REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, MANILA -- President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) speaking at the Summit Meeting commemorating the 40th anniversary of ASEAN-European Union partnership in Manila, asked the EU to end discrimination against Indonesian palm oil by the EU.

"The resolution of the EU Parliament and a number of European countries on oil palm and deforestation and black campaigns hurts not only the economy, but also the image of palm oil producing countries," the Indonesian President was quoted as saying in a news release made available for Antara news agency here on Tuesday.

Jokowi said oil palm plantations contributed much to efforts to eliminate poverty, reduce development gap and support inclusive economic development.

There are 17 million Indonesians making a living directly and indirectly from business related to palm oil, he said.

In addition, around 42 percent of oil palm plantations in Indonesia are owned by small farmers, he added.

Therefore, the president called for an end to all policies that hurt the economy and image of palm oil producing countries.

He said Indonesia also is well aware of the importance of economic and natural sustainability.

He said Indonesia has even implemented policy related to sustainability including the adoption of certification of Indonesia Sustainable Palm Oil (ISPO).

Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak expressed full support and agreement with the statement of the president's. 

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