16/02/2012 (Jakarta Post) - Calls for a boycott of Indonesian crude palm-oil (CPO), which have been continuously voiced by NGOs for years, are unfair particularly concerning the open market mechanism implemented globally these days, President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono said on Wednesday.

“It is inappropriate to prevent a country from establishing its own palm-oil businesses that have significant economic value. The business can help raise welfare in the country which still has poverty problems,” the President said in his speech before 128 foreign envoys assigned to Indonesia in a meeting held at the Foreign Ministry office on Wednesday.

Numerous NGOs, both domestic and international, have been intensifying voicing causes to stop all palm oil companies from operating in Indonesia as it would destroy natural forests and damage both the economy and the livelihoods of many people.

Activists have also called on international companies to stop buying CPO from Indonesian companies allegedly taking part in destroying natural forests.

Several giant consumer product companies, like Unilever and Nestlé, boycotted Indonesian CPO in 2009 and 2010.

“I approve the call for the government to supervise and monitor palm-oil plantation more effectively. I also agree 200 percent not to be careless concerning those things that are allegedly damaging the environment. We have always been open to civil society, but why have we been judged and asked to end palm-oil plantation activities which have been a source of income for many?” Yudhoyono said.

“I am committed to be open to any cooperation to ensure that palm-oil plantations can be operated without causing a significant impact on the environment,” he added.