Smallholder Palm Oil Farms in West Java Still Producing, Subang Becomes the Top Production Hub

Based on the West Java Plantation Statistics (Final Figures) 2024, the total area of smallholder palm oil plantations in West Java is recorded at around 342 hectares, with total production reaching 2,163 tons. This translates into an average productivity level of approximately 8,620 kilograms per hectare. All of these smallholder palm oil areas are located outside large-scale plantations, whether state-owned or privately owned.

Among the various regions, Subang Regency stands out as the area with both the largest smallholder palm oil plantation coverage and the highest production contribution in West Java. The total smallholder plantation area in Subang reaches around 110 hectares, producing 1,211 tons. Its productivity is also the highest in the province, recorded at 11,533 kilograms per hectare, outperforming other regencies and cities in West Java.

Meanwhile, Garut Regency is also a significant contributor to smallholder palm oil production. Garut has around 110 hectares of smallholder plantation area, generating 633 tons of production, with productivity reaching 9,453 kilograms per hectare.

Smallholder palm oil plantations in West Java are not limited to Subang and Garut. Several other regions such as Tasikmalaya Regency, Pangandaran Regency, and Banjar City are also recorded as having smallholder palm oil farms, although the areas and production volumes are relatively smaller. In Pangandaran Regency, smallholder palm oil plantations cover about 81 hectares, with production of 239 tons.

In Banjar City, there has been an adjustment to the data reported by the local Agriculture Agency. Provincial data previously recorded the area at around 2 hectares, but field-level data collection indicates the actual area is about 1.5 hectares. All of the plantations are located in Binangun Village, with production still limited compared to other areas in West Java.

Although the overall contribution remains far below that of large estates in Indonesia’s main palm oil production centers, smallholder palm oil in West Java continues to play an important role as a supplementary source of income. However, smallholder plantation management still needs to comply with spatial planning regulations and environmental considerations to maintain sustainability.

The issuance of the West Java Governor’s Circular Letter is also seen as strengthening the legal basis for the provincial Plantation Agency in controlling future palm oil expansion. Under the policy, the development of new palm oil plantations in West Java is no longer recommended, in line with the stance of stakeholders who have long opposed further expansion in the region. (*)

Source: Field interview Deskjabardotkom