Ecobiz.asia – Indonesian women farmers from the palm oil, coffee, cocoa, and rubber sectors voiced their concerns over the UK Forest Risk Commodities (UK FRC) regulation during an international forum at the Indonesian Embassy in London on Wednesday (September 17, 2025).
Speaking at the Multi-Stakeholder Event on Indonesian Sustainable Commodities, the farmers stressed that sustainability regulations in the UK and globally must not overlook smallholders, who form the backbone of supply chains.
Indonesian Ambassador to the UK Desra Percaya, who opened the event, underlined that inclusivity is vital to ensure a just transition. “Inclusivity is the key in this transformation journey, which means embracing a more diverse narratives of the unheard, like the smallholders, is essential,” he said.
Over the past 15 years, Indonesia has introduced measures such as the Timber Legality Verification System (SVLK) and the Indonesian Sustainable Palm Oil (ISPO) certification to guarantee legality, environmental protection, and social responsibility. These efforts are now being extended to the coffee, rubber, and cocoa sectors.
International partnerships form a key part of these efforts. With the UK, Indonesia has established cooperation on green goals, including the FOLU Net Sink 2030, the MELAJU program for net zero and green infrastructure, and the Indonesia–UK PACT for low-carbon strategies.
During a dialogue session moderated by sustainable commodity governance expert Diah Suradiredja, farmers warned that without real support—ranging from access to technology and training to covering certification costs—smallholders risk being excluded from global markets.
Istiqamah, a coffee farmer from Aceh, voiced fears that small farms may be shut out simply due to administrative hurdles. “Most of our villages depend on coffee. From coffee, our children go to school and our families live with dignity. Rules should not just look at documents while ignoring realities on the ground,” she said.
Febriani Sumbung, a cocoa farmer from West Papua, echoed this concern, pointing to the complexity of mapping and digital requirements. “Learn from the weaknesses of the EUDR. Do not let the UK FRC become another barrier that sidelines smallholders,” she urged.
Kusniati, a rubber farmer from Jambi, highlighted the high costs of certification and mapping, while Nurhayati, a palm oil farmer from Merangin, reminded participants that rural women are the backbone of supply chains. “Every drop of palm oil carries the hands of village women behind it. We only ask for support to meet the minimum requirements so we can remain in the UK market,” she said.
In addition to engaging policymakers, farmers also met with industry representatives. A delegate from Ferrero reaffirmed the company’s commitment to working with Indonesian smallholders to build more sustainable supply chains. ***
