InfoSAWIT, JAKARTA – The Palm Oil Plantation Fund Management Agency (BPDP) is pushing for a new entrepreneurial movement based on palm oil derivative products. This initiative was introduced at the 5th Indonesian Palm Oil Smallholder Conference and Expo (IPOSC) held in Kubu Raya on Thursday (9/25/2025).
The Head of the BPDP's Community Cooperation and MSME Division, Helmi Muhansyah, explained that a forum like IPOSC provides a space for knowledge sharing while also affirming the rights and obligations of palm oil business actors, especially smallholders and MSMEs.
"If we talk about the formula, one part of it is how domestic consumption can be directed so that palm oil products are not limited to just oil. Through this forum, we want to start a movement for the creation of 1,000 plantation businesses that utilize palm oil as their raw material," Helmi told InfoSAWIT.
Helmi gave examples of several creative products that have already been developed, ranging from palm frond brooms and handicrafts to culinary products made from palm oil derivatives. According to him, this movement will involve various organizations, entrepreneurial communities, and women's groups who have been rarely touched directly by palm oil-based innovation.
"If each organization can produce two or three people who are serious about developing palm oil-based products, the impact will be significant. We want to create a collective movement that not only introduces palm oil but also diversifies products that can be observed, imitated, and modified by MSME actors," he added.
BPDP will also provide commercialization program support for small and medium-sized enterprises. Helmi mentioned that the potential for developing palm oil products is quite broad, including batik with palm-based wax, culinary products, and creative crafts.
"The point is, we want the public to better understand that palm oil can be present in various forms of everyday products. This way, the benefits of palm oil are not only enjoyed at the upstream level but also encourage the growth of new MSMEs and entrepreneurs downstream," Helmi concluded. (T2)
