InfoSAWIT, JAKARTA – The National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) has underscored the critical role of research and innovation in supporting palm oil’s strategic contribution to national energy security. This message was delivered by BRIN Chairman Laksana Tri Handoko in a speech read by Deputy for Research and Innovation Policy, Boediastoeti Ontowirjo, at the opening of the 2nd Indonesia Palm Oil Research & Innovation Conference and Expo (IPORICE), held from October 1–3, 2025.
In his remarks, Handoko expressed gratitude for the forum, which carried the theme, "Strengthening Synergy in the Palm Oil Plantation Sector to Support Energy Resilience Based on Technological Innovation." He noted the theme's relevance to the 2025–2029 national development priorities, particularly the agenda to strengthen energy security, which is part of President Prabowo Subianto’s mission to reinforce Indonesia's energy independence.
“The national palm oil industry has made a significant contribution to energy security through the mandatory biodiesel program. Since its launch via ESDM Ministerial Regulation Number 32 of 2008, this policy has evolved, leading Indonesia to achieve a 40 percent blend (B40) in 2021. This program not only supports the economy but also social development and environmental sustainability,” Handoko said at the 2nd IPORICE event attended by InfoSAWIT on Wednesday (10/1/2025).
However, he cautioned that global challenges remain, including sustainability issues, international environmental pressure, and digital technology disruption. Therefore, research and innovation are key to maintaining the palm oil industry's competitiveness.
Handoko cited BRIN’s research achievements in bioenergy, such as the development of metal-organic framework-based catalysts to process palm oil into bio-aviation fuel, which earned the UNESCO For Women in Science Award in 2024. BRIN is also developing technology for biodiesel optimization and the conversion of palm oil biomass into energy through new-generation reactors.
“All these achievements are only possible through close collaboration with partners, including the Palm Oil Plantation Fund Management Agency (BPDP), which supports research through a grant scheme and is a sponsor of this year's IPORICE activities,” he continued.
He concluded that IPORICE serves as a convergence platform for research, policy, and industry—science to science, science to policy, and science to society. This model, he believes, is essential for strengthening industry involvement while broadening public understanding of research and innovation’s contribution to national development. (T2)
