InfoSAWIT, BENGKALIS – Efforts to strengthen the position of independent palm oil farmers have received support from the academic world. Two professors from the Faculty of Social and Political Sciences (FISIP) at Riau University (UNRI), Prof. Zaili Rusli and Prof. Seno Andri, are leading a strategic research project titled "Adaptive Institutional Model for Strengthening Competitiveness and Resilience of Independent Palm Oil Farmers" in Bengkalis Regency.
The research involves several other researchers from FISIP UNRI, namely Dr. Dadang Mashur, Dr. Zulkarnaini, Mimin Sundari Nasution, and young researcher Masrul Ikhsan. The initial phase began with observation and data collection from the Bengkalis Plantation Office (Disbun), followed by a Focus Group Discussion (FGD) with farmers, village officials, cooperative administrators, and agricultural extension workers in the Bantan sub-district.
Prof. Zaili emphasized that the research is aimed at bringing about real change for independent palm oil farmers who have long been institutionally weak. "Independent farmers have a major contribution to national palm oil production, but their bargaining position is low. Through this research, we want to formulate an adaptive institutional model that strengthens them in terms of structure, the value of mutual cooperation, and economic networks," he said, as quoted by InfoSAWIT from the Bengkalis Regency Government on Sunday (8/31/2025).
Similarly, Prof. Seno Andri added that the main challenge for farmers is not just production, but also distribution and market access. "Many farmers are still dependent on middlemen. We want to find a solution so that the established institutions can provide direct access to markets and large buyers, thereby improving their welfare," he explained.
After the FGD, the research team also met with Bappeda Bengkalis to synergize initial findings with the regional development plan. Support from the local government is considered crucial so that the research results do not remain on paper but are realized in concrete programs.
This research demonstrates the genuine involvement of academics in addressing community problems. The hope is that the adaptive institutional model designed will not only be useful for Bengkalis but can also be replicated in other areas in Riau and throughout Indonesia. With synergy between academics, local governments, and the farming community, Bengkalis is expected to become an example of a successful institutional transformation for independent palm oil farmers. (T2)
