RSPO reinforces zero-tolerance policy on forest and land burning

The Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) has reaffirmed its zero-tolerance policy regarding the use of fire in palm oil production. During the Road to RT RSPO event in Jakarta, RSPO Director of Assurance Aryo Gustomo emphasized that forest and land fires pose a serious threat to ecosystems, biodiversity, and local communities.

To prevent fires and ensure supply chain integrity, the RSPO utilizes the 2024 Principles and Criteria Standards, which prohibit fire use and strengthen protections for peatlands and High Conservation Value (HCV) areas. Monitoring is conducted through real-time satellite hotspot tracking via the FireWatch system. Additionally, an independent grievance mechanism allows stakeholders to report violations for formal investigation.

The announcement comes ahead of the RSPO annual meeting, RT2026, scheduled for November 3–4, 2026, in Jakarta. The forum involved dialogue with civil society organizations, including Sawit Watch, Greenpeace Indonesia, and the Yayasan Ekosistem Lestari (YEL), to address regional haze concerns and promote transparency in certification enforcement.