Science-Based Diplomacy as a Strategic Imperative for Advancing Sustainable Palm Oil Implementation in Indonesia

Indonesia, as the world's largest palm oil producer, faces mounting international pressures to demonstrate sustainability credentials while navigating discriminatory trade barriers disguised as environmental protection. This qualitative literature review examines the critical role of science-based diplomacy in supporting sustainable palm oil implementation in Indonesia. Drawing on 118 sources published primarily between 2020 and 2025, this study synthesizes evidence on three interconnected dimensions: global challenges in palm oil diplomacy, Indonesia's position in international sustainability discourse, and strategies for constructing credible scientific narratives. Findings reveal that asymmetric power relations in standard-setting processes, contested scientific evidence, and implementation gaps between policy and practice undermine Indonesia's diplomatic effectiveness. However, demonstrated progress—including an 82% reduction in deforestation and successful WTO dispute resolutions—provides a foundation for repositioning Indonesia from a defensive actor to a proactive sustainability leader. The three-dimensional framework of science diplomacy (science IN diplomacy, diplomacy FOR science, science FOR diplomacy) offers strategic pathways for evidence-based engagement. This study recommends establishing dedicated science diplomacy units, accelerating ISPO certification to achieve 100% coverage, prioritizing smallholder inclusion through jurisdictional approaches, developing unified evidence-based narratives, and building South-South coalitions