- Indonesia’s agricultural sector has taken an unprecedented step in international advocacy as nine women smallholder farmers are currently engaging directly with European policymakers about the EUDR.
- The delegation, led by Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Arif Havas Oegroseno, represents millions of small-scale producers across Indonesia’s palm oil, cocoa, coffee, and rubber sectors.
From September 13-19, 2025, nine women smallholder farmers from across Indonesia are participating in the “Indonesian Smallholders Roadshow” across Brussels, London, and Rome.
The mission represents a significant shift from traditional diplomatic approaches by placing farmers themselves at the center of policy discussions that directly impact their livelihoods.
Indonesian government Senior Environmental Advisor Diah Suradirejad emphasized the unique nature of this opportunity:
“Through this mission, women smallholders will have the rare opportunity to engage directly with European business leaders and commodity importers, while also meeting with EUDR policymakers.”
The delegation’s agenda includes meetings with the European Parliament, European Commission, Council of the EU, as well as industry leaders and NGOs.
The all-women composition of this delegation reflects the critical role female farmers play in Indonesia’s agricultural landscape. Farmers like Nurhayati from North Sumatra and Umi Syamsiatun from Jambi are representing thousands of independent producers who form the backbone of Indonesia’s commodity sectors.
“Our presence carries the voices of thousands of independent palm oil farmers – especially women – who are often in the most vulnerable position in the global supply chain,” the delegates stated during their Brussels meetings.
Many of these farmers have already implemented sustainability standards, including ISPO (Indonesian Sustainable Palm Oil) and RSPO certifications, demonstrating a commitment to responsible agricultural practices.
The EUDR aims to ensure commodities entering the EU market are not linked to deforestation. But it presents significant challenges for smallholders.
Umi Syamsiatun explained the practical challenges as part of the delegation.
“We don’t export directly to Europe. Our products are only fresh fruit bunches that are processed by large companies… But when the EUDR comes into effect, we are the ones who will be most impacted. Companies could drop us from the supply chain for being a high-risk source of non-compliance.”
Indonesian farmers have made clear they support the environmental objectives of the EUDR. “We do not reject the EUDR, because its goal aligns with our commitment to preventing forest destruction,” stated Nurhayati. However, the farmers are advocating for implementation approaches that consider the realities faced by small-scale producers.
The delegation is requesting phased implementation of the regulation to allow smallholders adequate time to adapt.
“The EU should implement this regulation in stages… We need time to adapt and the opportunity to be involved in collaborations to prevent deforestation. We want to be part of the solution, not victims of policy,” Umi emphasized during the discussions.
Vice Minister Oegroseno has previously highlighted concerns about provisions in the EUDR that could create unfair advantages for EU producers. The proposed “negligible risk” exemption would automatically classify all EU-based farmers as low risk for deforestation – a benefit not extended to farmers in producing countries like Indonesia.
“Besides harming smallholder farmers, this draft provision is highly discriminatory,” Oegroseno stated. Indonesia, along with other tropical producer countries, has indicated it may consider WTO action if these concerns are not adequately addressed.
Rukaiyah Rafik, facilitating the tour, emphasized its importance: “This is an important step to open the eyes of European policymakers… to pave the way for fair, inclusive regulations that truly promote sustainability. Without smallholders upstream, the goal of no deforestation is impossible to achieve.”
The Indonesian Smallholders Roadshow demonstrates that effective environmental protection and trade policies must include the perspectives of those most affected. By bringing farmers’ voices directly to European decision-makers, Indonesia is working to ensure that global sustainability efforts strengthen rather than marginalize rural communities.
The roadshow also puts the onus on Brussels now, as to how the EU will support developing countries to a new and costly environmental measure.