14,500 hectares, or 0.8 percent, were within RSPO-certified concessions.

"When unusual fire activity is detected at a particular concession, we identify and investigate it. One such concession is currently subject to a complaint through the RSPO Complaints System, and we are closely monitoring others," he said.

The analysis also found no burned land in plantations operated by RSPO-certified independent smallholders, although some groups live and farm in areas affected by fires.

"So far, there is no data or evidence indicating that RSPO-certified operations have deliberately used fire to clear land," D’Cruz said at the conference, themed "Strong Foundations – Impact in Action."

The Nov. 3-4 conference in Jakarta brought together global stakeholders to advance concrete action toward a more sustainable palm oil industry.

The meeting underscored the need to ensure the RSPO's core mandate delivers measurable environmental and social progress amid geopolitical shifts and changing global market conditions.

He urged RSPO members to speak out and demonstrate their commitment to protecting their track records by providing data, facts and evidence of measures taken to prevent and address fires.

D’Cruz also highlighted palm oil's importance to rural livelihoods, describing independent smallholders as one of the industry's main pillars.

Independent smallholders account for nearly half of Indonesia's total palm oil production, while the country is home to 77 percent of the world's RSPO-certified independent smallholders, he said.

At RT2026, the RSPO recognized 45 new independent smallholder groups from Colombia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Peru and Thailand that had completed the organization's initial certification process.

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Translator: Subagyo, Rahmad Nasution
Editor: Primayanti
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