TEMPO.CO, Bengkulu-Bengkulu governor Ridwan Mukti alleged non-governmental organizations had harmed the oil palm industry by continuously releasing negative statements about oil palm plantations.

“The issue was even exposed internationally in a bid to harm Indonesian oil palm [industry],” Ridwan said on Friday, April 29, 2016.

According to Ridwan, it was foreign companies that often destroyed peat lands. He claimed that the rumor was spread by individuals who were trying to create oil palm substitute in the world.

He viewed that the oil palm commodity was a national advantage, and public should protect and develop the commodity.

“Oil palm is a national advantage. The commodity is a blessing, since it can grow well in Indonesia. We have to maintain it,” Ridwan added.

Ridwan explained that NGO’s effort linking deforestations with the oil palm industry was aimed at destroying the oil palm market and claimed that the propaganda was initiated since oil palm threatened other commodities, such as sunflower seed oil in Europe.

Therefore, he said that his administration would maintain the partnership between the provincial government and oil palm producers in Bengkulu.

Environmental organization Genesis director Barlian said that his organization launched criticisms against the oil palm industry based on facts.

PHESI ESTER JULIKAWATI