Speaking at the 2026 National Government Coordination Meeting in Bogor, the President highlighted palm oil’s strategic importance and strong global demand. However, Sawit Watch Executive Director Achmad Surambo said the industry’s success story remains incomplete.

As of late 2025, Sawit Watch recorded 1,150 agrarian conflicts involving palm oil plantations, affecting indigenous communities, local residents, workers, and smallholders. Many disputes remain unresolved, often leading to criminalization and loss of life.

Surambo also highlighted labor vulnerabilities, noting that over 70% of the estimated 20 million people dependent on the palm oil supply chain work as casual laborers, many without basic labor protections.

“To call palm oil miraculous while these conditions persist is deeply problematic,” Surambo said.