InfoSAWIT, JAKARTA – Amid the challenges of stagnating productivity in the national palm oil plantations, two key players in the sector have agreed to enhance their synergy. PT Agrinas Palma Nusantara (APN) and the Indonesian Palm Oil Entrepreneurs Association (GAPKI) met in an informal yet meaningful setting at APN's headquarters, HK Tower, Cawang, Jakarta, to discuss concrete steps to strengthen the competitiveness of the national palm oil industry.
The meeting, held in a warm atmosphere — accompanied by coffee and light snacks — was led by GAPKI Chairman Eddy Martono, who was joined by the association's board members and forestry team. They were welcomed by APN's President Director, retired Lieutenant General Agus Sutomo SE, along with other APN executives, including Kusdi Sastro Kidjan.
The discussion flowed as they addressed a long-standing concern: the stagnation of national palm oil productivity. Both GAPKI and APN agree that this situation cannot be allowed to persist, given the strategic role of palm oil as an economic pillar, a source of renewable energy, and a crucial component of Indonesia's food security.
"Our palm oil productivity can no longer be improved using old approaches. Innovation, appropriate policy support, and, most importantly, collaboration among stakeholders are essential," Eddy Martono stated, as reported by InfoSAWIT from APN's official website on Sunday, June 28, 2025.
In response, Kusdi from APN emphasized that APN's presence is not to compete but to serve as a strategic partner for palm oil entrepreneurs, including GAPKI members. He referred to APN as a "friend of palm oil entrepreneurs" ready to build the future of the industry together.
"We are here to synergize. Not only from an operational standpoint but also in creating a more efficient, modern, and sustainable business system," Kusdi expressed.
As a state-owned enterprise under the food holding, APN has a mandate to strengthen the supply chain of food and energy based on palm oil. In this context, collaboration with GAPKI is deemed highly strategic and complementary.
As a follow-up to the meeting, the formation of a joint task force between GAPKI and APN was agreed upon. This task force will be responsible for drafting a technical plan for a Cooperation Operation (KSO) between APN and GAPKI members, particularly in land development, provision of superior seeds, replanting, and logistics and downstream systems.
This step is seen as a new leap in the partnership model between state-owned enterprises and the private sector, which has traditionally operated separately.
"With this task force, we are no longer discussing concepts. We are moving into the realm of technical work and realization," stated a member of GAPKI's Expert Council who attended the discussion.
This meeting also marks a paradigm shift in the development of the national palm oil sector. Previously, the approach was largely corporate or macro-policy-based; now, a more concrete operational partnership approach is being emphasized.
Both parties believe that the future of the national palm oil industry must be built on the principles of collaboration, transparency, and sustainability. Moreover, global challenges related to regulations, environmental issues, and international market demands require the Indonesian palm oil industry to reform from upstream to downstream.
"APN will continue to be a friend to Indonesian palm oil entrepreneurs. We want to move forward together, building a stronger and more sustainable future for the palm oil business," Kusdi concluded the meeting. (T2)
