This document aims to identify the key characteristics of independent palm oil smallholders in the researched areas and assess their plantation practices against sustainable palm oil principles and criteria. As one of the key outputs of the Aliansi Sawit Lestari Indonesia (ASLI), a project between Winrock International and USAID, this document is expected to provide reference material for the redesigning of initiatives targeted at empowering independent smallholder sand supporting sustainable palm oil practices in Indonesia.