InfoSAWIT, JAKARTA – As the world's largest palm oil producer, Indonesia plays a pivotal role in ensuring global food and energy availability. "Palm oil is a strategic commodity that can bolster Indonesia's food and energy self-sufficiency," stated Kacuk Sumarto, Chairman of Rumah Sawit Indonesia (RSI), in a press release received by InfoSAWIT on Sunday (17/11/2024).
Kacuk highlighted the importance of palm oil in addressing global challenges, including the anticipated population growth to 8.5 billion by 2030 and 10 billion by 2080. He explained that this population surge would significantly increase the demand for food and energy, while Earth's carrying capacity continues to decline due to resource exploitation, excessive chemical fertilizer use, and climate change. “These factors lead to reduced food availability and rising food prices,” he added.
Beyond food, energy demand is also on the rise, while fossil fuel reserves are depleting. Kacuk underscored the need to develop new and renewable energy sources, given the substantial carbon emissions from fossil fuel consumption.
According to RSI, Indonesia's palm oil plantations, spanning 16.8 million hectares, hold immense potential for supporting food and energy sovereignty. “Palm oil not only produces food and energy but also allows for intercropping food crops on rejuvenated plantation lands,” Kacuk explained.
RSI's studies show that at least one million hectares of palm oil land can be used for intercropping. This initiative is expected to support local food needs while reducing logistical costs.
This topic will take center stage at the seminar titled “Achieving Food, Energy, and Economic Sovereignty Through Palm Oil Plantations Towards Indonesia Gold 2045”, organized by RSI on Monday (18/11) in Jakarta. The seminar will feature speakers from various sectors, including government representatives, academics, and business leaders.
Prominent names such as Dida Gardera (Coordinating Ministry for Economic Affairs), Putu Juli Ardika (Ministry of Industry), and Dr. Tungkot Sipayung (Executive Director of PASPI) are scheduled to speak. The event aims to foster discussions on palm oil’s contributions to sustainable economic development.
As part of the series, RSI will also hold its first congress on Tuesday (19/11). The congress aims to formulate strategic measures to support national development, focusing on the upstream and downstream palm oil industries.
Through these initiatives, RSI reaffirms its commitment to strengthening palm oil's role as a cornerstone of Indonesia’s food and energy sovereignty. (T2)
