InfoSAWIT, BOGOR – Efforts to boost Indonesia’s palm oil productivity are far from straightforward. Dwi Asmono, Head of Research & Development at the Indonesian Palm Oil Association (GAPKI), stressed that productivity is influenced by complex factors, including genetics, environment, and biosecurity.
According to Dwi, Indonesia’s current productivity level of around 3.7 tons of CPO per hectare reflects significant challenges still facing the industry.
“Many question why we haven’t reached seven tons. But the real question is whether our genetic resources are strong enough to get there,” he said during a discussion attended by InfoSAWIT in Bogor in late October 2025.
Long History and Genetic Challenges
Dwi explained that Indonesia’s long palm oil history has shaped its current genetic condition. The crop was first introduced during the colonial era in limited numbers.
Around 1848, the Dutch brought approximately 503 oil palm seedlings from West Africa to the Bogor Botanical Gardens. From this small base, the crop expanded into millions of hectares nationwide.
“Genetically, this means we’ve experienced a significant narrowing,” he said.
Low genetic diversity increases vulnerability to diseases and climate change.
“If humans are discouraged from inbreeding, the same applies to oil palm—we need new ‘blood,’” he added.
Expanding Genetic Resources with Caution
To address this limitation, GAPKI, in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture and BPDP, has been working to enrich Indonesia’s genetic resources.
New genetic materials have been introduced from regions such as West Africa, South America, and Tanzania. However, these efforts come with significant biosecurity risks.
Dwi stressed that all imported materials must undergo strict quarantine procedures to prevent the introduction of dangerous diseases such as phytophthora bud rot and ganoderma, a root fungus that threatens plantations across Southeast Asia.
“We’ve learned from history. When hybrid coconut seeds were introduced without strict control, diseases followed and the coconut industry suffered in the early 1990s. We must not repeat that mistake,” he said.
Balancing Innovation and Caution
Dwi emphasized that palm oil research must strike a balance between innovation and caution.
“Innovation is essential, but without biosecurity, the risks are enormous. Once a disease enters, the impact can last for decades,” he warned.
He concluded that improving national palm oil productivity depends not only on technology, but also on strong genetic foundations and robust biosecurity systems. (T2)
