InfoSAWIT, MEDAN — Efforts to strengthen sustainability practices in the palm oil sector continue to gain momentum. The Plantation Fund Management Agency (BPDP), in collaboration with the Directorate General of Plantations (Ditjenbun) of the Indonesian Ministry of Agriculture, has once again organized Indonesian Sustainable Palm Oil (ISPO) training for farmers and facilitators in North Sumatra.
The latest training session took place from July 14 to 20, 2025, at the AIHO Hotel in Medan (formerly Radisson Hotel). A total of 56 participants, consisting of farmers and extension workers from Batubara and Labuhanbatu Selatan regencies, took part in this program. Divided into two classes, participants received intensive training over four days in the classroom and one day of field visits.
The field visit was scheduled at the Sustainable Palm Oil Farmers Plantation Bintang Simalungun (PPKSBBS) in Tanah Jawa, Simalungun — a tangible example of ISPO principles being applied at the smallholder level.
The training was officially opened by M. Zakir Syarif Daulay, Head of the North Sumatra Plantation and Livestock Office. In his remarks, he emphasized the importance of ISPO as a tool for enhancing farmers' welfare while adhering to sustainability principles. "Palm oil farmers need to be equipped with sufficient knowledge to maintain the quality and quantity of production," he stated in an official statement received by InfoSAWIT on July 23, 2025.
Furthermore, M. Zakir expressed hope that this training would enable participants to improve their farm productivity and compete in the global market.
Echoing this sentiment, Henry Marpaung, Director of PT Koompasia Enviro Institute, the training organizer, stated that the program was designed with a strategic and practical approach. "We have brought in experienced trainers who will deliver ISPO material in a structured manner, complete with teaching aids and direct visits to ISPO-certified smallholder plantations," he explained.
Sabrina Pulungan, Head of the Food Crops, Horticulture, and Plantation Division of North Sumatra Province, noted that this training is also crucial for strengthening networks among farmers. "This activity serves as an effective platform for building collaboration to achieve better plantation practices," she remarked.
Full support also came from local government officials. Susilistiawati Ritonga, Head of the Agriculture and Plantation Office of Batubara Regency, described the training as a commitment to maintaining palm oil sustainability. "Palm oil is a key sector that significantly contributes to the economy. However, the challenges are considerable, especially regarding environmental issues and governance. Therefore, ISPO is here as a solution to address these challenges," she explained.
One participant expressed appreciation for the training, stating that the material presented was comprehensive and applicable, opening their eyes to the importance of ISPO as a guide for sustainable plantation management.
This ISPO training initiative represents a long-term strategic step towards creating a productive, sustainable, and socially and environmentally responsible ecosystem for smallholder palm oil plantations. (T2)
