TEMPO.CO, Bandung - Minister of Agriculture Suswono stated that Indonesia has become the world’s largest producer of crude palm oil (CPO), having produced 23 million tons in 2012—the Indonesian Palm Oil Producers Association (Gapki) claimed the actual figure was 25 million.
Suswono said yesterday that last year, the value of CPO exports alone was US$19.65 billion (Rp200 trillion). He added that the CPO industry has also provided the most job opportunities—4.5 million workers—compared to other trade and service industries.
The minister claimed that there are currently eleven Indonesian Sustainable Palm Oil (ISPO) certification institutes with 19 ISPO certified palm oil companies. Meanwhile, 95 other companies are in the process of obtaining theirs.
"We hope that in 2014, all of these companies will have obtained their ISPO certificates," said Suswono.
FRANSISCO ROSARIANS
