JAKARTA – Indonesia has taken advantage of its position as official partner country in the world’s largest industrial technology exhibition, Hannover Messe 2023 in Germany, to discuss about the palm oil problems and opportunities with stakeholders in European Union (EU).
The Indonesia – EU discussion forum for sustainable palm oil was organized by the Indonesian Palm Oil Council (DMSI) and the oil palm plantation fund management board (BPDPKS), in cooperation with the Indonesian Embassy (KBRI) in Germany and other palm oil stakeholders from Indonesia, which include the Indonesian Palm Oil Association (GAPKI), the Indonesian Association of Biofuel Producers (APROBI), the Indonesian Association of Oleochemical Producers (APOLIN), and the Indonesian Palm Oil Society (MAKSI).
The discussions in the global event, which lasted from 17 to 21 April 2023, was also attended by experts and scientists, including those from Bandung Institute of Technology’s (ITB) Catalyst Engineering Center, vegetable oil business players, and leaders of organizations which are concerned with the vegetable oils at the Sheraton Pelican Hotel, Hanover, Germany.
Indonesian Ambassador to Germany, Arif Havas Oegroseno, said that the discussions were aimed to see the problems facing palm oil industry in EU and formulate the steps that should be taken by Indonesia to crack open potential opportunities for palm oil products in the global market,” he said in a written statement on Friday, 21 April 2023.
Apolin Chairman Rapolo Hutabarat said that EU is one of big export markets for Indonesia’s palm oil-based oleo-chemical products. He said that communication between Indonesia and EU should be regularly pursued by involving all stakeholders, particularly the oleo-chemical industry players from EU. “It is necessary to take strategic steps for the interests of oleo-chemical industries of Indonesia and EU,” he said.
GAPKI;s Foreign Division Head Fadhil Hasan said that the decision of EU to apply the EU deforestation regulation (EUDR) will further hinder the trade between Indonesia and EU, especially the products unable to comply with the EUDR. “We see it as a trade restriction that will impact our bilateral relations,” he said.
Meanwhile, I Gusti B.N Makertihartha from ITB Catalyst Engineering Center, said that the discussion forum can function to find joint solutions. “The government of Indonesia should be more aggressive in dealing with polemics and in giving explanations to the general public. Palm oil stakeholders in Germany really understand that there are many people who are completely blind to the real facts of Indonesian palm oil industry,” said I Gusti B.N Makertihartha.
According to GAPKI Deputy Secretary General Lolita Bangun, the discussions were proceeding well and both sides promised to follow up the results of discussions. “The results of the forum will be presented to the Indonesian government for further discussions. Hopefully, all will result in concrete steps to advance the Indonesian palm oil in Germany and across European region,” Lolita Bangun concluded. (*)
Source: investor.id
