IOPS Forum 2026 Brings Global Palm Oil Smallholders Together in Nusantara

sawitsetara.co - NUSANTARA — Nusantara, Indonesia’s new capital, is set to become a meeting point for palm oil smallholders from across Indonesia and several major producing countries as the International Oil Palm Smallholder (IOPS) Forum 2026 takes place on August 27–29, 2026.

Chairman of the IOPS Forum 2026 Organizing Committee, Dr. (cn) Djono A. Burhan, S.Kom, MMgt (Int. Bus), CC, CL, said preparations for the forum had been intensified. The organizing committee arrived in Nusantara two days before the event to prepare the venue and welcome delegates.

“Alhamdulillah, we arrived in Nusantara two days ago, so we have been preparing everything, including the venue and welcoming our invited guests and fellow palm oil farmers from across Indonesia, from Aceh to Papua,” Djono said on Tuesday (August 25, 2026).

Supported by The Badan Pengelola Dana Perkebunan (BPDP) or Plantation Fund Management Agency, the forum will bring together smallholders and stakeholders from Indonesia with delegates from several palm oil-producing countries, including Malaysia, Nigeria, Ghana and Honduras.

One of the forum’s key agendas is the development of a Joint Statement of International Palm Oil Smallholders. The statement is expected to reaffirm farmers’ commitment to sustainability while encouraging international regulations that take smallholders’ interests into account.

“First, of course, we will have the Joint Statement of International Palm Oil Smallholders. We agree with sustainability, and we want palm oil smallholders to become an example of how sustainability can be implemented,” Djono said.

He emphasized that sustainability should not be viewed solely from an environmental perspective, but should also ensure that smallholders remain an important part of the development and regulation of the global palm oil industry.

TBS Prices on the Common Agenda

Fresh fruit bunch (FFB) prices will be another key issue discussed at the forum. Participants are expected to compare FFB pricing mechanisms in several countries, including Indonesia, Malaysia, Nigeria and Honduras.

“We will discuss FFB prices in different countries, including how FFB prices are determined in Indonesia, Malaysia, Nigeria and Honduras,” Djono said.

The forum will also address technology and evidence-based approaches to developing smallholder plantations.

“We will also discuss technology and evidence-based approaches to developing palm oil smallholders based on facts,” he said.

Regional Aspirations from Aceh to Papua

Several provincial leaders of the Indonesian Palm Oil Farmers Association (APKASINDO) are bringing local concerns and aspirations to the forum.

Chairman of APKASINDO’s Jambi chapter, Haji Kasriwandi, said he hoped the gathering would broaden farmers’ knowledge and experience.

“I hope bringing together palm oil farmers from around the world will provide us with more knowledge and insights,” he said.

Chairman of APKASINDO’s Bangka Belitung chapter, H. Sahurudin, described the IOPS Forum as a historic moment for palm oil farmers to develop a common perspective on the industry and their future.

“We should be grateful that, for the first time, palm oil farmers from around the world are gathering to establish a common understanding of palm oil and the future of farmers worldwide,” he said.

Meanwhile, Chairman of APKASINDO’s West Kalimantan chapter, Indra Rustandi, SM, said he hoped the forum would increase attention to independent smallholders.

“We hope that, going forward, independent palm oil smallholders will receive greater attention from the government because they have to manage everything on their own,” Indra said.

From North Sumatra, APKASINDO Chairman Ir. Gusdalhari Harahap said he hoped the forum would serve as a platform for networking and exchanging experiences among smallholders.

“We represent farmers from across Indonesia, from Sabang to Merauke and from Aceh to Papua. We hope to build relationships, meet one another, discuss issues and exchange experiences,” he said.

Papua will also bring its own aspirations to Nusantara. Chairman of APKASINDO’s Papua chapter, Albert Yoku, said he hoped the forum would produce concrete ideas for developing a productive, inclusive and sustainable palm oil industry.

“For us in Papua, sustainability is not only about protecting the environment, but also ensuring that the palm oil industry provides tangible benefits for farmers and communities in Papua,” he said.

Chairman of APKASINDO’s South Papua chapter, Makarius Meki Taman, said he would raise several issues facing farmers in the region, including access to the Smallholder Replanting Program (PSR), infrastructure, land data and customary land issues.

“These are some of the points I am bringing, and I have come with a thousand hopes from the farmers of South Papua,” he said.

Djono said the participation of delegates from Peninsular and Borneo Malaysia, Nigeria, Ghana, Honduras and other countries was a source of pride for Indonesian smallholders.

“As palm oil farmers, we are proud to showcase Indonesia’s future and to host the first international forum for Indonesian and global palm oil smallholders organized by APKASINDO,” he said.

The IOPS Forum 2026 is expected to go beyond being a conventional international gathering. The forum will address issues directly affecting smallholders, including FFB prices, sustainability, technology, certification, the PSR program and the strengthening of farmers’ positions in international policymaking.

Despite coming from different regions and countries, the aspirations brought to Nusantara share a common thread: making the IOPS Forum a platform to unite the voices of palm oil smallholders worldwide and generate practical ideas that deliver tangible benefits for farmers.