Malaysia, Indonesia unite against EU palm oil discrimination

In a historic move, Malaysia and Indonesia have joined forces to counter the anti-oil palm campaign and protect the interests of the palm oil sector. At a joint press conference, Malaysia’s Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and Indonesia’s President Joko Widodo commended their respective ministers, Fadillah Yusof and Airlangga Hartarto, for their collaborative efforts in defending the oil palm commodity.

Both Fadillah and Airlangga recently led a joint mission under the Council of Palm Oil Producing Countries (CPOPC) to the European Union (EU) to express concerns and objections to the newly legislated EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR). Anwar echoed Joko’s stance that safeguarding the oil palm industry is vital to protect the livelihoods of millions of smallholders, not just corporate entities.

During the conference, Joko expressed gratitude to the Malaysian government for their collaboration in addressing discrimination against oil palm and other commodities. He emphasised the need for stronger cooperation to ensure products from both countries do not face discrimination in international markets.

In a joint statement, the leaders highlighted the necessity for close collaboration in tackling the EUDR’s highly detrimental discriminatory measures against palm oil. They urged the EU to promptly address these measures and work towards a fair and equitable resolution.

Joko and his delegation are on a two-day working visit to Malaysia at the invitation of the Prime Minister, with the aim of further strengthening the long-established and close relationship between the two countries. The leaders held private discussions and witnessed six exchanges of agreements relating to trade, investment promotion, halal, and maritime solutions.