InfoSAWIT, BOGOR – Efforts to boost Indonesia’s palm oil productivity through the introduction of new pollinating insects from Tanzania rely not only on scientific research but also on strict oversight by the Indonesian Quarantine Agency (Barantin).
Barantin plays a critical role in ensuring that all biological materials entering Indonesia are safe for ecosystems, agriculture, and national biodiversity.
Barantin official Fitri Ujiyani stated that the agency fully supports genetic resource enrichment and pollinator introduction conducted by the Indonesian Oil Palm Research Institute (PPKS) Medan, under stringent supervision.
“All biological imports, including oil palm seeds and pollinating insects, must comply with quarantine requirements. We monitor the process from entry points through observation periods,” she said during the Karantina Day 2025 Talkshow attended by InfoSAWIT in late October 2025.
Regulatory-Based Supervision
Fitri emphasized that all quarantine procedures follow Law No. 21/2019 on Animal, Fish, and Plant Quarantine, which mandates risk analysis for the entry of genetic resources and biological agents.
This analysis aims to identify potential plant quarantine pests and determine appropriate mitigation measures.
“The risk assessment is based on technical information from the exporting country’s quarantine authority, forming the basis for phytosanitary requirements before entry into Indonesia,” she explained.
For the introduction of seeds and pollinating insects from Tanzania, Barantin has implemented strict procedures, including initial inspections, quarantine isolation, and intensive observation.
Supervision is conducted by quarantine officials under the North Sumatra Agricultural Quarantine Center, with testing carried out at the PPKS Marihat Insectarium.
The pollinating insects entered Indonesia on April 4, 2025, via Kualanamu International Airport in Medan. Three species from the Elaeidobius genus—E. kamerunicus, E. subvittatus, and E. plagiatus—were imported in larval and pupal stages.
“All biological packages are thoroughly inspected, including their carrier media such as packaging and feed,” Fitri noted.
Risk Detection and Safety Assurance
Upon arrival, all specimens were placed in isolation facilities for several months of intensive observation.
This stage aims to detect any latent pathogens or pests that may not have been identified during initial inspections.
“If no harmful organisms are detected during isolation, the species can be declared safe for further research or limited release,” she added.
Barantin’s role underscores that improving palm oil productivity depends not only on technological innovation and research but also on a robust biosecurity system.
With strict, science-based oversight, the introduction of biological agents such as pollinating weevils is expected to deliver maximum benefits without posing risks to national ecosystems.
This effort demonstrates that strengthening Indonesia’s palm oil industry goes hand in hand with precautionary principles and long-term biodiversity protection. (T2)
Source: InfoSAWIT Magazine, November 2025 Edition
