Koperasi Nusantara Indah Jaya

The Nusantara Indah Jaya Cooperative comprises 28 farmer members, spanning a total area of 112 hectares in Makmur Jaya Village, Kombeng District, East Kutai Regency. The state of the plantations owned by the cooperative members is currently concerning, primarily due to the lack of maintenance. This neglect stems from a limited understanding of sustainable oil palm cultivation, underscoring the urgent need for support that can facilitate a shift towards sustainable practices. This issue is reflected in the low yield of Fresh Fruit Bunches (FFB), with production currently standing at approximately 11 tonnes per hectare per year.

When asked about the group’s perspective on the future sustainability of oil palm cultivation, Yosep Lie, the head of the cooperative, highlighted that their approach is primarily influenced by economic considerations. He emphasised the importance of the economic aspects of oil palm cultivation, including its contribution to economic growth, job creation, and enhancing farmers’ income. The group is in favour of initiatives aimed at boosting  production efficiency and improving market access, with the goal of augmenting the economic benefits derived from oil palm plantation activities.

“Our desire to implement sustainable practices aims to achieve greater business stability and long-term sustainability. This includes increased productivity and crop quality, reduced operational costs, and mitigation of environmental risks,” said Yosep, discussing the factors driving the group’s commitment to sustainability.  He noted that the group anticipates several challenges in the future, such as the high costs associated with implementing sustainable practices in oil palm cultivation, limited knowledge and skills, cultural and behavioural changes at individual and group levels, adjustments to policy changes, and pressure from markets failing to meet standards, which might result in lost market access.

Yosep outlined the group’s expectations upon joining the RSPO sustainable system, highlighting the anticipation of access to broader markets, improved prices, enhanced recognition and reputation, environmental protection, increased productivity and efficiency, and the betterment of the community’s social welfare.

The Nusantara Indah Jaya Cooperative is receiving assistance from  Seebumi Indah Borneo in its endeavour to achieve RSPO certification.

Total area covered by the project
112 Ha

Number of smallholders benefitting from this project
28 Smallholders

Number/percentage of women supported by this project
35.71% women in this project

The crucial support needed by the group focuses on the development of smallholder capacity. The management recognises that members who lack knowledge and assistance could greatly benefit from education on sustainable oil palm plantation practices, thereby enhancing productivity and boosting the income of smallholders. In addition to offering training on sustainable plantation practices, we also require support in obtaining an environmental management statement to preserve the environmental values within the plantation and its surroundings. Furthermore, we acknowledge the essential need for a mentor to oversee training activities for members until they achieve certification.

Additional data is needed for farmers’ capacity-building activities,  focusing on training in the RSPO certification system and sustainable oil palm plantations. Mapping activities are also required, given the need for submission to the RSPO system and for other needs, including social and environmental impact assessments and High Conservation Value (HCV) assessments. Furthermore, there is an urgent need to increase the management’s capacity to pursue certification, particularly through training in internal auditing and Bana Audit Certification.

Representative Contact
Yosep Lie | Chairman of the Cooperative | [email protected] | 081253942760

Representative Contact

Sept Agis Pusaka | Facilitator 085250886192 | [email protected] |