Indonesia Demands Equal Treatment from EU Over Palm Oil

JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com – Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi is calling out the European Union for its discriminatory act on Indonesia’s palm oil industry.

The Indonesian Foreign Minister ensured the attendees of the 5th Jakarta Food Security Summit on November 19 that the issue will be firmly handled by Indonesia.

Indonesia’s palm oil production had an export value of $23 billion in 2019 and it is the country’s prime commodity known to serve as the backbone of the national economy.

Read also: Indonesia’s Palm Oil Industry Shows Signs of Recovery

“We know that there are discriminatory acts against Indonesia’s palm oil industry including negative campaigns specifically done in Europe. We are always fighting against these forms of discrimination.”

Retno Marsudi outlined how the European Union’s (EU) slander on Indonesia’s palm oil goes against the core of their relationship founded on partnership and collaboration.

Having met with the High Representative-Vice President of the European Commission, Josep Borrel, a few days ago, Retno shared that both parties discussed the importance of forging partnerships and in dealing with the unjust treatment over Indonesia’s palm oil industry.

Read also: Indonesia Imposes Biodiesel Program to Fight Smear Campaign Against Palm Oil in EU

“I explained how essential it is to build a stronger partnership and the need to sort out any unjust treatment concerning Indonesia’s palm oil. Our country is always advocating for open dialogue and what we want is one thing, treat us fairly.”

She asserted that the Southeast Asian nation would continue to initiate open dialogues with the EU until matters on Indonesia’s palm oil are sorted out.

The EU is a natural partner for Indonesia as both parties have similar views on a wide range of issues thus Retno Marsudi is striving to strengthen their existing relations.

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She additionally mentioned how other commodities from the country have also faced similar unfair criticism in the global market.

“It does not stop at palm oil as we are also monitoring and supporting Indonesia’s other key commodities such as coffee, tea, and rubber. Indonesian diplomacy is not to stay quiet but to stand up and defend our national interests.”

(Writer: Yohana Artha Uly | Editor: Erlangga Djumena)

Source: https://money.kompas.com/read/2020/11/19/113825026/uni-eropa-diskriminasi-sawit-indonesia-menlu-retno-treat-us-fairly