Development of palm oil sector and future challenge in Riau Province, Indonesia

Purpose - This paper aims to present the development of palm oil sector and future challenge in Riau Province Indonesia, which includes sustainable plantation development. Design/methodology/approach - This research was conducted through a survey with developmental research method. The research location is in the Province of Riau, which is the potential development of oil palm plantation. The land areas of Riau are Kampar, Rokan Hulu and Kuantan Singingi, while the coastal areas are Pelalawan, Siak, Bengkalis, Indragiri Hilir, Indragiri Hulu and Rokan Hilir. The socio-economic and environmental aspects of sustainability level of palm oil plantations were analyzed using a multi-dimensional scaling approach that was modified into a Rap-Insus-Pom. Findings - Development of palmoil plantations results in land conversion, posing potential erosio. In anticipating environmental damage, the Government of Indonesia imposes the Indonesian Sustainable Palm Oil (ISPO) policy. The results of ISPO policy show that Indonesian crude palm oil products are environmentally friendly. Originality/value - This research is one of few studies that investigate the development of palm oil sector and future challenge in Riau Province, Indonesia. Riau Province still needs 13 units of palm oil mills with capacity of 60 tons per hour. Find strategies to regulate palm oil farming institutions and derivative products to enhance growth and economic development in the region and find production centers and development areas for palm oil local industries in potential regions.