InfoSAWIT, PALEMBANG — The Indonesian Planters Society (IPS) has reaffirmed its role as a key driver of human resource development in the national palm oil industry. Through its Technical Meeting on Plantation and Palm Oil Mills titled “Strategies for Boosting Palm Oil Productivity” held in South Sumatra, the organization showcased its commitment to more professional and sustainable plantation and mill management.
IPS Chairman Jamalul stated that Indonesia’s crude palm oil (CPO) production in 2025 is projected to reach 46–47 million tons. This accounts for 58% of global production, estimated at 80.3 million tons, with Indonesia and Malaysia together supplying up to 87% of world demand.
“Indonesia is already recognized as the world’s largest CPO producer. Therefore, IPS consistently organizes seminars and technical meetings to ensure CPO production remains sustainable,” he said in a statement received by InfoSAWIT on Tuesday (9/12/2025).
Jamalul also stressed the importance of understanding global regulatory dynamics affecting palm oil trade. Standards such as RSPO and the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR), he noted, should not be viewed as obstacles. “To me, these regulations should not be feared. But we must understand that they may serve as trade strategies. Indonesia has established its own standard—ISPO—to maintain sovereignty and competitiveness,” he added.
Founded in 2018 in Jakarta, IPS now serves as a network for human resources across plantation commodities, especially palm oil—from field workers and supervisors to managers, CEOs, and estate owners. Through its broad membership base, IPS aims to strengthen knowledge exchange and professional dialogue.
“IPS' main objective is for all members to share insights, exchange ideas, and gain new knowledge,” Jamalul said.
At the same event, South Sumatra Plantation Agency Secretary Dian Eka Putra highlighted the region’s low smallholder productivity, currently averaging only 3.4 tons per hectare per year—well below its actual potential.
Bridging this productivity gap, he said, requires improved agronomic practices and improved access to high-quality seeds. He expressed appreciation for South Sumatra being chosen as the host location.
“Technical meetings like this are crucial for broadening insights and sharing practical solutions,” he said.
Since 2017, South Sumatra has implemented the Smallholder Palm Oil Replanting Program (PSR), supporting more than 30,000 farmers. Surveys show a measurable rise in productivity following program implementation. However, continued growth in both export and domestic demand means productivity improvements remain essential.
“The palm oil industry is highly dynamic. Meetings like this are vital for deepening understanding and finding practical solutions to improve yields,” Dian concluded.
The event also included a field trip to Sampoerna Plantation, where participants observed nursery management, planting techniques, and estate operations that may serve as benchmarks for both smallholders and companies. (T2)
