InfoSAWIT, JAKARTA — The Indonesian Planters Society (IPS) is encouraging Indonesia’s palm oil industry to improve mill efficiency, strengthen operational reliability and reduce oil losses through better technology and continuous workforce development.
IPS Chairman Jamalul outlined the priorities during IPS Planter Talk Series #4, titled “Building a High Extraction, Low Loss and Reliable Palm Oil,” held on Saturday, October 24, 2026, with InfoSAWIT in attendance.
Jamalul said the discussion series had already completed three sessions covering technical challenges in the palm oil industry. The events had attracted interest from both experienced plantation professionals and younger workers entering the sector.
He emphasized that knowledge-sharing platforms are important for transferring practical experience from senior professionals to the next generation of plantation and mill personnel.
According to Jamalul, Indonesia’s large plantation and processing base gives the country a significant responsibility to advance palm oil mill technology and operational standards.
He cited figures for 2025 indicating approximately 2,286 plantation companies in Indonesia, including 120 state-owned enterprises and 2,036 private companies. He also estimated that Indonesia had around 1,471 palm oil mills, compared with approximately 500 in Malaysia.
Other palm oil-producing countries, including Colombia, Thailand, Papua New Guinea, Côte d’Ivoire, Mexico and Brazil, also operate processing facilities, he noted.
With such a substantial mill network, Jamalul said Indonesia should aim not only to maintain its position as a major producer but also to lead in processing technology, efficiency and mill construction.
Knowledge Sharing to Improve Mill Performance
The fourth IPS Planters Talk focused on achieving higher oil extraction rates, lower oil losses and more reliable mill operations.
These priorities are closely linked to the effectiveness of fresh fruit bunch (FFB) processing. Better extraction helps mills recover more crude palm oil (CPO) from incoming fruit, while effective loss control and reliable equipment support overall production performance.
Jamalul encouraged participants to learn from the speakers and exchange practical experiences that could be applied to operational challenges at their respective facilities.
He also stressed the importance of sustained learning and stronger technical capabilities among younger professionals.
Through its continuing discussion series, IPS aims to support the development of industry knowledge and practical skills needed to improve mill performance.
For Indonesia, strengthening workforce competency alongside technology adoption could help translate its extensive processing infrastructure into greater operational efficiency and stronger global competitiveness. (T2)
