InfoSAWIT, KUBU RAYA – The Palm Oil Plantation Fund Management Agency (BPDP) demonstrated its commitment to strengthening the role of palm oil farmers by supporting the 5th Indonesia Palm Oil Smallholders Conference, Expo & Field Trip (IPOSC), organized by the Indonesian Prosperous Palm Oil Farmers Association (POPSI) in Kubu Raya, West Kalimantan, from September 24–26, 2025.
The 5th IPOSC activities included not only the conference and exhibition but also an FFB lifting competition and a field trip to the Jasa Usaha Sempurna Producer Cooperative in Kubu Raya. Discussions were divided into six sessions focusing on strategic themes, including partnership in palm oil development, sustainability, the Smallholder Palm Oil Replanting (PSR) program, plantation infrastructure, downstreaming, innovation, and the application of smart farming.
Representing the Governor of West Kalimantan, Head of the Livestock and Plantation Agency Heronimus Hero emphasized the sector's importance to the regional economy. "About 20 percent of West Kalimantan’s Gross Regional Domestic Product (GRDP) comes from agriculture, dominated by palm oil. Currently, there are 368 palm oil companies with 3 million hectares of concession, and 1.7 million hectares already planted. Going forward, the Provincial Government targets development up to 3.9 million hectares," he stated in an official release received by InfoSAWIT on Wednesday (10/1/2025).
From an institutional standpoint, BPDP, through the Head of its Community Cooperation and MSME Division, Helmi Muhansah, stressed the agency's support for enhancing farmers' capacity. Programs include PSR, provision of infrastructure, scholarships, training, and strengthening palm oil-based MSMEs. "Besides reinforcing the upstream aspect, farmers can also diversify income through palm oil derivative products managed on an MSME scale. Several farmer products have been included in the catalog of 100 Palm Oil and Derivative MSME Products," Helmi explained.
He added that developing palm oil MSMEs is also in line with President Prabowo Subianto's program targeting 8 percent economic growth through increased domestic consumption. "The diversification of palm oil derivative products can be a new engine to expand farmers' income sources while supporting the national economy," he said.
A total of 25 exhibition booths participated in the 5th IPOSC, ranging from producers of seedlings, fertilizers, pesticides, plantation equipment and machinery, plantation services, to farmer organizations. Over the three days, the event attracted about 800 participants from among farmers, planters, students, and the general public.
BPDP itself showcased various palm oil MSME products from the 100 Products catalog and presented support programs for farmers. Furthermore, BPDP held interactive sessions at their booth with educational questions about the everyday use of palm oil products, drawing enthusiasm from over 250 visitors. (T2)
