President Joko Widodo Enacts Regulation to Support ISPO Certification

JAKARTA—Indonesian President Joko Widodo has enacted a Presidential Regulation No. 44 Year 2020 to support Indonesian Sustainable Palm Oil (ISPO) certification system. The Presidential Regulation (Perpres) specifically focuses on the organization; acceptance, market competitiveness, and participation; mentoring and surveillance; and sanctions.

The Perpres, consisted eight chapters and 30 articles, was signed by President Joko Widodo on 13 March 2020 and enacted on 16 March 2020. It was also listed on State Gazette of the Republic of Indonesia Year 2020 Number 75.

The first article of the Perpres mentions about the existence of ISPO certification body as an independent conformity assessment body that certifies and issues ISPO certification.

Referring to Article 3, implementation of ISPO certification system is aimed to attaint a number of objectives. First, to assure and improve management and development of oil palm plantations according to ISPO principles and criteria. Second, to improve acceptance and competitiveness of Indonesian oil palm plantations products in national and international market. Third, to improve accelerated efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Referring to Article 4(2), IPSO certification system is implemented on the basis of seven principles. First, compliance with the regulations. Second, implementation of good agricultural practices. Third, environmental, natural resources, and biodiversity management. Fourth, employment responsibilities. Fifth, social responsibilities and community economic empowerment. Sixth, implementation of transparency. Seventh, sustainable business improvement. Further provisions on ISPO principles and criteria are to be subsequently set out in a ministerial regulation.

The Perpres also imposes administrative sanctions as mentioned on Article 6. The sanctions include written reprimands, fines, temporary suspension of oil plant plantation activities, freezing ISPO certificate, and/or revocation of ISPO certification. Further provisions on ordinance to provide for the imposition of sanctions are to be subsequently set out in a ministerial regulation. ***