Jakarta (ANTARA News) - The government continues to support domestic crude palm oil (CPO) producers despite Burger King franchise company`s decision to stop buying CPO from Indonesian companies that have allegedly destroyed tropical forests in the country, a minister said
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"There have been many explanations but the government continues to support our CPO producers. We have to support our CPO industries that do not damage the environment," Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Hatta Rajasa said here Wednesday.

He said the government had constantly campaigned for the preservation of the environment and been familiarizing the public about environmental issues.

"The trade and agriculture ministries have launched campaigns on environmental issues," Hatta said.

He hoped the Burger King`s decision was not merely a strategy to protect its own interest.

"We have to clarify this problem to make sure Burger King`s decision is not just a commercial strategy to protect some of its interests," he said.

He also hoped the company`s call not to use Indonesian CPO was not made unilaterally, adding a second opinion from an independent consultant was necessary.

"We must invite surveyors and consultants. We do not want to be treated like that, as such a call needs an explanation. At any rate, CPO is comparatively cheaper (than other oils), and we do not want anybody treating us unfairly," Hatta said.

Earlier, Burger King franchise company had banned its branches to buy CPO from Indonesia.

It had canceled a contract with PT Sinar Mas Agro Resources and Technology Tbk (SMART) because the latter had allegedly failed to implement sustainable agricultural practices.
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Editor: Bambang
COPYRIGHT © 2012

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