InfoSAWIT, PALEMBANG — The commitment to strengthen the capacity of smallholder palm oil farmers was reaffirmed through an intensive training program held at the Sintesa Peninsula Hotel in Palembang, South Sumatra. The program, aimed at developing human resources in the palm oil sector (SDM-PKS), is being implemented by PT Daya Guna Lestari, which organized Leadership and Communication Training as well as a Training for Fostering Unity among Farmers from June 11 to 14, 2025.
This initiative is fully supported by the Palm Oil Plantation Fund Management Agency (BPDPKS) in collaboration with the Directorate General of Plantations, Ministry of Agriculture of the Republic of Indonesia. A total of 70 participants from Musi Banyuasin Regency, South Sumatra, attended the event, comprising 34 participants in leadership and communication training and 36 in the farmer unity training.
In his opening remarks, Mohammad Alfansyah, Director of Fund Distribution at BPDPKS, emphasized that this training is a crucial part of the national strategy to strengthen human resources in the palm oil sector. “The SDM-PKS development program is a tangible manifestation of our commitment to enhance the overall capacity of farmers. In addition to this training, BPDP also runs various other programs such as scholarships for the children and families of farmers and palm oil workers,” Alfansyah stated in an interview with InfoSAWIT on Wednesday, June 11, 2025.
He further highlighted the importance of preparing human resources in the palm oil sector to face future industry challenges, particularly in promoting sustainability through enhanced competencies and competitiveness.
Echoing this sentiment, M Gema Aliza Putra, President Director of PT Daya Guna Lestari, expressed pride in his company's involvement in this strategic program. “Since our establishment in 2021, we have been committed to supporting the development of palm oil human resources. This year, we are also exploring support for ISPO certification as a concrete expression of our vision for sustainable palm oil,” Gema explained.
He noted that the benefits of this training extend beyond technical knowledge enhancement; it also strengthens the values of unity and productivity among farmers within their organizations.
The event was attended by several key officials, including representatives from the Human Resource Development Committee, BPDP Fund Distribution Directorate, and the Plantation Service of South Sumatra Province and Musi Banyuasin Regency. Also present was Ardi Praptono, Director of Palm Oil and Other Palma, who delivered remarks virtually.
In his address, Ardi remarked that the training theme is highly relevant to the real needs of farmers today. “This training is expected to cultivate leadership, unity, and effective communication skills. All these aspects are crucial, especially in facing challenges such as the impending ISPO certification,” he stated.
Ardi also hopes that participants will become catalysts in their respective farmer organizations, forming solid teams to ensure the independence of farmer institutions.
Behind the serious organization of this training lies a strong spirit of collaboration. BPDP, as an agency under the Ministry of Finance of the Republic of Indonesia, plays a central role in mobilizing and distributing palm oil funds to support national strategic programs, including human resource development, rejuvenation of smallholder palm oil, research, promotion, and infrastructure.
This training is one of a series of concrete steps taken by BPDP to build a more sustainable and inclusive palm oil industry foundation. The hope is that participants' capabilities will not only improve individually but also strengthen the institutional position of farmers at the local level, which has been the backbone of the national palm oil sector's success.
“We believe that the future of Indonesian palm oil depends on skilled and united individuals. This training is one of the initial steps to shape them,” Gema concluded. (T2)
