InfoSAWIT, BENGKALIS – A total of 64 members of the Regional Leadership Council (DPD) Level II of the Association of People's Palm Oil Farmers (ASPEKPIR) in Bengkalis Regency for the 2025–2030 period were officially inaugurated on Thursday (July 10, 2025), in a ceremony held at the Datuk Laksamana Bengkalis Regional Building.
The inauguration ceremony began with the reading of the inauguration script by the Secretary of the DPD ASPEKPIR of Riau Province, Adelin Saputra, followed by the official inauguration by the Chairman of DPD I ASPEKPIR Riau, Sutoyo, to the Chairman of DPD II ASPEKPIR Bengkalis, Abdul Kadir Siregar, and the new management team.
In a speech delivered by the Assistant for Government and People's Welfare of the Bengkalis Regional Secretariat, Andris Wasono, representing Regent Kasmarni, the government extended congratulations and expressed high hopes for this organization. ASPEKPIR is expected not only to serve as a formal platform for palm oil farmers but also to become a real force in advocating for justice and welfare for farmers.
"ASPEKPIR must become a strategic partner for the government in building an inclusive, fair, and sustainable palm oil sector. This is not just about economics; it is also about the dignity and future of our farmers," Andris read from Regent Kasmarni's written remarks, as reported by InfoSAWIT from the Bengkalis Regency Government on Thursday (July 10, 2025).
The Bengkalis Regency Government also emphasized the importance of ASPEKPIR in overseeing the realization of Palm Oil Revenue Sharing Funds (DBH). As one of the largest palm oil-producing regions in Riau Province, Bengkalis has a significant contribution to national revenue, yet it is deemed not commensurate with what the region receives in return.
"We want this palm oil revenue sharing to have a direct impact on farmers. It is time for fiscal justice for producing regions to be realized," the Regent stated in her written remarks.
Additionally, ASPEKPIR is encouraged to actively voice various issues faced by palm oil farmers, ranging from fluctuations in fresh fruit bunch (TBS) prices, land legality in forest areas, to environmental and social issues that often place farmers in difficult positions.
The inauguration was also attended by several local officials and community leaders, including the Head of the Bengkalis Plantation Office, Mohammad Azmir, the Head of the Food Crops, Horticulture, and Animal Husbandry Office, Tarmizi, the Commander of the 01/Bengkalis Sub-District Military Command, Captain Arm Yogi Sudarso, and other invited guests. (T2)
