InfoSAWIT, NUSA DUA — A warm and spirited atmosphere filled the room as the Chairperson of the Indonesian Palm Oil Conference (IPOC) 2025 and Price Outlook 2026, Mona Surya, took the stage. With gratitude and pride in her voice, she opened the prestigious gathering that has become an annual tradition for the global palm oil community over the past two decades.
“Every year, when I stand on this stage and look at the faces of our participants, I am overwhelmed with deep emotion,” she said during her opening speech at IPOC 2025, attended by InfoSAWIT on Thursday (Nov. 13, 2025), in Nusa Dua, Bali. “That feeling comes not only because of this event itself, but because I witness the extraordinary strength of our community.”
For 20 years, IPOC has served as a homecoming for players in the global palm oil industry — a forum that brings together producers, buyers, researchers, and policymakers from around the world. What began as a small domestic meeting has now evolved into one of the most influential platforms in the global vegetable oil sector.
However, according to Mona, the true strength of the conference does not lie merely in its agenda or the lineup of distinguished speakers, but in the participants who come from all corners of the globe.
“One of my greatest joys is walking among the participants — seeing the laughter of old friends reuniting, and the enthusiasm of new faces bringing fresh energy. That is where the soul of this conference truly lives,” she said.
This year’s IPOC welcomed 1,580 participants from 28 countries, marking a significant increase from last year. More than 100 companies showcased their latest innovations at the exhibition, while 38 major sponsors played an active role in supporting the event.
In her remarks, the Chairperson also extended appreciation to Minister of National Development Planning (Bappenas) Prof. Rachmat Pambudy, who officially opened the conference. “His presence underscores how vital the palm oil industry is in the eyes of both the Indonesian government and the world,” she said.
With its policy theme emphasizing the balance between economic growth and sustainability, IPOC 2025 addressed pressing industry challenges — including the European Union’s Deforestation Regulation (EUDR), evolving domestic policies, and efforts to strengthen global market resilience.
“Global regulations are not just background factors — they actively shape the direction of our industry,” Mona emphasized. “That is why this conference is designed to explore insights, deepen understanding, and foster cross-sector collaboration.”
In addition to plenary sessions featuring world-class speakers, IPOC 2025 also offered interactive activities — from business forums and friendly competitions to the much-anticipated Networking Night.
“This conference is not only about discussions — it is about building relationships that strengthen the future of the global palm oil industry,” she concluded with optimism.
With growing enthusiasm and international support, IPOC 2025 once again reaffirms its position as a strategic platform uniting the global palm oil community in the spirit of partnership and sustainability. (T2)
