Eddie Matono, chairman of the Indonesian Palm Oil Association (GAPKI), said Indonesia was considering China, Russia, Central Asia and Africa as alternative destinations for palm oil exports due to EU sanctions.

Indonesian magazine Tempo quoted Matono as saying: "Before the COVID-19 pandemic, palm oil exports to China were 8 million tons per year. During the pandemic, this figure fell below 6 million tons per year. But next year it may It will exceed 8 million tons. We can also increase exports to non-traditional markets such as Russia and Eastern Europe, and we are also preparing to supply palm oil to Central Asia and Africa.”

Matono said that Indonesia needs to expand its market expansion in these countries to prevent the country from becoming dependent on the EU. The European Union recently passed a law against deforestation that requires companies to ensure that products exported to the EU do not have a negative impact on the environment.

"This policy could hinder Indonesia's palm oil trade with the EU," Matono explained.