Studies on the Role of Vegetable Oil in Achieving SDGs Deemed Necessary

JAKARTA—Indonesian Deputy Foreign Minister Mahendra Siregar pointed out the need of comparative studies on contribution of all vegetable oils in achieving UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) including palm oil.

It was deemed necessary to show comparison between contribution of palm oil and other vegetable oils in achieving SDGs since palm oil is often criticize by several groups of people. In fact, palm oil contributes more to SDGs than other vegetable oils.

“If we only show contribution of palm oil, it is easy for some parties to discriminate against palm oil,” Mahendra said in the 13^th session of Let’s Talk About Palm Oil, an online discussion forum organized by the Indonesian Palm Oil Association (Gapki), Friday (22/5/2020).

That’s why, Mahendra said, it is deemed necessary to have comparative studies concerning SDGs attainment by major vegetable oils in the world. Then, the studies are presented on a matrix showing comparison among vegetable oils.

“Hopefully, we have recommendation for vegetable oil producing countries concerning SDGs attainment based on recent comparative studies. Then, the studies are presented in international conferences.”

The indicators of SDGs should be the most relevant to the vegetable oils. For example, a socio-economic analysis of SDGs attainment by producing countries.

“The unit of comparison is measured by national or regional aggregate targets. For example, environment impact of the vegetable oils is clearly demonstrated by objective research and scientific evidence that is reflected to the national targets such as to CO2 emissions target.”

Similarly, BPDPKS Supervisory Board Chairman, Rusman Heriawan, said that there were at least three major matrixes that need to be addressed. First, the matrix of a set of competitive commodities. The aspect that should be addressed included the effectiveness and the impact.

Second, the matrix geopolitical aspect of palm oil which was the issue often raised by many countries. It included the countries’ point of interest on palm oil. “Third, the matrix of palm oil issues that are directly related to SDGs. Currently, the government enacted Presidential Instruction (Inpres) on the National Action Plan on Indonesian Sustainable Palm Oil 2019-2024. It includes many actions that are oriented towards SDGs. It also needs to be addressed. We have unknowingly achieved SDGs targets that are not well assessed,” Rusman said. ***