Mansuetus Alsy Hanu (Mansuetus Darto)

He is a prominent oil palm smallholder leader and an expert in sustainable palm oil governance in Indonesia. He is best known as the founder and Secretary General of the Serikat Petani Kelapa Sawit (SPKS) from 2014 to 2023—an independent smallholder organization focused on strengthening the position of smallholder farmers, improving livelihoods, and safeguarding farmers’ rights within the palm oil supply chain. He currently serves as the Chairperson of the Perkumpulan Organisasi Petani Sawit Indonesia (POPSI), a platform that consolidates various oil palm farmer organizations across Indonesia. He is also active in representing smallholders in national and international forums, including the RSPO, FONAP, and the Tropical Forest Alliance.

Darto has extensive experience in policy advocacy, smallholder certification, conflict resolution, fair partnership models, palm oil trade governance, Indonesia’s national biodiesel program, strengthening smallholders’ position in global supply chains, and assessing how export regulations and global trade policies affect upstream farmers. He is widely recognized as a strong and outspoken advocate for smallholders’ interests, promoting people-centered palm oil that is socially just, environmentally sustainable, and economically sovereign through policy forums, multi-stakeholder dialogues, and public discussions on palm oil plantation governance at both national and international levels.

On sustainability and environmental protection, Darto is directly involved in developing smallholder-based approaches to sustainable palm oil, including supporting deforestation-free practices, supply chain traceability, and capacity building to help farmers meet global market requirements such as the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR). He has also played a role in establishing and strengthening the Farmers for Forest Protection Foundation (4F), an initiative aimed at bridging smallholders’ interests with forest protection agendas and access to sustainable markets.

In recognition of his contributions, he has received various national awards for his work in advancing smallholders and sustainable palm oil through advocacy, policy engagement, and direct collaboration with farming communities.