InfoSAWIT, BOGOR – PT Agrinas Palma Nusantara (Persero) continues to assert its commitment as a driving force behind Indonesia’s national palm oil development. Most recently, this state-owned enterprise (BUMN) entered into a strategic partnership with IPB University through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed at the IPB Business School, Bogor, on Friday (May 23, 2025).
This move underlines Agrinas Palma Nusantara’s (APN) role as a key player in agro-industrial transformation through research and innovation.
Agus Sutomo, President Director of PT Agrinas Palma Nusantara, stated that APN represents the tangible realization of President Prabowo Subianto’s vision to build Indonesia’s economic independence through the management of local resources. Since being officially entrusted with the management of 221,000 hectares of palm oil plantations in March 2025, APN has moved swiftly and now aims to manage up to one million hectares by the end of this year.
“As a state-owned company entrusted with such a major mandate, APN doesn’t merely pursue land expansion, but also prioritizes quality, efficiency, and sustainability. That’s why we’re partnering with IPB University, an agricultural leader, to strengthen our scientific and research foundation,” Agus said in an official statement received by InfoSAWIT.
The collaboration with IPB University covers education, research, agro-industrial development, and community empowerment. APN sees this partnership as strategic to accelerate the adoption of precision agriculture technologies, optimize land productivity, and enhance Indonesia’s position in the global palm oil supply chain.
Agreed initiatives include intercropping palm oil with cattle farming, converting waste into biogas and fertilizer, and downstream research into oleochemicals and bioenergy. APN is also supporting research and training in agronomy, horticulture, soil science, and plasma management to ensure effective technology transfer to communities.
IPB University Rector, Prof. Arif Satria, welcomed the partnership, describing APN as a visionary industry partner. “With APN’s capacity as a strategic plantation manager, this collaboration will broaden the real-world impact of IPB’s research. We are ready to provide the human resources and expertise needed to develop modern, sustainable plantations,” he said.
Also present at the signing were APN’s Director of Business and Industry Development Edi Slamet Irianto, Chief Commissioner R. Wisnoe Prasetja Boedi, and academic leaders from IPB including Prof. Sudrajat from the Faculty of Agriculture.
Through this partnership, APN demonstrates that the transformation of the plantation sector cannot be separated from scientific approaches and innovation. The company is determined to make palm oil a competitive, environmentally friendly, and inclusive commodity that benefits smallholders.
The strategic collaboration between APN and IPB also aligns with the Tri Dharma of Higher Education, which integrates education, research, and community service in the framework of national development. Agrinas Palma Nusantara proves that a state-owned enterprise can be a science-based agent of change, fostering sustainable food and energy sovereignty. (T1)
