After approximately two years of qualification, the company secured full membership of the RSPO on September 18, 2026. The milestone marks an important step in its journey toward sustainable palm oil certification

Indonesian Palm Oil News (IPO News), Jakarta — PT Astra Agro Lestari Tbk (AAL), one of Indonesia’s major oil palm plantation companies, officially became a full member of the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) on September 18, 2026. The achievement marks an important development in the company’s efforts to strengthen its sustainability practices and advance toward RSPO certification.

The development was reported by InfoSAWIT on October 21, 2026, following confirmation of Astra Agro Lestari’s acceptance as a full member of the international organization dedicated to promoting the production and use of sustainable palm oil.

Astra Agro Lestari completed approximately two years of qualification before securing full membership. The process included due diligence, document submission and review, as well as public consultation as part of the RSPO membership assessment process.

With these requirements completed, Astra Agro Lestari has entered a new phase of engagement with the RSPO. However, full membership does not automatically mean that all of the company’s plantations, palm oil mills or products have obtained RSPO certification.

TWO-YEAR QUALIFICATION PROCESS

Astra Agro Lestari’s journey toward RSPO membership began in 2024, when the company announced its intention to formally apply for membership. The initial stages involved preparing the required documentation and undergoing due diligence in accordance with the organization’s requirements.

The process subsequently continued with document reviews and public consultation. Following the completion of the required stages, the RSPO confirmed Astra Agro Lestari’s acceptance as a full member in September 2026. RSPO CEO JD D’Cruz welcomed Astra Agro Lestari as the organization’s newest member. He described the achievement as the result of two years of engagement, rigorous assessment and comprehensive consultation.

The RSPO also expressed its readiness to support Astra Agro Lestari in advancing sustainable palm oil practices and continuing its journey toward certification. Such support is relevant for companies operating in an industry facing increasing scrutiny over environmental, social and governance (ESG) issues. International markets are paying closer attention to raw material traceability, land management, ecosystem protection and sustainability standards throughout the palm oil supply chain.

STRENGTHENING THE SUSTAINABILITY AGENDA

Astra Agro Lestari CEO Djap Tet Fa described full RSPO membership as a significant milestone following approximately two years of qualification. According to the company, membership represents an important first step in its journey toward full certification. Astra Agro Lestari aims to continue the process and ultimately become part of the group of palm oil producers meeting the RSPO’s sustainability criteria.

The company has also highlighted several initiatives implemented in recent years, including landscape management, conservation, community development, climate impact mitigation and the application of circular economy principles. These initiatives form part of the company’s broader approach to developing business operations that take environmental and social considerations into account.

Going forward, RSPO membership also provides Astra Agro Lestari with opportunities to engage with other members and stakeholders on sustainable palm oil production practices. Nevertheless, progress toward certification remains subject to the applicable requirements and assessment procedures.

FULL MEMBERSHIP DOES NOT MEAN CERTIFICATION

An important distinction must be made between RSPO membership and RSPO certification. Membership indicates that a company has been accepted into the organization after completing the prescribed qualification process. Certification, by contrast, involves demonstrating compliance with the applicable sustainability standards and undergoing an assessment of the operations or business units submitted for certification.

Accordingly, Astra Agro Lestari’s newly acquired full membership should not be interpreted as confirmation that all its plantations, palm oil mills or products are already RSPO certified. The company must continue through the relevant certification stages in accordance with the organization’s requirements, This distinction is important to ensure that the latest development is accurately understood by industry players, palm oil buyers, business partners and other stakeholders.

THE NEXT PHASE WILL BE CRUCIAL

For Astra Agro Lestari, full RSPO membership represents a significant milestone, but it is not the end of its sustainability journey. The next phase will involve advancing toward certification, strengthening the implementation of sustainable practices and deepening engagement with relevant stakeholders.

The development also reflects broader changes in Indonesia’s palm oil industry as companies respond to market demand for greater sustainability. A company’s credibility in global markets depends not only on its stated commitments, but also on implementation, transparency and verifiable results.

With full membership secured, Astra Agro Lestari now has a foundation from which to continue this process in collaboration with the RSPO. Its progress toward certification and the implementation of relevant sustainability standards will remain important developments to watch across Indonesia’s palm oil industry.

Sources: InfoSAWIT, October 21, 2026; PT Astra Agro Lestari Tbk’s official statement on its full RSPO membership.

Muslim M. Amin, Editor in Chief

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