Koperasi Perkebunan Harapan Baru Ratu

Compared to other regions on the islands of Sumatra and Kalimantan, oil palm independent smallholders in the Central Mamuju district of West Sulawesi province are relatively late starters in oil palm cultivation. The farmers of the Harapan Baru Ratu Plantation Cooperative previously engaged in coconut and cocoa cultivation. However, the fluctuating and declining prices of these commodities, combined with the escalating costs of living, prompted them to shift towards the more promising oil palm sector. 

Their farming methods, however, remain traditional. There are various factors contributing to the limited knowledge among farmers. These include their level of education, the novelty of oil palm as a commodity, and the scarcity of farmer organisations that provide opportunities for knowledge sharing and advocacy. The presence of the Palm Oil Farmers Union (SPKS) in Central Mamuju has injected new vitality and fostered hope for the transformation of farming methods. 

The Cooperative recognises sustainable palm oil plantations as a key to addressing ongoing challenges in the palm oil industry. It also believes that nurturing farmers’ skills through training and education is crucial for promoting sustainability.

According to Harapan Baru Ratu Plantation Cooperative, adopting sustainable practices can enhance productivity, ensure good environmental management, protect biodiversity, and uphold human rights. Such convictions have led the Cooperative and its farmers to pursue RSPO certification, a step seen as formidable yet vital.  

As noted by the Group Manager of Harapan Baru Ratu Plantation Cooperative, challenges are ever-present and evolving with advancements in science and technology. Without the RSPO certification, the Cooperative’s farmers could face significant barriers, especially given the increasingly stringent domestic and international market regulations. 

Obstacles such as limited knowledge of best practices in plantation management and the high cost of fertilisers – exacerbated by the cessation of government subsidies – are among the key issues resulting in an average yield of 14 to 19 tonnes per hectare annually. Therefore, there is hope that the Group will successfully enter the RSPO sustainability system to address and prepare for future challenges associated with sustainable oil palm plantations.

The Harapan Baru Ratu Plantation Cooperative is now receiving support from the Palm Oil Farmers Union (SPKS) to pursue RSPO certification.

Total area covered by the project
300 Ha

Number of smallholders benefitting from this project
300 Smallholders

Number/percentage of women supported by this project
6.67% women in this project

Your support can significantly impact Harapan Baru Ratu Plantation Cooperative’s journey towards achieving RSPO certification. Financial contributions are vital for covering the comprehensive range of activities involved in the certification process.  These activities include data collection, mapping, training, socialisation, HCV assessments, processing of the Cultivation Registration Certificate (STDB) and the Environmental Management Statement (SPPL), conducting internal and external audits, business development, and preparing  necessary documentation . Furthermore, a portion of the funds will be dedicated to empowering women within the Cooperative through the establishment of working groups and other initiatives.

Representative Contact
Irfan | Group Manager | [email protected] | 085298444261

Representative Contact

Novet Charles Akollo | Certification Manager of SPKS 081233860176 | [email protected] | https://spks.or.id/kontak-kami

Credit can be provided to Harapan Baru Ratu Plantation Cooperative under the supervision of the Palm Oil Farmers Union (SPKS)

Credit can be provided to Harapan Baru Ratu Plantation Cooperative under the supervision of the Palm Oil Farmers Union (SPKS)