Indonesia Convinces the Dutch Parliament of the Importance of Palm Oil

Indonesian Ambassador to the Netherlands I Gusti A. Wesaka Puja voiced concerns over European Union`s restrictive Renewable Energy Directive (RED) II policy on palm oil-based biofuel and demanded a fair treatment to palm oil. At an open discussion session attended by some members of the Dutch Parliament`s Committee on International Trade, Wednesday (17/42019), Puja said equal treatment to palm oil is the right way to support free trade principles which are open, rules-based, fair, inclusive, and based on principles of sustainable development. First Secretary of Economic Affairs of the Indonesian Embassy in De Hague, Nur Evi Rahmawati explained to Antara London, Thursday (18/4/2019), that the discussion session was organized to reaffirmed strong ties between Indonesia the Netherlands and to explore opportunities to further strengthen the strategic partnership. Puja laid particular stress on the importance of palm oil for Indonesia’s economic development.  Palm oil sector is a powerful tool for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including in poverty alleviation, obtaining quality education, and providing jobs for million people. More that 17 million people make a living from palm oil. The ambassador said that the government of Indonesia has not only focused on economic aspect of palm oil but also on environment conservation by implementing moratorium on new oil palm plantation. The government has also improved quality of palm oil seeds to increase productivity on smallholders’ plantation. Palm oil is also important export commodity as it is shipped to many countries including to the Netherlands. More than 20% of total export from Indonesia to the Netherlands is dominated by palm oil products. In Puja’s opinion a proposed ban on the use of palm oil in transport fuel used in the EU is not the best solution for environment. Rather than phase out palm oil, use of sustainable palm oil is more reasonable. The Ambassador gave appreciation to the Dutch Government for its cooperation to support sustainable development, including sustainable palm oil. Attendees at the discussion included Canadian Ambassador, German Ambassador, and Chargé d’Affaires of Brazillian Embassy. The Dutch Parliament`s Committee on International Trade was represented by R de Roon (Freedom Party), Mustafa Amhaouch (Christian Democratic Appeal), A Bouali (Democrats 66 Party) and W.R. van Haga (People’s Party for Freedom and Democracy/VVD). *** (Sumber: Antara)