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In a bid to address the critical issue of deforestation, promote sustainable palm oil production, and build on their successful partnership in the Aceh Tamiang Sustainable Landscape Project, IDH and Unilever have extended their commitment to fostering sustainability in one of Indonesia’s last critical tropical rainforest ecosystems in the Leuser ecosystem of Aceh Province.

The eastern region of Aceh, spanning across Aceh Timur and Aceh Tamiang districts, faces a significant deforestation threat due to palm oil expansion. Without intervention, deforestation in Aceh Timur could potentially escalate to 50,000 hectares, driven by land clearing activities in 12 existing oil palm concessions located in the adjacent “No-Go area” near the Leuser Ecosystem. Many of these concessions are not certified under the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) scheme and many lack strong No Deforestation, No Development on Peat, No Exploitation (NDPE) commitments, exacerbating the deforestation challenges alongside encroachment in the region by smallholders.

Under the Eastern Leuser project, also known as “The Aceh Timur Sustainable Landscape Project,” IDH and Unilever aim to develop a buffer zone management model for the Leuser ecosystem. This model seeks to ensure forest protection and regeneration while promoting sustainable palm oil sourcing within Aceh Timur’s jurisdiction. The project aligns with broader sustainable palm oil initiatives in Aceh Province, aimed at restoring nature and improving community livelihoods. This time, referring to the successful collaboration with the Leuser Ecosystem Forum (known as Forum Konservasi Leuser – FKL) in Aceh Tamiang, IDH and Unilever also decided to engage FKL in the project as the implementing partner.

The project aims to achieve several key objectives:

Commitment to the Aceh Timur PPI (Protection, Production, Inclusion) vision, endorsed by key stakeholders including government entities, mills, plantations, and local civil society organizations.