InfoSAWIT, PEKANBARU – As one of Indonesia’s largest foreign exchange earners, the palm oil industry continues to garner attention, especially among younger generations. Despite its significant economic and environmental roles, public understanding of sustainable palm oil practices remains limited.
Addressing this gap, Apical, a leading vegetable oil processor, in collaboration with the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO), organized a public lecture titled “GreenFest with Sustainable Palm Oil” at Riau University (UNRI). The event aimed to educate and inspire students about the importance of sustainable palm oil.
In his opening remarks, Dr. Hermanda, Vice Rector III of UNRI, emphasized the need for young people to understand sustainable palm oil practices. “Riau has the largest palm oil plantations in Indonesia. Students here must recognize both the potential and challenges of this industry, particularly in sustainability, to address international scrutiny wisely,” he stated on Tuesday, November 26, 2024.
Dr. Mahatma Windrawan Inantha, Deputy Director for Market Transformation (Indonesia) at RSPO, highlighted the importance of providing Generation Z with credible information about the palm oil industry. “With a solid understanding of sustainable practices, certifications, and the role of smallholder farmers, young people can become agents of change for a greener future,” he said.
From an academic perspective, Sakti Hutabarat, a lecturer at UNRI’s Faculty of Agriculture, underscored the importance of implementing Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) and Good Management Practices (GMP). “Sustainability in the palm oil industry is essential for addressing climate change challenges while maintaining social welfare and environmental preservation,” he explained.
On behalf of the industry, Apical’s Sustainability Manager, Hendra Hosea, expressed hope that the event would inspire students to support sustainable palm oil. “Palm oil and its derivatives are present in nearly all daily products. Young people need to understand the vital role of this industry and support its sustainability efforts,” he remarked.
The lecture attracted more than 500 students from various disciplines, who eagerly engaged in discussions about the prospects and challenges of the palm oil sector.
The GreenFest at UNRI follows similar events previously held at Trisakti University during National Palm Oil Day 2023 and at Stiper Agricultural Institute in Yogyakarta in February 2024. Through these initiatives, Apical and RSPO aim to foster a generation that is more aware and actively involved in promoting sustainability in Indonesia’s palm oil industry. (T2)
