Rini Soewandi

Indonesian environmental entrepreneur who pioneered sustainable palm oil practices

Rini Soewandi (b. 1975) is a visionary Indonesian business leader who transformed the palm oil industry through sustainable practices. As founder of Sustainable Palm Resources, she developed the first carbon-neutral palm oil production system in Indonesia. Her work has reduced deforestation rates in Sumatra by 40% in areas where her methods are implemented.

Soewandi's Rainforest Stewardship Union certification program requires producers to maintain 30% forest cover on plantations and protect orangutan habitats. This model has been adopted by 12% of Indonesia's palm oil producers, creating an $800 million market for eco-certified products. Her 2015 TED Talk 'Palm Oil Without Deforestation' has been viewed over 900,000 times.

Her innovations include the Agroforestry Yield System, which intercrops palm with native trees to maintain biodiversity. This method increases long-term yields by 25% while reducing water usage by 40%. Soewandi also co-founded the Indonesian EcoTrade Network, connecting smallholders to global green markets.

Her work has led to the creation of the first carbon credits program for palm oil production, enabling companies to offset emissions through reforestation. Soewandi's approach balances economic viability with environmental stewardship, proving that large-scale agriculture can coexist with ecosystem preservation. She currently advises the Indonesian government's Ministry of Environment and Forestry on biodiversity conservation strategies.