InfoSAWIT, JAKARTA – Media Perkebunan has praised the Indonesian Oil Palm Smallholders Association (Apkasindo) for organizing its third National Meeting of Indonesian Oil Palm Smallholders (PENAS III), which also marked the association’s 26th anniversary.
The event, held in Jakarta on Wednesday, October 28, 2026, was seen as an important opportunity to strengthen smallholder solidarity and improve farmers’ capacity to address challenges facing Indonesia’s palm oil industry.
Bambang, Editor-in-Chief of Media Perkebunan, said oil palm smallholders play a strategic role in sustaining the national industry. With approximately 42% of Indonesia’s oil palm plantation area managed by smallholders, their participation is essential to the sector’s long-term development.
He said PENAS III provided a platform for farmers to consolidate their efforts, strengthen cooperation, and collectively address issues affecting their livelihoods and plantation businesses.
Meanwhile, Hendra J Purba, Business Editor of Media Perkebunan, highlighted the importance of improving access to reliable and relevant information among smallholders.
Accurate information on industry developments, government policies, and opportunities to improve productivity can help farmers make better decisions and strengthen their economic position.
Hendra also recalled Media Perkebunan’s involvement in Apkasindo’s early development, noting that the publication had supported the organization since its formative years.
Speaking to InfoSAWIT during PENAS III, he acknowledged that under the leadership of Chairman Gulat Manurung, Apkasindo had continued to grow into an organization with a significant presence in Indonesia’s palm oil industry.
Strengthening Smallholder Capacity
Looking ahead, stronger organizational cohesion will be essential to addressing challenges faced by smallholders, including low plantation productivity, land legality issues, and the need to improve human resource capacity.
Collaboration among farmer organizations, government institutions, industry players, and media organizations is therefore increasingly important. Such partnerships can expand access to information, strengthen technical assistance, and help smallholders find practical solutions to problems in the field.
Through PENAS III and its 26th anniversary, Apkasindo is expected to build on the momentum to strengthen farmers’ position in the national palm oil value chain.
The meeting also underscored the importance of moving beyond ceremonial activities toward concrete initiatives that improve smallholder welfare and support the long-term sustainability of Indonesia’s palm oil industry. (T2)
