Not only the European Union is interested in Indonesian palm oil

JBN.CO.ID ■ Indonesian palm oil is often discussed in the European Union, in some ways European Union policy is really outrageous. The kinds of reasons and excuses they question about Indonesian Palm Oil products. Even though the reason is not basic, for example about the environment and others.

This was confirmed by Djafar Badjebe, President Commissioner of PTPN 2 Medan to reporters through a press release in Jakarta, Saturday (30/3).

Explained, Indonesia is also very concerned about the environment, including forest fires have dropped dramatically over the past 4 years. What is the problem, ask first to the Indonesian side, if necessary, open the data. Indonesia has credible and accountable data.

And it should be remembered that the European Union is not the only buyer of Indonesian palm oil (CPO). Many other countries also have interests, such as China, the USA, Arab countries, and others.

"The European Union should not dictate Indonesia for a variety of reasons, even though oil palm oil is controlled by Indonesia (54%) and Malaysia (32%) in 2016, but the European Union often regulates and dictates the two countries," Djafar said convincingly.

According to Djafar, the European Union may forget or not know that oil palm plantations are the locomotive of rural economic development in Indonesia, especially in Sumatra, and Kalimantan.

"These oil palm plantations have absorbed many workers in the countryside. It is important to know by the European Union that, 58% of Indonesians live in rural areas. Likewise, many rural labor forces are absorbed, "he added.

In addition, said Djafar, that the number of poor people is in the countryside. The existence of these oil palm plantations fosters the income and welfare of rural people.

The existence of oil palm plantations has become a Big Push Theory.

That since 1980 oil palm was initially only 300,000 hectares. 2016 has become approximately 11.6 million hectares, with a total CPO production of around 35 million / hectare.

Even though the number of Indonesian palm oil is that much, it's not like turning hands. "We need several years to be able to reap it, not to mention the fertilization needs big funds," he said.

■ Rasyid