InfoSAWIT, BEKASI – Indonesia’s palm oil industry will remain a cornerstone of the national economy only if human capital development becomes a top priority, according to Baginda Siagian, Director of Oil Palm and Other Palms at the Directorate General of Plantations, Ministry of Agriculture.
“Sustainable palm oil ecosystems are not only about production and industry, but also about the quality of human resources and supporting infrastructure,” Baginda told InfoSAWIT. “If we seriously prepare the next generation, Indonesia can compete with countries such as Malaysia, India, Thailand, and Argentina.”
Palm oil human resource development programs—particularly scholarship schemes—have seen overwhelming demand. This year alone, around 20,000 applicants registered, though only 4,000 could be accepted due to limited capacity.
Baginda noted that earlier selection processes, even prior to national university entrance exams, could further increase participation. The palm oil scholarship program is fully funded, covering transportation, tuition, campus facilities, and basic living needs.
Poltek CWE Sets the Benchmark
One of the flagship institutions for palm oil human capital development is Politeknik Kelapa Sawit Citra Widya Edukasi (Poltek CWE) in Bekasi. The campus currently accommodates around 350 scholarship students, with potential expansion to 500–700 students if facilities and teaching staff are enhanced.
Beyond Poltek CWE, Baginda encouraged vocational universities nationwide to strengthen applied research, curricula, and teaching methods aligned with industry needs.
Looking ahead, Baginda remains optimistic that palm oil will continue to be Indonesia’s leading commodity over the next two to three decades—not only as a major source of foreign exchange, but also as the largest provider of rural employment.
“Palm oil will remain Indonesia’s flagship commodity, provided we build the ecosystem together—strong human resources, robust vocational education, adequate infrastructure, and a truly sustainable industry,” he concluded. (T2)
Read more in InfoSAWIT Magazine, October 2025 Edition.
