PALMOILMAGAZINE, BOGOR – Over the past three years, the SustainPalm project has served as a living laboratory for the future of the palm oil industry. More than just research, this Indonesia–Netherlands collaboration has brought together academic expertise, policy support, and on-the-ground practices to address the challenges of sustainable palm oil.
The initiative involves IPB University, Lambung Mangkurat University (ULM), Wageningen University and Research (WUR), and Van Hall Larenstein University of Applied Sciences (VHL), with backing from the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Indonesia’s Coordinating Ministry for Economic Affairs.
IPB University Rector, Prof. Arif Satria, emphasized the importance of this cross-country and cross-sector partnership. According to him, SustainPalm has proven that sustainable palm oil is not just a slogan but a reality achievable through collective action.
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“From waste to wealth. Palm oil residues once seen as a burden can now be transformed into valuable products. SustainPalm is a shared journey that demonstrates how the palm oil sector can support livelihoods while preserving the planet for future generations,” Prof. Arif said during the SustainPalm Annual Meeting at the IPB International Convention Center in Bogor last Monday.
One of the key breakthroughs came from IPB University with the development of the Oil Palm–Cattle Integration System (SISKA). This model combines oil palm plantations with cattle farming, producing not only vegetable oil but also meat and organic fertilizer.
Another innovation is the introduction of intercropping systems, where crops such as bananas, velvet beans, and coffee are planted alongside oil palms. This approach not only diversifies farmers’ income but also improves soil health and provides natural pest control.
Unlike conventional research projects, SustainPalm prioritized Communities of Practice (CoPs) and Living Labs (LLs). These models bring farmers, researchers, companies, and policymakers together at the same table to co-create locally relevant solutions.
Through this approach, research findings do not remain confined to academic journals but are directly translated into field applications. Smallholders, in particular, benefit from more efficient, eco-friendly, and inclusive palm oil practices.
Although the SustainPalm project has officially concluded, the spirit of collaboration is expected to continue. “Sustainability values must become the foundation of policies, strengthen communities, and be embedded in the DNA of Indonesia’s palm oil industry,” Prof. Arif stressed, as quoted by beige-heron-208544.hostingersite.com from IPB University on Monday (September 8, 2025). (P2)
