InfoSAWIT, JAKARTA – The Palm Oil Research Grant Program, initiated by the Indonesia Oil Palm Estate Fund (BPDPKS) in 2015, continues to drive strategic research in the palm oil sector. This year, BPDPKS launched the program with a four-month Call for Proposals earlier in 2024.
According to Mohammad Alfansyah, Director of Fund Disbursement at BPDPKS, the program received 785 proposals—an increase compared to previous years—highlighting the strong interest among academics and practitioners in palm oil as a key driver of the national economy.
"Thanks to the Research and Development Committee for meticulously evaluating over 700 proposals. From this process, today we signed 52 research cooperation agreements with a total contract value of IDR 95 billion," Alfansyah stated during a press release on Thursday (21/11/2024).
The partnerships involve 26 research institutions from universities and organizations across Indonesia, including the Bandung Institute of Technology (ITB), Bogor Agricultural University (IPB), Gadjah Mada University (UGM), and Musamus University Merauke.
BPDPKS President Director, Eddy Abdurrachman, emphasized that the program prioritizes research projects ready for implementation. To promote commercialization, BPDPKS collaborates with the Indonesian Inventors Association (AII) to evaluate technology readiness. Currently, 25 research-based inventions are deemed market-ready, with several already securing Letters of Intent (LoI) from investors.
"We hope researchers utilize these funds effectively and report their findings transparently. Cross-sector collaboration is key to the success of research and innovation," said Eddy.
Deputy for Research and Innovation Facilities at BRIN, Prof. Agus Haryono, highlighted the importance of robust research governance during the event. He praised the Palm Oil Research Grant Program for enhancing Indonesia’s competitiveness through industrial collaboration, quality education, and strong research infrastructure.
"Good governance ensures research outcomes benefit industries and society. Intellectual property rights, data-sharing culture, and research ethics are critical for success," said Agus.
Additionally, Agus emphasized the importance of archiving research results in line with the Mandatory Submission – Mandatory Storage policy under Law No. 11 of 2019 on the National System of Science and Technology.
The event concluded with a technical briefing on project execution and reporting by Arfie Thahar, Head of BPDPKS Program Services Division. BPDPKS hopes the research outcomes will serve as valuable references for the government, industries, and society in advancing sustainable palm oil development. (T2)
