The palm oil sector, while economically significant, has long faced scrutiny over its environmental, social, and governance practices. Fragmented regulatory structures, conflicting land use policies, and weak enforcement have hindered effective oversight from production to consumption. This study aims to critically assess governance reform efforts across the palm oil value chain, from upstream production to downstream distribution, by synthesizing key themes and challenges documented in scholarly and policy literature. Employing a qualitative literature review method, the research draws upon more than 80 peer-reviewed articles, institutional reports, and regulatory documents published between 2015 and 2025. Data collection involved systematic keyword-based searches in Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar, focusing on issues such as land tenure, certification, traceability, and regulatory coordination. Thematic content analysis was applied to identify recurring governance patterns, contradictions, and reform pathways. The findings indicate that overlapping mandates, inconsistent land regulation, and limited traceability mechanisms continue to obstruct transparency and accountability in the sector. While certification schemes like RSPO and ISPO have contributed to procedural improvements, they have yet to deliver substantial change for smallholders and forest conservation outcomes. The study concludes that governance reform requires integrated legal frameworks, inclusive multi-stakeholder platforms, and enhanced institutional capacity. Future research should explore comparative jurisdictional governance models and innovative mechanisms for empowering smallholders and indigenous communities.
Loso Judijanto (Mon,) studied this question.