InfoSAWIT, BEKASI – Evita Legowo, Chairwoman of the Supervisory Board of the Palm Oil Plantation Fund Management Agency (BPDP), emphasized the vital role of palm oil as a strategic commodity for Indonesia's sustainable development. She delivered this message during an inaugural lecture at the Citra Widya Edukasi Palm Oil Polytechnic (Poltek CWE), titled “Palm Oil for the Nation: HR Investment Toward Golden Indonesia 2045.”
Evita stated that since the COVID-19 pandemic until now, palm oil has remained a crucial pillar of the national economy. Indonesia has even become the world's largest biodiesel producer through the mandatory B40 program. "Palm oil is the most productive commodity among other vegetable oils. Even the European Union recognizes the superiority of Indonesian palm oil," she said.
However, significant challenges remain. The current productivity of smallholder palm oil plantations is only about 3.5 tons of CPO per hectare per year, far below the optimal potential of 6–8 tons. Additionally, negative campaigns abroad and issues concerning land governance within forest areas remain major homework. To address this, BPDP is promoting downstreaming, the smallholder palm oil replanting program (PSR), and the provision of production facilities such as superior seeds, fertilizers, and agricultural machinery.
In line with the government's agenda toward net zero emissions, BPDP is also strengthening research into palm oil-based new and renewable energy. Palm oil waste is currently being studied to produce bioethanol that can be mixed with fossil fuels. "The global energy crisis and dependence on fossil fuels must change. Palm oil has enormous potential as a clean energy source," Evita asserted at the Inaugural Lecture attended by InfoSAWIT on Thursday (10/2/2025).
Equally important, investment in human resources is a key focus. BPDP targets 11,000 beneficiaries through scholarship programs, vocational training, and managerial training for farmers, planters, and employees. "This scholarship is an investment in the younger generation, to ensure the future sustainability of palm oil," she stated.
Evita concluded by affirming BPDP's commitment as a professional and accountable fund management institution. Its grand vision is to support sustainable plantation development through HR development, research, promotion, downstreaming, and clean energy. "Net zero emission is not just a government program; it is the responsibility of the entire nation. BPDP is committed to preparing the youth to be the vanguard toward Golden Indonesia 2045," she concluded. (T2)
