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The Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) is vigorously defending the integrity of its sustainability certification as Indonesia battles widespread forest fires covering 1.9 million hectares. Satellite analysis reveals that only 0.8% of the total burned area falls within RSPO-certified palm oil concessions, challenging public perceptions of the industry's role in the crisis.
Data from Nusantara Atlas and The TreeMap indicate that approximately 14,500 hectares within certified concessions were affected by fires between January and September 2026. Addressing the RSPO’s annual Roundtable Conference (RT2026) in Jakarta, CEO Joseph D'Cruz urged industry stakeholders to counter criticism with transparent data and evidence of concrete action. He emphasized that the partnership holds itself to the highest monitoring standards globally.
The conference, themed 'Strong Foundations – Impact in Action,' focuses on moving beyond mere compliance toward delivering measurable results across the palm oil supply chain. D'Cruz acknowledged the ongoing scrutiny of the sector but highlighted the dedication of plantation workers in Sumatra and Kalimantan who remain on the front lines of fire containment efforts.
Investigation into unusual fire activity is underway, with one certified concession currently facing a formal complaint through the RSPO grievance system. Notably, satellite monitoring found no burned areas within RSPO-certified independent smallholder plantations, despite their proximity to high-risk regions. D'Cruz warned that remaining silent allows irresponsible actors to define the industry's reputation.
The 2026 fire season has proven more severe than the 2019 crisis, with hotspots increasing by 63% and affected areas growing by 38%, according to David Gaveau of The TreeMap. September 2026 alone saw over 1 million hectares burned. These challenges coincide with a powerful El Niño phenomenon, complicating efforts to protect biodiversity and community rights while maintaining global market access for sustainable palm oil.
Source: Jakarta Globe