InfoSAWIT, MEDAN – A total of 90 independent oil palm smallholders from Aceh Singkil Regency have completed an intensive technical training program designed to strengthen their cultivation skills and improve plantation productivity through sustainable farming practices.
The training, organized by PT Koompasia Enviro Institute, forms part of Indonesia's Palm Oil Human Resources Development Program (SDM PKS), supported by the Palm Oil Plantation Fund Management Agency (BPDP) in collaboration with the Directorate General of Estates (Ditjenbun) under the Ministry of Agriculture. The initiative aims to equip smallholders with practical knowledge to manage their plantations more efficiently and sustainably.
Held in Medan from July 20–25, 2026, the program combined five days of classroom instruction with a full day of field practice at Verdant Bioscience, PT Timbang Deli Indonesia. The curriculum was designed to bridge theory and practical application, enabling participants to adopt modern cultivation techniques directly in their own plantations.
Participants from several districts across Aceh Singkil were grouped into three training cohorts. The program focused on implementing Good Agricultural Practices (GAP), covering the use of certified superior planting materials, proper planting techniques, balanced fertilization, and integrated pest and disease management to improve both yields and fruit quality.
Representing the Head of the Aceh Provincial Agriculture and Plantation Office, Mukhlis said improving human resources is fundamental to strengthening Indonesia's smallholder palm oil sector.
"This training is especially important in helping farmers understand the use of certified superior seeds and effective pest and disease management. The knowledge they gain is expected to improve plantation productivity, harvest quality, and ultimately farmers' livelihoods," he said in an official statement received by InfoSAWIT.
PT Koompasia Enviro Institute President Director Henry Marpaung described the SDM PKS program as a long-term government investment aimed at developing professional and competitive oil palm smallholders capable of meeting the evolving demands of the industry.
He noted that BPDP's continued commitment to human capital development has become a strategic driver for improving the performance of Indonesia's smallholder plantations. To ensure high-quality learning outcomes, the training incorporated industry-standard materials, experienced instructors, modern learning facilities, and hands-on field demonstrations.
Support for the initiative was also expressed by Nirwana Angkat, Acting Head of the Aceh Singkil Plantation Office, who emphasized that the training is particularly valuable given Aceh Singkil's position as one of Aceh Province's largest oil palm-producing regions.
Throughout the program, participants engaged in interactive learning through lectures, discussions, case studies, simulations, and practical sessions led by plantation experts. The approach was intended to strengthen farmers' ability to apply best management practices under real plantation conditions.
Master Trainer Ronald Pasaribu highlighted that consistent implementation of sound cultivation practices from the earliest stages of plantation development remains the key to achieving higher productivity.
He emphasized that the use of certified planting materials, balanced fertilization, effective weed management, and integrated pest and disease control are essential for maximizing yields while maintaining production efficiency.
As part of the practical component, participants visited Verdant Bioscience, PT Timbang Deli Indonesia, where they observed commercial nursery operations, mature plantation management, nutrient management systems, weed control techniques, and pest and disease identification in an operational plantation environment.
One participant, Surianto J., said the training had provided valuable new insights and expressed his commitment to applying the knowledge to improve productivity on his own plantation.
To ensure long-term impact, PT Koompasia Enviro Institute will continue supporting participants through monitoring activities and the establishment of demonstration plots (demplots). The follow-up program will evaluate technology adoption, measure productivity improvements, and encourage the consistent implementation of sustainable cultivation practices.
With continued support from BPDP, collaboration with the Directorate General of Estates, and implementation by PT Koompasia Enviro Institute, the SDM PKS program is expected to develop a new generation of adaptive, highly skilled oil palm smallholders capable of improving productivity, increasing farm incomes, and strengthening the competitiveness of Indonesia's palm oil sector. (T2)
