Ahead of RT2026, RSPO Engages in Civil Society Dialogue to Champion Transparency, Ecosystem Protection, and Rigorous Certification Enforcement
JAKARTA, Indonesia, Oct. 30, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Amid recurring forest and land fires (karhutla) and regional haze concerns across Southeast Asia, the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) reiterated its firm, non-negotiable zero-tolerance policy against the use of fire. Speaking today at the Road to RT RSPO side event organised by Sawit Watch, Yayasan Ekosistem Lestari (YEL), and Satya Bumi, RSPO reinforced its commitment to proactive fire prevention, rigorous standards, and evidence-based accountability.
Addressing civil society organisations, academics, and media alongside co-panelists from Sawit Watch, Greenpeace Indonesia, YEL, Satya Bumi, and IPB University, Aryo Gustomo, RSPO Director of Assurance, highlighted the vital role of robust RSPO Standards requirements and certification systems and processes in addressing fire risks and upholding supply chain integrity. "Forest and land fires pose a severe threat to ecosystems, biodiversity, and local communities, and RSPO treats every risk with the utmost gravity," said Aryo Gustomo, RSPO Director of Assurance.
"Our role is to ensure that certified sustainable palm oil production operates under clear rules, strict zero-burning requirements, and robust assurance systems. When concerns or allegations arise, RSPO responds through structured, transparent, and credible mechanisms that evaluate facts rigorously, respect due process, and deliver decisive accountability when violations against RSPO Standards are established."
He reiterated that RSPO stood in firm solidarity with its civil society members, partners and peers in demanding accountability and action in relation to the recent fires involving members and shared the same goals of wanting permanent solutions to end the recurring cycle of fires and haze in Indonesia.
During the discussion, titled "Karhutla, Perlindungan Ekosistem, dan Keberlanjutan Sawit", Gustomo called on audiences to acknowledge that data indicates that palm oil is no longer a primary driver of forest fires and transboundary haze. Nusantara Atlas verifies that in reality almost 90% of the 1.9 million hectares of land burned in Indonesia between January and September 2026 was outside oil palm concessions.
Adding that the evidence reinforces the value of having robust systems and standards in place, Gustomo shared why certification should be viewed as a vital long-term solution. He outlined critical features of the RSPO System designed to drive greater transparency and accountability amongst members:
- Strict 2024 Principles and Criteria (P&C) Standards: Prohibits fire use and enforces peatland and High Conservation Value (HCV) protections.
- Real-Time Hotspot Monitoring: Uses satellite surveillance via FireWatch and Hotspot Hub for alerts, ground verification, and incident disclosure.
- Independent Grievance System: Enables stakeholders to submit formal complaints to an independent Complaints Panel, tracked on a public database.
- Enforceable Sanctions: Penalties for zero-burning violations range from corrective actions to membership suspension or termination.
Although certification offers a strong pathway forward, RSPO underscored the importance of multi-stakeholder solidarity across landscapes, governments, public and private sectors, and communities. "We value our engagement with civil society partners whose on-the-ground presence and research help strengthen the entire sector. RSPO remains dedicated to continuous improvement, transparent assurance, and verified compliance across our membership," concluded Gustomo.
The global palm oil sector convenes for the RSPO Annual Roundtable Conference (RT2026) in Jakarta on 3–4 November 2026.
About RSPO
The Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) is a global partnership to make palm oil sustainable. Formed in 2004, the RSPO is a multi-stakeholder non-profit organisation that unites members from across the palm oil value chain, including oil palm producers, palm oil processors and traders, consumer goods manufacturers, retailers, banks and investors, environmental or nature conservation non-governmental organisations (NGOs), and social or developmental NGOs.
As a partnership for progress and positive impact, the RSPO facilitates global change to make the production and consumption of palm oil sustainable. To inspire change, we communicate the environmental and social benefits. To make progress, we catalyse collaboration. To provide assurance, we set the standards of certification.
The RSPO is registered as an international association in Zurich, Switzerland, with main offices in Malaysia and Indonesia, and offices in China, Colombia, Netherlands, United Kingdom and the United States.
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Zero Tolerance For Fires: RSPO Reinforces Strict Zero-Burning Standards
SINGAPORE, Oct. 30, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- The launch of the LG Life's Good AI Home @ Harvey Norman Millenia Walk Flagship Store marks the next chapter in their collaboration to redefine home innovation and further Harvey Norman's vision of bringing experiential shopping to life through its flagship store.
"Our partnership with LG has grown from strength to strength over the years, and we are honoured to partner with them on world's first anchor LG AI Home Experience Zone, located within our flagship store." Ms Bernice Kwok, Managing Director of Harvey Norman Singapore and Malaysia.
One of the key highlights within the newly renovated LG AI Home is the miniature LG AI Home display, which showcases LG's vision of how Affectionate Intelligence can create a more personalised and intuitive start to the day.
"At LG, we believe AI should do more than connect devices. It should make everyday life easier, more convenient, and more enjoyable." Mr. Fabian Lee Kunho, Managing Director of LG Electronics Singapore.
Powered by LG's Affectionate Intelligence vision, the immersive diorama display allows visitors to explore how an AI-powered home is able to understand individual routines and preferences, proactively supporting daily activities with personalised recommendations and seamless automation. From recognising user habits to adapting home environments based on different scenarios, the experience demonstrates how AI can simplify everyday living and create a more connected lifestyle.
What Else to Expect at the LG Life's Good AI Home?
Designed as an immersive journey, the experience zone guides visitors through a series of thoughtfully curated spaces, including the entrance, kitchen, laundry and styling area, living and kids' room, as well as the display window showcase. Through interactive demonstrations and connected smart home solutions, visitors can discover how LG's AI-powered ecosystem enhances everyday living while exploring the brand's latest AI Core-Tech innovations.
Entrance Experience
Starting from the store entrance, customers visitors are welcomed by LG's impressive OLED Flexible Curved Open Space Signage, featuring six seamlessly connected 55" curved OLED displays. The captivating installation transforms the entrance into an immersive digital experience, showcasing LG's groundbreaking display technology with stunning visuals, perfect colour accuracy and innovative form factors.
Kitchen Solutions
Next the kitchen zone, visitors can experience the latest LG Fit & Max French Door Refrigerator with Zero Clearance, designed to fit seamlessly into modern kitchens. Its innovative design allows the refrigerator doors and drawers to open fully even when positioned flush against walls or surrounding cabinetry.
Another latest innovation you can find in the kitchen is LG Built-In Kitchen Appliances, the Hood, Induction Hob and Oven. Combining premium design, intelligent features and powerful performance, the products aim to bring convenience to every kitchen and making cooking process professional.
Advanced Laundry and Styling Innovations
The laundry and styling area showcases LG's latest fabric care solutions, including the LG WashTower®, a stylish stacked washing machine and dryer equipped with AI Direct Drive (AI DD®), TurboWash, and 6 Motion Technology for powerful, efficient cleaning. This area also houses the LG Styler®, which is a smart steam closet with Dual True Steam® technology, designed to refresh, sanitise, and dry clothes without harsh chemicals or soaps.
Connected Living and Family Spaces
The Living and the newly added Kids' zone feature an array of innovative products designed to enhance comfort and well-being including the PuriCare® AeroBooster®, PuriCare® AeroCat Tower Air Purifier, StanbyME 2 Max Moveable Screen, 97" LG OLED evo AI G6 Smart TV paired with S90TY Dolby Atmos® Soundbar, DualCool AI Air Conditioner and more.
Harvey Norman and LG invite everyone to visit the newly revamped LG Life's Good AI Home at the Harvey Norman Millenia Walk Flagship Store, Level 1 and discover the future of innovative technology. For the latest updates and promotions, visit www.harveynorman.com.sg or follow @HarveyNormanSingapore on Facebook.
About LG Electronics Singapore Pte Ltd
LG Electronics Singapore Pte Ltd (LG Electronics Singapore) is a fully owned subsidiary of LG Electronics Inc., the pioneer and market leader of the Korean electronics industry. LG Electronics Singapore operates four business units locally – Home Entertainment, Home Appliance, Air Solutions and Business Solutions. In recognition of its vision to enrich people's life with smart technologies and innovative design, LG Electronics Singapore has been recognized with prominent local and international accolades, such as the CNET Asia Editor's and Readers' Choice Awards, HWM+HardwareZone.com Tech Awards, Red Dot Design, and GfK No. 1 Awards. For more information, please visit www.lg.com/sg.
About LG Electronics Home Appliance Solution Company
The LG Home Appliance Solution Company (HS) is a global leader in home appliances and AI home solutions. By leveraging industry-leading core technologies, the HS Company is committed to enhancing consumers' quality of life and promoting sustainability. The company develops thoughtfully designed kitchen and living appliance solutions and has recently integrated LG's Robot Business Division to incorporate advanced robot technologies into its home solutions. Together, these products offer enhanced convenience, exceptional performance, efficient operation and sustainable lifestyle solutions. For more news on LG, visit www.LGnewsroom.com.
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LAUNCH OF LG LIFE'S GOOD AI HOME AT HARVEY NORMAN MILLENIA WALK FLAGSHIP STORE
