InfoSAWIT, BOGOR — Amid the enthusiasm for building technology-based agriculture, students from the Agricultural Industrial Technology (TIP) program at Universitas Djuanda are embarking on an unconventional learning path—not in classrooms, but directly at palm oil production centers. During a field visit rich in experience, the students visited the Cikasungka Palm Oil Mill owned by PT Perkebunan Nusantara (PTPN), a state-owned enterprise that serves as the backbone of the national plantation industry.
The visit, which took place on Thursday, January 9, 2025, was part of the in-depth study of the Oil Technology and Oleochemistry course, guided by TIP lecturer Aditia Ginantaka. Here, theory meets practical reality, and students witness firsthand how fresh fruit bunches (FFB) are processed into Crude Palm Oil (CPO), the raw material for various household and industrial products.
“Seeing the machines operate, hearing technical explanations from the factory management, and understanding the integration of digital data in the production line—all of this cannot be gained from merely reading books,” Aditia Ginantaka stated, as reported by InfoSAWIT from Unida's official website on Wednesday, June 18, 2025.
Amid the roar of machines and the distinctive aroma from the oil extraction process, students are invited to understand how the palm oil production chain operates efficiently and sustainably. They learn about the processes of receiving fruit, sterilization, separating fruitlets, digestion, and CPO purification. They also gain insights into quality control systems, waste management, and the adoption of digital technology in reporting and monitoring systems.
For many students, this visit is not just a routine academic agenda. It represents a convergence of theory and practice, dreams and industry realities. One participant, Andhika, a sixth-semester TIP student, expressed his enthusiasm, “We gain a better understanding of the challenges in the workforce. The technology in the industry is far more complex than we imagined. But this motivates us to keep learning.”
The Cikasungka mill, which began operations in 2013, is designed with a modern approach. It not only relies on mechanical processes but also adopts energy efficiency principles and data integration in decision-making. This aligns with the global palm oil industry's increasing demands for sustainability and product traceability.
As an agricultural and industrial-based higher education institution, Universitas Djuanda considers activities like this essential in shaping students who are not only academically intelligent but also adaptable to field needs.
“This visit is an investment in experience. Students learn that the palm oil industry is not just about the end products like cooking oil or cosmetics, but also about how technology, management, and sustainability must go hand in hand,” Aditia added.
This activity also emphasizes the importance of synergy between the education and industry sectors in producing resilient human resources. In the context of Indonesia, the world's largest palm oil producer, the demand for professionals in agricultural industrial technology is increasingly critical.
Armed with direct field experience, TIP students from Universitas Djuanda now return with more than just observation notes—they carry insights, inspiration, and readiness to contribute to the heart of the national strategic industry. (T2)
