Pakistan Seen as Strategic Partner in Indonesia’s Palm Oil Diplomacy

KBRN, Jakarta: Indonesia is strengthening its position as a global leader in the palm oil market by deepening ties with Pakistan, a country regarded not only as a major consumer but also as a strategic trade partner.

his commitment was underscored during a high-level meeting between Indonesia’s Ambassador to Pakistan, Chandra W. Sukotjo, and the Secretary-General of the Council of Palm Oil Producing Countries (CPOPC), Izzana Salleh, at the Indonesian Consulate General in Karachi on Thursday, January 8, 2026.

The meeting aligned government diplomacy with the vision of palm oil–producing nations, aiming to safeguard Indonesia’s economic interests in Pakistan. The visit coincided with the Pakistan Edible Oil Conference (PEOC), the region’s most prominent vegetable oil industry forum.

Ambassador Chandra emphasized that Pakistan’s reliance on Indonesian palm oil makes it more than just a market.

“Synergy between CPOPC and Indonesian missions abroad is crucial in addressing global challenges and countering negative narratives about palm oil. We must ensure international partners receive balanced, data-driven, and transparent information about Indonesia’s economic contributions and sustainability commitments,” he said, as quoted on the official website of the Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Echoing this, Consul General Mudzakir, who accompanied Ambassador Chandra at the meeting, reaffirmed the consulate’s readiness to serve as a bridge for industry stakeholders.

“We are committed to facilitating constructive dialogue with government, industry associations, and key importers in Pakistan. Our focus is to maintain Indonesia’s position as a trusted supplier for Pakistan’s food security in cooking oil and related industries,” he noted.

CPOPC Secretary-General Izzana Salleh welcomed Indonesia’s proactive support, stressing that the organization’s presence at PEOC aims to strengthen advocacy for sustainable palm oil and expand technical cooperation between producers and consumers.

The meeting is expected to produce a new roadmap for more aggressive promotion in Pakistan’s market. With Pakistan’s high domestic demand for palm oil, stronger bilateral ties are projected to boost Indonesia’s trade balance and improve the livelihoods of millions of Indonesian palm oil farmers.

Indonesia continues to position itself as a reliable supplier of sustainable palm oil, reinforcing its message that the industry adheres to strict environmental standards for the sake of the global future. ***