InfoSAWIT, PONTIANAK – Efforts to strengthen the plantation downstreaming chain were re-emphasized by the Acting Director General of Plantations, Abdul Roni Angkat. During his working visit to the Plantation Plant Protection Center (BPTP) in Pontianak, West Kalimantan, on Friday (22/8), Roni affirmed that adaptable and superior human resources are the main foundation for the success of downstreaming programs.
The visit also served as an opportunity to inspect the condition of BPTP's facilities and provide direct guidance to employees. According to Roni, strengthening institutions at the regional level is very important to ensure that the implementation of downstreaming is consistent and sustainable.
In his directive, he highlighted the importance of preparing mitigation methods against pest attacks on key plantation commodities, such as coconut, coffee, cocoa, sugarcane, pepper, nutmeg, and cashew. This step, Roni said, will ensure that the raw materials for the downstream industry maintain their quality right from the farm.
“We must immediately map and compile comprehensive pest mitigation methods. This guide will be an important reference for farmers to ensure their harvests remain optimal. Healthy plants are the foundation for successful downstreaming,” he said, as quoted by InfoSAWIT from the official DitjenBun Facebook page on Tuesday (26/8/2025).
Roni also instructed all levels of the Directorate General of Plantations, including regional units like BPTP Pontianak, to prepare to support the implementation of downstreaming in various provinces. He stressed that improving the capacity of human resources is a crucial factor, both through formal education and technical training. “We need employees who are constantly learning, adaptable, and highly competitive,” he emphasized.
Furthermore, he stressed the importance of teamwork and integrity in their work. “We must work as one team, honestly, with integrity, and with sincerity. With that spirit, our work will not only be of high quality but also provide real benefits to the community,” Roni concluded. (T2)
