InfoSAWIT, DEPOK – The Agricultural Journalists Forum (Forwatan), together with several palm oil companies, organized a social initiative titled “Palm Oil Sharing, Meaningful Ramadan”, providing education about the benefits of palm oil while distributing basic food packages to children at an orphanage in Depok on Wednesday (March 4).
The event, held at Riyadhush Sholihin Islamic Boarding School and Orphanage in Kebayunan, Tapos, Depok, was supported by the Indonesian Palm Oil Association (GAPKI), PT Astra Agro Lestari Tbk, Apical, and Wilmar Group. The program represents a form of social commitment from the palm oil industry while also aiming to broaden public understanding of the commodity’s benefits.
Forwatan Chairman Beledug Bantolo explained that the “Palm Oil Sharing, Meaningful Ramadan” program is an annual initiative carried out together with the palm oil industry as a form of social care, particularly for orphaned children.
“So, not only here. We will also distribute basic food packages and share a little of our blessings with several other orphanages,” Bantolo told InfoSAWIT on Sunday (March 8, 2026).
According to him, palm oil is a strategic commodity for Indonesia that plays an important role in daily life. Many products used by the public—from cooking oil to food and hygiene products—are derived from palm oil.
“Palm oil products are used almost throughout our daily lives. From soap, cooking oil, chocolate, to ice cream, many are made from processed palm oil,” he explained.
Beyond daily consumption, Bantolo also highlighted the sector’s contribution to the national economy. Data from Indonesia’s Ministry of Industry estimates that the economic value of the downstream palm oil sector reaches around Rp 750 trillion, equivalent to about 3.5 percent of Indonesia’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), including exports and derivative products.
He emphasized that public understanding of palm oil must continue to be strengthened so that negative campaigns against the commodity can be clarified through fact-based information.
“Through this activity, we want to build awareness that palm oil must be preserved and its benefits safeguarded, so its presence in our country is not forgotten,” Bantolo added.
Meanwhile, GAPKI Media Relations Mochamad Husni stated that palm oil companies actively implement Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programs as part of the industry’s commitment to benefiting communities.
“We do not only process palm oil into cooking oil, soap, butter, or toothpaste, but we also share part of the proceeds through social programs so they can benefit the wider community,” Husni said.
He explained that CSR programs in palm oil companies generally focus on four key sectors: education, community economic empowerment, health, and the environment.
According to Husni, the profits from palm oil operations are not solely for companies but are also shared with communities as an expression of gratitude for the blessings received.
“In many palm oil companies, especially those operating plantations outside Java, social activities like this are routinely carried out. It reflects our principle that the blessings we receive should also be shared with society,” he explained.
Through these social initiatives, palm oil companies aim to improve educational quality, support local economies, strengthen healthcare services, and preserve the environment so that the benefits of the industry can be widely felt.
Meanwhile, KH Bahrudin, caretaker of the Riyadhush Sholihin Islamic Boarding School and Orphanage, expressed appreciation for the support provided by Forwatan and palm oil companies.
He noted that Ramadan is the right moment to strengthen social bonds while fostering the spirit of sharing.
“We are grateful for the presence and assistance provided. Hopefully it will bring blessings to everyone involved and ease all your endeavors,” he said.
KH Bahrudin also hopes that the attention and support will motivate the children to continue studying and pursue a better future.
According to him, just like palm oil that benefits many people, the orphanage children are also expected to grow into individuals who contribute positively to society.
Currently, the Riyadhush Sholihin Orphanage in Tapos, Depok, accommodates and nurtures around 98 orphaned and underprivileged children. (T2)
