InfoSAWIT, JAKARTA — The Gabungan Pengusaha Kelapa Sawit Indonesia (GAPKI) is once again holding an annual strategic forum that serves as a barometer for the direction of policies and prospects for the national and global palm oil industry. The conference titled The 21st Indonesian Palm Oil Conference (IPOC) and 2026 Price Outlook will take place on 12–14 November 2025 at Bali International Convention Center, The Westin Resort Nusa Dua, Bali. This year, the conference carries the theme: “Navigating Complexity, Driving Growth: Governance, Biofuel Policy, and Global Trade.” The theme reflects the commitment of Indonesia's palm oil industry in strengthening governance, maintaining competitiveness amid global trade dynamics, while affirming the contribution of the palm oil sector to green energy policies and the global biofuel mix.
As the world's largest palm oil producer, Indonesia plays a strategic role in maintaining the balance of global vegetable oil supply. On the other hand, this industry is facing various challenges—from changes in trade policies, environmental issues, to the transition towards a green economy. At the national level, the palm oil sector remains the main pillar of non-oil and gas exports and a source of livelihood for millions of people in plantation areas.
GAPKI Chairman Eddy Martono emphasized that the holding of IPOC 2025 is an “IPOC is a strategic forum to discuss the future direction of the palm oil industry, especially efforts that can be made by industry players to boost productivity amid various domestic and global opportunities and challenges,” said Eddy in a press conference attended by InfoSAWIT, Tuesday (28/10/2025).
This forum will feature a series of prominent national and international speakers in the field of vegetable oils and global trade policies. Among them:
Thomas Mielke, Executive Director of Oil World, will discuss price projections and world vegetable oil market trends.
Julian McGill, founder of Glenauk Economics, will discuss macroeconomic dynamics affecting the commodity sector.
Ryan Chen from Cargill Investments China will present China's economic outlook and its impact on the palm oil industry.
Satia Varqa from FastMarkets will discuss strategies to face global market uncertainties.
Meanwhile, Dorab Mistry from Godrej International Ltd. will return as a senior analyst to present the price prospects for vegetable oils next year.
In addition, Pietro Paganini, an international expert in communication and public policy, will highlight industry strategies in responding to sustainability issues and global regulations. On the other hand, Eddy Abdurrachman and Andri Hadi will present the direction of policies and Indonesia's palm oil diplomacy on the international stage.
Other names such as Dr. M. Fadhil Hasan and Oscar Tjakra will also provide strategic views on the supply chain, energy policies, and long-term investment prospects for the vegetable oil sector.
Government Involvement and Strategic Issues
As policymakers, government views become an important part of this forum. Several high-ranking state officials scheduled to attend include Minister of National Development Planning/Head of Bappenas Rachmat Pambudy, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Arif Havas Oegroseno, Deputy Minister of Agriculture Sudaryono, and Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto.
They will discuss the roadmap for the palm oil industry towards Indonesia Emas 2045, including the impact of US trade tariff policies under the Trump administration and the implementation of EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) on the global market and Indonesia's palm oil competitiveness.
One topic that is considered to attract attention is the plan to increase the biodiesel mix to B50, as part of the commitment to sustainable energy transition.
Exhibition and Global Business Networking
In addition to the main conference, IPOC 2025 also features a palm oil industry exhibition showcasing the latest technologies, products, and innovations from upstream to downstream sectors. This exhibition becomes a venue for business players, policymakers, and global partners to share knowledge and strengthen sustainable business networks.
IPOC 2025 Organizing Committee Chair Mona Surya added that this year's conference is expected to be a productive forum for all stakeholders in the national palm oil industry.
“The entire design of IPOC's implementation is expected to become important input for national palm oil industry players,” said Mona.
With increasing participant interest, Mona is optimistic that IPOC 2025 will attract more than 1,500 participants from business players, analysts, investors, to policymakers from various parts of the world.
“IPOC is not just a conference, but a strategic investment to understand the future and weave partnerships facing the complexities of the global palm oil industry,” concluded Mona. (T2)
