Palm oil continues to face global scrutiny over its links to deforestation and biodiversity loss. At the same time, producers are faced with the challenge of meeting growing global demand while protecting forests and ecosystems.
For Asian Agri, part of the RGE Group founded by Sukanto Tanoto, addressing that challenge requires a long-term approach centred on responsible production, forest protection, and improving productivity without expanding into new land.
Since 2003, Asian Agri has not expanded its plantation footprint, maintaining more than 90,000 hectares of planted area while focusing on replanting programmes to improve yield on existing land. Ageing oil palms naturally become less productive after around 25 years, so replanting allows the company to sustain production without opening new areas or developing peatlands.
This approach supports Asian Agri’s commitment to the principles of No Deforestation, No Peat, and No Exploitation (NDPE), while reducing pressure on forests and natural habitats. An important part of this approach involves protecting areas identified as High Carbon Stock (HCS) and High Conservation Value (HCV).
HCS areas are forests with significant carbon storage and ecological importance that should be protected from land conversion. Meanwhile, HCV areas are locations with important biodiversity, environmental, social, or cultural value.
Through HCS and HCV assessments, Asian Agri has identified habitats for several endangered and protected species, including the silvery gibbon, milky stork, and Sunda pangolin. To help protect these ecosystems, the company conducts regular habitat monitoring, daily field patrols, and conservation management programmes within its operational areas.
Beyond internal operations, Asian Agri also works with local communities and smallholders to strengthen conservation awareness. Training programmes include education on HCS and HCV protection, while signboards in conservation zones help discourage illegal hunting, fishing, and unauthorised access.
By prioritising sustainable intensification instead of land expansion, Asian Agri aims to demonstrate that palm oil production and forest protection can go hand in hand.
Explore Asian Agri’s Sustainability Policy and broader sustainability commitments on its official website.