• Why is the export of palm oil important for Indonesian producers?
  • The export of palm oil is very important for Indonesian producers as the market is well established and growing. The Indonesian export of palm oil grew from 3.4 billion USD to 17.5 billion USD between 2004 and 2014 ¨C that is, from 5% to 10% of the total export value in 10 years [Citation 44].
  • How to set up an oil palm plantation in Indonesia?
  • In order to set up an oil palm plantation, Indonesian law requires that a company obtain a series of government permits from different departments. These include a location permit (Izin Lokasi), which the governor or bupati is supposed to issue after reviewing the ownership and any competing rights over the land.
  • Are future agricultural yields realistic for Indonesian oil palm plantations?
  • We consider future agricultural yields that are realistic within the short term or best cases for Indonesian oil palm plantations. The first case considers the present average yield of 3.8 tonne/ha, implying no improvements. The second case implies medium improvements or 22% better yields (that is, 4.4 tonne/ha) by 2025.
  • Are oil palm plantations a problem in Indonesia?
  • Local nongovernmental experts and lawyers who have assisted hundreds of thousands of Indigenous people affected by oil palm plantations in almost all provinces of Indonesia, told Human Rights Watch there was barely any oversight over the manner companies complied with the consultation requirements under various laws.
  • Can the palm oil industry continue developing without further pressure on land?
  • The possibility to continue developing the palm oil industry without further pressure on land is a promising signal for the industry. Increasing yields could bring multiple positive effects, including reduced pressure on land, protection of forests and biodiversity, reduction of emissions and improved output from the land.
  • Is palm oil affecting Indonesia’s biodiesel industry?
  • A recent publication by the NGO Rainforest Action Network (RAN) indicates that the use of palm oil by some of the biggest chocolate and snacks’ producers is increasing this problem. In addition to servicing traditional markets, Indonesia is looking to put more effort into producing biodiesel.