PALMOILMAGAZINE, KUBU RAYA – The Plantation Fund Management Agency (BPDP) reaffirmed its commitment to empowering palm oil farmers by supporting the 5th Indonesia Palm Oil Smallholders Conference, Expo & Field Trip (IPOSC) organized by the Indonesian Palm Oil Farmers Association (POPSI) in Kubu Raya, West Kalimantan, on September 24–26, 2025.
The three-day event featured a diverse lineup, including a conference, exhibition, a fresh fruit bunch (FFB) lifting competition, and a field visit to the Koperasi Produsen Jasa Usaha Sempurna in Kubu Raya. The conference comprised six discussion sessions addressing strategic topics such as partnership development, sustainability, smallholder replanting (PSR), plantation infrastructure, downstreaming, innovation, and smart farming practices.
Representing the Governor of West Kalimantan, Head of the Provincial Livestock and Plantation Office, Heronimus Hero, highlighted the vital role of palm oil in the region’s economy.
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“Around 20 percent of West Kalimantan’s GDP comes from agriculture, with palm oil as the dominant contributor. Currently, there are 368 plantation companies holding 3 million hectares in concessions, of which 1.7 million hectares have been planted. Moving forward, the provincial government targets expansion to 3.9 million hectares,” he explained in an official statement received by beige-heron-208544.hostingersite.com on Wednesday (Oct 1, 2025).
From an institutional perspective, BPDP—represented by Helmi Muhansah, Head of the Community Cooperation and MSME Division—underscored the agency’s ongoing commitment to improving smallholder capacity through various programs. These include smallholder replanting (PSR), provision of plantation infrastructure, scholarships, training, and the empowerment of palm oil MSMEs.
“Beyond strengthening upstream sectors, farmers can diversify income through palm-based derivative products managed under MSME schemes. Several farmer products have already been included in the 100 Palm Oil MSME Products and Derivatives Catalogue,” Helmi said.
He added that palm-based MSME development aligns with President Prabowo Subianto’s vision of achieving 8 percent national economic growth by boosting domestic consumption.
“Diversifying palm oil derivative products can become a new growth engine—broadening income sources for smallholders while supporting the national economy,” he emphasized.
A total of 25 exhibitors participated in the 5th IPOSC, representing seed producers, fertilizer and pesticide suppliers, plantation machinery providers, service companies, and farmer organizations. Over three days, the event attracted around 800 participants, including farmers, growers, students, and the general public.
BPDP showcased various palm-based MSME products from its 100 MSME Product Catalogue and promoted several farmer-support programs. The agency also hosted interactive educational sessions at its booth, engaging more than 250 visitors with quizzes on everyday palm oil product applications. (P2)
