InfoSAWIT, JAKARTA – The Indonesian Oil Palm Research Center (PPKS) has entered a new leadership phase following the appointment of Dr. Hari Priwiratama, M.Sc. as its new head.
The appointment was highlighted in a congratulatory message from the IPB Alumni Family Palm Oil Caucus, which expressed hopes that PPKS would further strengthen its role as a center for research and innovation in Indonesia's palm oil industry.
Hari's appointment comes with a research background closely linked to oil palm health and plant protection. PPKS's official profile lists him as Head of the Indonesian Oil Palm Research Center and a Senior Researcher, with expertise covering food crops, horticulture and plantation science, particularly plant protection.
Academic and Research Background
Hari completed his undergraduate studies in Plant Pest and Disease Science at IPB University in 2006. He later pursued a master's degree at Wageningen University & Research in the Netherlands, focusing on plant pathology and entomology, and completed the program in 2017.
As reported by InfoSAWIT, Hari has been involved in a range of research activities concerning oil palm pests and diseases, including Ganoderma, leaf spot disease, leaf-eating caterpillars, rhinoceros beetles and biological pest control.
One of his studies, published in the Journal of Oil Palm Research in 2025, examined the impact of drought stress on the vegetative growth of oil palm seedlings and the severity of leaf spot disease caused by Curvularia oryzae. The research involved PPKS researchers and academics from IPB.
His research portfolio also includes pest management. Hari was among the authors of a study examining the effectiveness of flubendiamide against nettle caterpillars, bagworms and bunch borers, while also assessing its impact on the pollinating weevil Elaeidobius kamerunicus.
Another study involving Hari examined attacks by the bagworm Pteroma pendula and their impact on oil palm productivity. The research found that moderate to severe infestations were associated with declining fresh fruit bunch production.
Focus on Integrated Plant Protection
Hari's professional work has extended beyond laboratory research, with a focus on the biology and integrated management of pests and diseases affecting oil palm.
His research areas include basal stem rot, spear rot, biological pest control and management of the rhinoceros beetle (Oryctes rhinoceros).
His name has also appeared in PPKS research on the use of Bacillus thuringiensis for pest control, mycorrhizal applications related to Ganoderma disease and leaf spot disease in oil palm.
His new leadership role comes as Indonesia's palm oil industry faces increasing demand for research that can be translated into practical solutions at plantation level. Productivity, climate pressures, plant health, cultivation efficiency, pest management and sustainability remain important areas requiring technological and scientific support.
PPKS has a significant role in developing knowledge and technology for Indonesia's palm oil sector, with research activities spanning plant breeding, biotechnology, soil science, post-harvest technology, socioeconomics and plant protection. (T1)
