InfoSAWIT, KENDARI – In a bid to strengthen the productivity of smallholder palm oil farmers and micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), the Regional Management Board of the Indonesian Young Entrepreneurs Association (BPD HIPMI) in Southeast Sulawesi (Sultra) has partnered with the Palm Oil Farmers Union (SPKS) and PT Asuransi Jasindo to provide free personal accident insurance for palm oil farmers in the region.
This collaboration represents a tangible step in supporting small farmers and palm oil MSMEs to ensure they are better protected and empowered. The insurance covers risks such as death due to accidents, permanent disability, and medical expenses. The protection is valid for one year and targets farmers who have not yet received adequate social security coverage.
Triawan Rizbar Taha, the Chairman of BPD HIPMI Sultra, stated that the palm oil sector in Sultra holds significant economic potential. He views palm oil as a long-term and profitable commodity.
“Palm oil plants require only about four years to start bearing fruit and can remain productive for up to 30 years. In Sultra, there are still many idle lands that can be utilized for palm oil cultivation,” he noted, as quoted on Saturday, July 26, 2025.
11,000 Households Involved in Palm Oil in Sultra
According to preliminary data from Simdata Sultraprov in 2024, approximately 11,337 households are involved in palm oil cultivation in Sultra, with the majority being small farmers and MSME actors who have yet to receive optimal support and protection.
Triawan emphasized that strengthening the national palm oil industry cannot be separated from empowering farmers and farmer institutions. In addition to supporting upstream activities such as seedling and plant care, HIPMI is also committed to encouraging palm oil MSMEs to produce innovative and value-added derivative products.
“HIPMI aims to be a driver of the people's economy. This is not just about business; it is also a social mission to improve farmers' welfare,” he explained.
The launch of this program was attended by several key stakeholders, including the Head of the Southeast Sulawesi Plantation and Horticulture Office, Dr. La Ode Muhammad Rusdin Jaya, as well as representatives from PT Bina Sawit Makmur, PT Bakrie Sumatra Plantation, the Palm Oil Research Center (PPKS), and the Branch Manager of PT Asuransi Jasindo Kendari.
In his remarks, Dr. La Ode emphasized the crucial role of farmers and farmer institutions in the development of Indonesia's palm oil industry.
“Farmers and farmer groups are not just field actors; they are strategic players in the palm oil industry value chain. Strengthening farmer institutions is essential for accessing government programs and support sustainably,” he stated.
SPKS Advocates for Superior Palm Oil Human Resources
Echoing this sentiment, Sabarudin, the Chairman of SPKS Indonesia, noted that over the past five years, the palm oil industry has become a backbone of the economy in many regions.
“We need to continue promoting productivity improvements, land optimization, and enhancing the quality of palm oil farmers' human resources. Thank you to all parties who have supported this initiative; may it bring real benefits to farmers and the future of palm oil in Indonesia,” he remarked.
In addition to the insurance program, HIPMI and SPKS also launched a capacity-building program for palm oil seedling at the MSME and cooperative level. This program aims to expand farmers' access to superior and quality palm oil seeds in Southeast Sulawesi.
These initiatives reinforce HIPMI's position as a strategic partner of the government and society in developing the palm oil sector inclusively, productively, and sustainably. (T2)
