InfoSAWIT, PANGKALAN BUN – The Department of Industry, Trade, Cooperatives, and SMEs (Disperindagkop UKM) of Kotawaringin Barat (Kobar) Regency reaffirmed its commitment to developing the potential of palm oil through entrepreneurship. This step was realized through full support for the Palm Oil-Based SME Entrepreneurship Practice event, aimed at promoting Food and Energy Self-Sufficiency, which took place at the Mercure Hotel Pangkalan Bun last Monday.

Head of Disperindagkop UKM Kobar, Alfan Khusnaini, emphasized that palm oil is not just an export commodity but also has great potential to be processed into food and energy products by SMEs. "We are encouraging palm oil SMEs in Kobar to become key players in creating added value, so that we can achieve food and energy self-sufficiency together," he said, as quoted by InfoSAWIT from Disperindagkop UKM Kobar on Thursday (8/28/2025).

As a follow-up, on Tuesday (8/26), the Head of the SME Division of Disperindagkop UKM Kobar, Maryami, was also present as a speaker. She shared strategies for empowering SMEs, ranging from skill improvement and access to financing to strengthening sustainable business networks. The presence of the Disperindagkop UKM officials is expected to motivate and build the confidence of participants in developing their palm oil-based businesses.

The activity was initiated by the Palm Oil Center-Yogyakarta Plantation Community Academy (AKPY) in collaboration with the Oil Palm Plantation Fund Management Agency (BPDPKS). A total of 40 participants took part in the training, which also received academic support, including from Dr. Sri Gunawan of AKPY-Stiper.

With this cross-sectoral collaboration, Disperindagkop UKM Kobar is optimistic that palm oil SMEs can grow to become an important pillar in strengthening regional food and energy resilience, while also bringing tangible benefits to the community. (T2)