APKARINDO: Time for Smallholder Rubber Farmers to Rise
The Indonesian Rubber Farmers Association (APKARIN and APKARINDO) officially inaugurated its Central Executive Board (DPP) for the 2026–2031 period on Monday (14/9) at the Ministry of Agriculture Auditorium in Jakarta. Carrying the spirit of “Smallholder Rubber Farmers Rising,” the organisation reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening farmer structures, increasing productivity, and encouraging national rubber downstreaming.
The General Chairman of APKARINDO, Irfan Ahmad Fauzi, stated that this inauguration marks the starting point of a major movement to restore the glory of the smallholder rubber sector. He noted that this mandate is not merely ceremonial but a concrete step to support the millions of farming families who depend on the rubber commodity for their livelihoods.
“Today’s momentum is the beginning of a great mandate to revive the glory of Indonesia’s smallholder rubber plantations. We must serve as a bridge between farmers, the government, industry, and the market,” Irfan said in his statement.
During the event, APKARINDO read the Declaration Towards Farmer Independence, National Productivity, and National Energy Security. The organisation’s primary focus moving forward is to ensure that rubber is no longer sold solely as a raw material but possesses added value through processing industries.
Irfan emphasised the importance of transforming the rubber sector from upstream to downstream. “The rise of smallholder rubber is not just about increasing production, but also about creating added value. Rubber must not stop at being a raw material,” he asserted.
The inauguration ceremony also included the signing of strategic cooperation MoUs and a National Rubber Dialogue. The event was attended by representatives from the Ministry of Agriculture, the Ministry of Transmigration, the Indonesian National Police, as well as leaders from various associations and national rubber industry players.
Support also came from APKARINDO representatives from various regions, including Aceh, Palamng, Lampung, Riau, Jambi, Kalimantan, and West Java (Garut and Tasikmalaya). With a spirit of mutual cooperation, APKARINDO declared its readiness to be a strategic partner to the government in building an independent, advanced, and sustainable rubber industry.
“Let us make this period the resurgence of smallholder rubber. Prosperous rubber farmers, a victorious industry, and a sovereign nation,” concluded Irfan.