Supporting Sustainable Plantation Practices: Hundreds of Independent Farmers in Langkat Receive Their First STDBs

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Posted: May 15, 2026 • 3 minute read • SMART • 5 Likes

independent oil palm farmers in Langkat Regency received their first STDBs — *307 independent oil palm farmers in Langkat Regency, North Sumatra, received their first STDBs, strengthening smallholder legality and traceability through Sawit Terampil programme.*

Langkat, North Sumatra, 15 May 2026 – A total of 307 independent oil palm farmers in Langkat Regency, North Sumatra, have successfully obtained their first Cultivation Registration Certificates (STDBs). Possession of an STDB is mandatory for farmers with land areas under 25 hectares as part of data collection, traceability, and compliance with applicable plantation standards.

This achievement is the result of a collaboration between Sinar Mas Agribusiness and Food and its supplier partner PT Amal Tani through the Sawit Terampil programme since 2024. The programme focuses on supporting farmers in implementing good oil palm plantation management practices, ranging from training, field assistant support, land mapping, to assisting with administrative processes and completing the STDB application forms, which have long posed a challenge for farmers.

This initiative is also part of a broader collaboration between IDH, Mondelēz International, and Sinar Mas Agribusiness and Food within the Sustainable Palm Oil Landscape Initiative in Aceh and North Sumatra, supported by the Dutch and British governments through the National Initiatives for Sustainable Climate Smart Oil Palm Smallholders (NISCOPS).

The initiative strengthens sustainable palm oil production in Aceh and Langkat district by improving landscape governance, accelerating land legality, and expanding smallholder inclusion. The initiative also engages local mills to strengthen NDPE (No Deforestation, No Peat, No Exploitation) adoption, building a more traceable and deforestation-free supply chain.

Holding an STDB certificate offers significant benefits to farmers, not only in meeting government regulatory requirements but also in facilitating access to various capacity-building programmes and financing opportunities. For local authorities, meanwhile, this achievement helps to accelerate the registration of smallholder farmers and strengthen traceability within the supply chain.

“Through Sawit Terampil, we are committed to building a more inclusive and transparent supply chain. The support we provide during the STDB acquisition process not only helps farmers meet the requirements but also strengthens their position within the sustainable palm oil ecosystem,” said Helena Delima Lumban Gaol, Head of the Smallholders Innovations Department at Sinar Mas Agribusiness and Food, during the STDB handover event.

Since 2022, the Sawit Terampil programme has reached 4,776 smallholder farmers in Langkat Regency. Of this number, 1,550 farmers are part of PT Amal Tani’s supply chain and have participated in this support programme.

Meanwhile, a representative from PT Amal Tani stated that the mentoring has had a positive impact, particularly in strengthening partnership ties with smallholder farmers who form part of the company’s supply chain. “This mentoring helps farmers understand the STDB application process in a more focused manner, thereby strengthening administrative aspects and readiness for ISPO certification,” said Darul Iman Hutabarat, General Manager of PT Amal Tani.

The Langkat Regency Government has also welcomed this collaboration as a form of multi-stakeholder synergy in supporting regional targets. “The STDB is not a land title, but an official document stating that farmers are legally registered as oil palm growers with the Langkat Regency Agriculture and Food Security Agency. This document provides protection for farmers in managing their land,” said Rizal Gunawan Gultom, Secretary of the Langkat Regency Agriculture and Food Security Office.

Moving forward, the parties hope this achievement will encourage more smallholder farmers to apply for an STDB whilst strengthening more sustainable farming practices at the field level.

These support efforts align with Sinar Mas Agribusiness and Food’s commitment to growing together sustainably, ensuring farmers not only meet administrative requirements but also receive ongoing support to enhance their capacity, strengthen plantation management, and gain access to broader development opportunities.

As the verification process continues, the number of STDB recipients is expected to keep rising, paving the way for more farmers to participate in an inclusive and traceable palm oil supply chain.