Oil Palm Development Research Articles

Analysis of the foreign direct investment, oil palm expansion, and food security in Indonesia: Sumatra and Kalimantan case studies

The continuing oil palm expansion on food security has prompted fierce debate. On one side, analysts argue that local community incorporation in the oil palm sector can increase food purchasing in the market. However, the expansion has also brought unprecedented consequences of losing highly nutritious food due to forest conversions. This study aims to analyze oil palm expansion and local food security in various regions in Indonesia by tackling the following questions: (a) Which factors influence palm oil expansion, and does foreign investment play a role? (b) How does palm oil expansion affect food security in Indonesia? Socioeconomic methods have been applied in this study, including a systematic literature review and qualitative interviews with key stakeholders from various domestic and international organizations. These two methods help us triangulate the academic literature findings with real-world situations as perceived by the actors in the related field. Results indicate that, firstly, foreign investors have not only made a direct investment to facilitate oil palm expansion, but also indirect financial intermediaries are held without holding financial equities to upstream oil palm companies (e.g., supply chain financing contracts, channeling using local financial institutions such as credit union). Secondly, while large corporations asserted monoculture oil palm expansions, some smallholding farmers use mixed cropland expansion to share food and oil palm crops in their own smallholding terms. With the oil palm expansion, farmers can secure a cash flow from palm oil, but an unintended outcome is less nutrition diversification, and often because of the distance to markets, some commodities are favored over a more diverse diet. The outcomes of oil palm development vary and are multifold, as some stakeholders report that some studies show improving cash flows at the farm level, but other studies insist that food insecurity still prevails.

Evaluation of the Effect of Soil Water Conditions on the Development and Water Requirements of Adult Oil Palm (Elaeis guineensis Jacq.) in the Northern Region of Colombia

Sustainable water management is a key approach for enhancing the productivity of oil palm trees while addressing the impacts of climate change and variability. Determining the water needs of a crop is crucial for the appropriate application of water. This research was carried out in two plantations in Agustín Codazzi, Colombia, using a completely randomized design. This study involved examining the impacts of five different water conditions (50, 150, 300, 450, and 600 L per day) on the growth and yields of mature oil palm trees (aged 10–17 years), and their water consumption was calculated using the water balance method. The results indicated that the crop was negatively affected by daily water applications of 300, 150, and 50 L per day, showing statistically significant differences (p < 0.05) when compared to the 450 and 600 L per day treatments, particularly in terms of leaf emergence, leaf area index, and yield (tons per hectare). The 50 L per day treatment resulted in the most substantial decrease in yield (around 26%), primarily attributed to a reduction in the number of bunches. The most favorable crop responses were observed with water applications of 450 and 600 L per day, aligning with the crop’s potential evapotranspiration values (ranging between 5.4 and 5.7 mm per day) and yielding crop coefficients of 0.88 and 0.9, respectively. Notably, these values varied between dry and rainy seasons, peaking between December and March.

The strategic architecture of “BPDPKS” – Oil Palm Plantation Fund Management Agency

Abstract The Oil Palm Plantation Fund Management Agency, Badan Pengelola Dana Perkebunan Kelapa Sawit, is a government institution that manages funds for oil palm plantations using export levies from crude palm oil (CPO) products and their derivatives. However, there is a dichotomy between supporting conglomerates and smallholders. To address this issue, an analysis is required to determine the agency’s position as a strategic organization capable of implementing sustainable oil palm development programs. The strategic architecture outlines the future and business outlook of the agency. Hence, this study uses IPA analysis to analyze the current planning needs and what is required in the agency’s strategic architecture. The core competencies were identified using VRIO frameworks and external analysis using PESTEL. Result from that analysis as a parameter to create a strategic architecture for 2024-2028. The strategic architecture has been developed based on internal and external evaluation matrices, employing strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats (SWOT) analysis. Additionally, this research was followed by preparing an action plan as a guideline for implementation programs.

Strategi Peremajaan Sawit Rakyat dan Pengembangan Usaha KUD Sumber Makmur Menggunakan Pendekatan Business Model Canvas

KUD Sumber Makmur is one of the Village Unit Cooperatives located in Pelalawan Regency, Riau. As a form of sustainable palm oil management, cooperative members' oil palm lands that have reached economic maturity need to be replanted. Apart from that, managing KUD cooperatives requires a cooperative business development strategy model. This research aims to identify strategies for rejuvenating smallholder palm oil and business development for KUD Sumber Makmur using the Business Model Canvas approach. The research was conducted in September 2023 at KUD Sumber Makmur, Pelalawan Regency, Riau. The data collection methods in this research are primary data and secondary data. The data analysis used in this research uses a qualitative descriptive type. The strategy for rejuvenating smallholder oil palms at KUD Sumber Makmur consists of the data collection stage and the implementation stage of the smallholder oil palm rejuvenation program. The business development strategy at KUD Sumber Makmur is: The Key Partner of the cooperative is PT Asian Agri, Key Activities of the cooperative consist of a savings and loan unit, agricultural production facilities unit, FFB Transportation unit, and FFB Sales unit, Value Proposition consists of cooperative FFB Quality and Palm Oil Certification, Customer relationships consist of efforts to maintain the quality of FFB and establish good communication with offtakers. Customer segments consist of off-taker companies (PT Asian Agri) and BPDPKS. Key resources consist of partner farmers' land, cooperative buildings, and transportation equipment. Channels consist of Direct and Contract methods, Cost Structure consists of production costs and operational costs, Revenue streams consist of FFB Sales

Oil Palm Plantation Expansion and Population Problems: An Explanatory Factor for Deforestation in Indonesia

Deforestation in Indonesia remains a significant issue due to various factors. This article reveals the impact of demographic variables on deforestation, using oil palm plantation expansion as a case study. The study applies Hunter's model, considering population dynamics and intermediate variables, namely science and technology, institutions, policies, and culture. Through traditional literature review methods, demographic data and field research results from 2010 to 2020 were elaborated, focusing on Sumatra, Kalimantan, and Sulawesi. The findings underline that Indonesian rapid population growth drives high consumption rates. Additionally, the development of oil palm plantations is faced with high demand for CPO, policies that attach too much importance to investment, and agrarian deregulation. All these intermediate variables are visible through the agricultural expansion as a pattern of agricultural development. The massive expansion by private companies resulted in a change in the socio-ecological landscape. In addition, there are dilemmas in the villager's livelihood system, such as shifting traditional livelihood bases, livelihood dualism, the emergence of new vulnerabilities, and land grabs. In order to realize sustainable palm oil development, we suggest governance reforms at the global, national, and local levels.

The Synergy between SDGs and Indonesian Sustainable Palm Oil in Realising Sustainable Oil Palm Development in South Halmahera, Indonesia

The Synergy between SDGs and Indonesian Sustainable Palm Oil in Realising Sustainable Oil Palm Development in South Halmahera, Indonesia

A Feasibility Analysis of P.I.R. Swadaya Oil Palm Plantations in East Kalimantan

In the framework of East Kalimantan's regional economic development, one of the important development sectors, apart from oil and gas, is agriculture, especially the oil palm plantation subsector, among others in the scheme of the People's Nucleus Plantation (PIR) Swadaya scheme. This study aims to analysis the PIR Swadaya oil palm development program in East Kalimantan, mainly in terms of financial feasibility through financial analysis. Study used primary and secondary data. To find those data, methods of interviews and list of questionnaires are used. The financial potential projection is carried out during the economic life of the plant for 25 years, and to identify the state of the business against the possibility of fluctuations in the discount value, calculated the condition of the oil palm plantation venture independently with a discount of 10%, through Sensitivity analysis shows that NPV, IRR, PP and B / C ratio at varying interest rates of 8%, 12%, 15% and 20% investment is still safe.

Smallholder palm oil and sustainable development goals (SDGs) achievement: An empirical analysis

This paper is aimed at examining and analyzing the contribution of palm oil smallholders to the achievement of the SDGs. Another objective is to determine the highest SDGs that contribute to the achievement of SDGs by examining 13 SDGs out of 17 SDGs analyzed using Principal Component Analysis (PCA) to estimate composite SDGs index. The survey was conducted in 7 provinces in Indonesia which are oil palm centers in Indonesia. Data was obtained from interviews with 3060 smallholder oil palm farmers divided into 3 strata based on the area of oil palm land owned. The results showed that the SDG composite index of smallholders reached 77.57 %, which informed that smallholder oil palm had reached 77.57 % of the 2030 SDGS target. This achievement is greater than the national achievement which reached 70.16 %. Of the 13 SDGs analyzed, SDG17 achieved the weakest followed by SDG5. While the highest achievement was obtained by SDG1 which was followed by SDG6 and SDG8. In the future, more comprehensive cross-sectoral research related to the achievement of SDGs, especially related to the impact of government policy interventions on the achievement of SDGs.

Analysis of Strategic Programs in Planning and Developing Cattle-Oil Palm Integration System

Abstract The cattle-oil palm integration system refers to a farming approach that involves the integration of the plantation sub-sector and the livestock sub-sector. It can be achieved by utilizing the vacant area beneath oil palm plants to graze beef cattle. The combination of oil palm and cattle production systems has significant social, economic, and ecological standpoints. The program strategy for establishing a cattle-oil palm integration system highlights the importance of institutional involvement in supporting a priority program that has achieved success in multiple areas. The study was conducted in the Tanah Bumbu District in the South Kalimantan Province. The place selection was conducted via purposive sampling, considering its potential as a prototype for combining cattle and oil palm development. This research aims to determine the optimal approach for implementing integrated systems in oil palm plantations of various scales. The research findings on the role of institutions in the integration system of oil palm and cattle are crucial for supporting prioritized programs that have been accomplished in multiple domains. The study employed Interpretative Structural Modelling (ISM) analysis to formulate a complex policy structure based on its constituent elements, establish a hierarchy of relationships among these elements, and classify them into four quadrants (autonomous, independent, dependent, and linkage). These include the social functions and the role of institutions in facilitating coordination among different entities. By understanding the significance of institutions, it becomes possible to effectively implement programs to enhance the development of integrated systems of cattle oil palm. The ultimate goal is to bring about positive changes in welfare, participation, trust, communication, and conflict resolution among oil palm smallholders and cattle breeders involved in the cattle-oil palm integration system. In economic function, institutions influence the fluctuations observed in income, production costs, and net profit for individuals engaged in the oil palm-cattle integration system, specifically oil palm smallholders and cattle breeders. Regarding the involvement of the environment, several repercussions arise, including alterations in soil quality, oil palm plantation productivity, biodiversity within ecosystems, greenhouse gas emissions, and deforestation within oil palm plantations engaged in the oil palm-cattle integration system. As a suggestion for achieving sustainability objectives in inclusive and sustainable palm oil plantations, it is advisable to prioritize establishing effective collaboration and partnerships among all relevant stakeholders, sharing expertise and information and the concerted effort to develop robust and mutually beneficial interconnections.

Effect of Baculovirus oryctes concentration on mortality of Oryctes rhinoceros L.

One of the key plantation crops in Indonesia, particularly in the expanding Riau region, is oil palm (Elaeis guineensis Jacq.). The frequent attacks by Rhinoceros beetles (Oryctes rhinoceros), are the greatest barrier to oil palm development in Riau region. Integrated Pest Management (IPM), which puts an emphasis on ecologically friendly controls one of which uses the entomopathogen Baculovirus oryctes, is the preferred control strategy. This study sought to determine the optimal suspension concentration of Baculovirus oryctes infected larvae on the mortality of the Oryctes rhinoceros beetle. The treatment given was concentration of Baculovirus oryctes suspension of, 0 ml.500 ml−1 water (0 x 106 PIBs.ml−1), 40 ml.500 ml−1 water (6 x 106 PIBs.ml−1), 50 ml.500 ml−1 water (7.6 x 106 PIBs.ml−1), 60 ml.500 ml−1 water (9.3 x 106 PIBs.ml−1) and 70 ml.500 ml−1 water (9.6 x 106 PIBs.ml−1). The results showed that the suspension concentration of 70 ml.500 ml−1 water (9.6 x 106 PIBs/ml) is the best trend concentration because it generates the fastest initial time of death which is 180 hours, lethal time 50 for 288 hours after application and total mortality of 70.83%. The conclusion is that Baculovirus oryctes can be used to kill rhinoceros beetle Oryctes rhinoceros best at a concentration of 70 ml.500 ml−1 water (9.6 x 106 PIBs ml−1).

Analyzing the Dynamics of Social, Economic, and Cultural Changes and the Role of Institutions in Oil Palm Agribusiness Development

This research aims to reveal the dynamics of social, economic, and cultural changes in agribusiness institutions in oil palm development locations. Then reveal the role of each agribusiness institution in oil palm development locations. Using a qualitative approach to build a post-positivism approach. The research location is limited to the community (farmers) in Anggabaeri District and Besulutu District, Konawe Regency. These two research areas were chosen purposively. The database used in determining farmer groups is groups that are active and registered in the Extension Information System or SIMLUH data so 22 informants were obtained consisting of farmer group institutions, cooperative institutions, and government agencies, as well as from the Agricultural Extension Center. Specifically for farmers, the informants selected consisted of independent and plasma farmers. Data was obtained by distributing questionnaires and interviews and then analyzed descriptively. The results of the analysis show that from a social, economic, and cultural perspective, the presence of oil palm plantations brings significant changes. These changes include shifts in social stratification, interaction patterns, and improvements in health status. Apart from that, the regional economic structure is also undergoing a transformation which has an impact on increasing the income of various communities such as workers and farmers. Then there is the role of institutions, especially farmer groups, and cooperatives, in supporting and facilitating farmers' interests as a learning vehicle, production unit, and collaboration forum. Extension institutions play an important role in increasing farmers' capacity, and cooperatives contribute significantly to the provision of production facilities, transportation, and marketing of crops. An important finding is the important role of cooperatives in managing various risks associated with oil palm farming. These risks include business, financial, social, and legal engineering aspects. Cooperatives play an important role in mitigating these risks and ensuring the overall well-being and success of their members.

The Dynamics of Social, Economic, and Cultural Changes and the Role of Institutions in Supporting Agribusiness Development in The Oil Palm Plantation Area

The purpose of this research is to reveal the dynamics of social, economic, and cultural changes in agribusiness institutions in oil palm development locations. Then reveal the role of each agribusiness institution in the location of oil palm development. Using a qualitative approach to build a post-positivism approach. The research location is limited to the community (in this case farmers), consisting of independent farmers and plasma farmers. The results of the study found that there were changes in demographic patterns around oil palm plantations that other researchers had not uncovered (the findings of this study), namely social stratification, patterns of indirect (easier) interactions, and improved health status. The role of institutions in supporting agriculture is very vital in accommodating the interests of farmers. The farmer groups formed are capable of acting as learning vehicles, production units, and collaboration vehicles. In terms of increasing the capacity of farmers, extension agents also play an important role in supporting farming. Specifically, Cooperatives do not only partner, providing production, transportation, and Marketing Facilities, besides that there is risk management. Risk management covered by cooperatives is engineering business, financial, social, and legal risk management.

Oil palm production value addition in Nigeria: The way forward

This study appraised the way forward for oil palm production value addition in Nigeria. Oil palm has economic, cultural and traditional significance in many communities in Nigeria. In recent years, the oil palm sector in Nigeria has faced challenges related to sustainability, environmental conservation, and market access. The study identified the major players in the oil palm industry in Nigeria. It was shown that value addition processes in oil palm production are essential for enhancing the economic value of palm oil and its derivatives. It was obvious that challenges outlined in value addition processes of the oil palm industry include inefficient processing facilities, storage challenges, lack of cold chain infrastructure, limited access to credit and financing, inadequate research and development and environmental issues. The study revealed that Government interventions as a way forward play a crucial role in promoting value addition in the oil palm industry. This extends to research and development, infrastructure development, market access and trade facilitation, sustainable certification and standards, tax incentives, subsidies, extension services and environmental regulations. It was accounted that successful value addition projects in the oil palm sector in Nigeria have the potential to transform the local economy and improve livelihoods. A replication of the success stories is a way forward to value addition sustainability in the oil palm industry. Conclusion reached as ways forward include technological advancement, increased palm oil production, increased research and development, increased market expansion and steady government support and policy framework.

REGIONAL AND INTRA-REGIONAL ECONOMIC ANALYSIS OF MUSI RAWAS UTARA DISTRICT AS AN OIL PALM PRODUCING REGION IN SUMATRA SELATAN PROVINCE

This research aimed to identify the key economic sectors that could uplift Musi Rawas Utara Regency from its underdeveloped status within Sumatra Selatan Province. The study employed a descriptive-analytical approach, which included analyzing primary sectors using the Location Quotient (LQ) method, determining leading sectors through Shift Share analysis, and assessing the contribution of the primary highest-value industry using Intra-Regional analysis. Among the 17 sectors contributing to the Gross Regional Domestic Product (GRDP), five were identified as primary sectors in Musi Rawas Utara Regency, with a significant dominance of the Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries sectors. However, Shift Share analysis revealed two leading sectors: education and health services with social activities. We identified seven potential sectors: industrial, infrastructure, and developing sectors. Developing sectors include agriculture, forestry, fisheries, mining and quarrying, and education. Meanwhile, five sectors were considered underdeveloped: the processing industry, construction, transportation and trade, financial services and insurance, government administration, defense, and taxpayer social security. LQ analysis emphasized that the agricultural and forestry sector is the primary sector in Musi Rawas Utara Regency, with palm oil production being a vital contributor. For the development of palm oil, Nibung and Karang Dapo districts require particular attention. Given Musi Rawas Utara Regency's disadvantaged status, optimizing agricultural sector development is crucial. By focusing on this sector, the region can enhance its economic performance, ultimately aiming to overcome its underdeveloped status and improve its financial outlook.

Pengendalian Hama Terpadu pada Peremajaan Sawit Rakyat di Kecamatan Pangkalan Kuras, Riau

The rapid development of oil palm replanting areas will lead to ecological problems such as plant disturbing organisms. Pest and disease attacks are obstacles farmers face when developing their farms, especially in smallholder oil palm plantations. This study aims to examine the components of cultivation techniques, environmental factors, and human resources that influence the application of IPM on smallholder oil palm replanting land in Pangkalan Kuras District, Pelalawan Regency, Riau Province. The methods used in this study included the purposive determination of 60 respondents, data collection through interviews with farmers, field surveys, and data analysis. The results showed that socio-economic aspects influenced farmers' actions in implementing IPM. Farmer knowledge about pests and diseases of oil palm plants was 36%. Farmers have applied several pest and disease control techniques in oil palm cultivation on replanting land. However, most farmers (60%) are still unfamiliar with the term IPM, need to learn the role of natural enemies in pest control in the field, and lack regular monitoring. Keywords: disease, IPM, palm oil, pest, replanting

Analisis Prospektif Peremajaan Kelapa Sawit (Elaeis Guineensis Jacq) POLA Swadaya di Kabupaten Kampar

This study aims to analyze oil palm farming self-help patterns and determine the determinants of successful replanting and the implications of self-help oil palm replanting. The analysis used is a prospective analysis. The results of this study show that independent oil palm farmers in Kampar Regency have an average net income obtained by farmers of 38,814,983.21 / lg / th and the determining attributes for the success of oil palm replanting in Kampar Regency are banks, assistance workers and partners. These attributes have a strong influence on the success of oil palm replanting and there are implications for the development of oil palm replanting self-help patterns in this study, namely improvements in the components of the attributes of ease of selling production products, high demand, knowledge and skills of farming, controlled prices, capital and land legality.

Contribution of independent smallholder RSPO certification to village-level SDGs achievements

As the world’s largest palm oil producer, Indonesia has promoted Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as a framework to assess the impacts of palm oil development. However, various literatures have only covered the conceptual discussion and potential contributions of palm oil development to SDGs, leaving the use of SDGs as an assessment tool underexplored. This research discusses how RSPO’s independent smallholder certification can contribute to SDGs’ achievements at the village level. By interviewing 88 respondents from 34 RSPO-certified smallholder organizations (as members of Indonesia Sustainable Palm Oil Smallholder Forum / Fortasbi), RSPO certification shows significant impacts on the SDGs except SDG 14 (life below water) and SDG 17 (partnerships for the goal). This finding indicates that RSPO can lead to SDGs fulfillment in different ways, either directly as the impacts at the group level simultaneously contribute to village-level SDGs achievements (for SDGs 4, 9, and 10) or indirectly as there are impacts at the group level that do not necessarily affect village-level SDGs achievements (for SDGs 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 8, 11, 12, 13, 15 and 16) and do not cause any impact (SDG 7). This result also reflects the collaboration challenges among stakeholders, especially at the village level.

The Effect of Applying Azolla Liquid Organic Fertilizer in the Growth of Oil Palm Seedlings in Pre-Nursery


 
 
 
 The development and replanting of smallholder oil palm is rapid and massive; its success from the beginning is determined, among others, by sufficient quantities of seeds with good quality. Nutrient management is the highest priority in nurseries, and along with strengthening the application of sustainability principles in the palm oil industry, alternative sources of nutrients other than inorganic fertilizers are needed. This study aimed to determine the right concentration of Azolla liquid organic fertilizer to increase the growth of oil palm seedlings in pre-nursery. The study was a single factor arranged in a completely randomized design. The studied treatment of POC Azolla concentrations of 100, 85, 75, 65, 55, 45, 35, 25, 15%, plus compost treatment of Azolla solids, NPKMg (15-15-6-4) and urea with 8 repetitions. Required seedlings (9+3) x 8 = 96 polybags. The results showed that applying Azolla POC concentration of 15-35% and solid Azolla compost provided the growth of oil palm seedlings in the pre-nursery, which tended to be better than inorganic fertilizers. POC in this concentration range also results in a better seedling root system, thus potentially increasing the adaptability of oil palm seedlings after being transplanted on permanent land
 
 
 
 

Institutional Role of Independent Smallholders in Realizing Sustainable Palm Oil Plantation Governance

Purpose: The palm oil sector plays an important role in the national economy. Growth in this sector can improve people's welfare and reduce poverty. The purpose of this study is to determine the role of independent smallholder institutions and their obstacles in realizing oil palm plantation governance following ISPO principles/criteria/indicators. Theoritical Framework: This study focuses on the application of the theory of Esman and Uphoff in (Abriandi et al., 2019), mentioning several roles of farmer institutions, with indicators namely: Interorganizational Tasks, Resource Tasks, Services Tasks, and extra–organizational tasks. This study uses a mixed research method, which combines the process of a quantitative approach in data collection and a qualitative approach in analyzing descriptively. Methods: This study focuses on the application of the theory of Esman and Uphoff in (Abriandi et al., 2019), mentioning several roles of farmer institutions, with indicators namely: Interorganizational Tasks, Resource Tasks, Services Tasks, and extra–organizational tasks. This study uses a mixed research method, which combines the process of a quantitative approach in data collection and a qualitative approach in analyzing descriptively. Findings: Researchers finding the importance of building collaboration in strengthening ISPO regulations in the future, because Independent Smallholder Institutions play an important role in influencing the success or failure of the implementation of ISPO certification, in general, ISPO certification policies are still in demand by large companies while the majority ownership of oil palm plantations is owned by Independent Smallholders so need to encourage Independent Smallholders to play an active role in implementing ISPO certification. Practical Implications: By uncovering the obstacles faced by independent smallholders and assessing the effectiveness of institutions in the ISPO certification process, the research provides actionable insights for policymakers and stakeholders. The study's emphasis on developing responsive plans and strengthening the independent smallholder ecosystem adds a practical dimension to the broader discourse on sustainable palm oil development. Originality/Value: This research stands out through its specific focus on independent smallholders, the nuanced examination of ISPO challenges at the grassroots level, the adoption of a comprehensive institutional concept, the significance of the chosen geographical context, the integration of multi-disciplinary insights, and the exploration of readiness and conventional practices. These elements collectively contribute to the novelty and originality of the study, offering a unique contribution to the existing body of knowledge on sustainable palm oil governance.

The expansion and remaining suitable areas of global oil palm plantations

Abstract Non-technical summary Oil palm has been criticized for being an environmentally unfriendly oil crop. In recent decades, oil palm plantations have extended into conservation landscapes, causing severe environmental damage and harming biodiversity. Nevertheless, oil palm remains a highly productive oil crop from which most of the world's vegetable oil is produced. Therefore, measuring the environmental impact of oil palm plantations and identifying suitable land to support its sustainable development is crucial. Technical summary To meet the rising global palm oil demand sustainably, we tracked annual land cover changes in oil palm plantation and mapped areas worldwide suitable for sustainable oil palm cultivation. From 1982 to 2019, 3.6 Mha of forests were converted to oil palm plantations. Despite a recent decline in overall conversion, the shift from forest to oil palm plantations has become increasingly more common over the last decade, rising from 14.1 to 34.5% between 2009 and 2019. During 1982–2019, 2.23 Mha of peatland and 0.1 Mha of protected areas were converted for oil palm plantations. The potential sustainable land amounts to 103.5–317.9 Mha (Asia: 44.6–105.1 Mha, Africa: 34.7–96.4 Mha, and Latin America: 35.2–116.5 Mha). Future oil palm expansion is anticipated to take place in countries like Brazil, Nigeria, Colombia, Indonesia, Ivory Coast, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Ghana, where more sustainable land is available for cultivation. Malaysia, on the other hand, is about to exceed the area of sustainable cultivation, and further expansion is not recommended. These findings can advance our understanding of the environmentally damaging impacts of oil palm and enhance the feasibility of sustainable oil palm development. Social media summary How should suitable land be chosen for the establishment of oil palm plantations to support the sustainable development of the oil palm plantation industry?