InfoSAWIT, JAKARTA – After a seven-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the International Conference on Oil Palm and Environment (ICOPE) 2025 will be held again from February 12-14, 2025, in Bali. This 7th conference carries the theme "Agro-Ecological Transformation of Palm Oil: Towards Climate and Environment-Friendly Agriculture," focusing on research-based solutions for the sustainability of the palm oil industry.
Jean-Pierre Caliman, Chairman of ICOPE 2025, explained that the conference aims to bring together academics, government officials, private companies, and NGOs to formulate concrete steps in addressing environmental and climate challenges. "ICOPE serves as a platform for all stakeholders to discuss the holistic agro-ecological transformation of palm oil," said Caliman, who also serves as Head of the SMART Research Institute, during a press conference attended by InfoSAWIT on Wednesday (February 5, 2025) in Jakarta.
Agus Purnomo, Director of Sinar Mas Agribusiness and Food, highlighted the importance of the palm oil industry adapting to extreme weather and increasing collaboration among parties. "Palm oil productivity has increased from 6-7 tons of CPO per hectare per year to 10-12 tons thanks to seed breeding innovations. However, climate challenges and environmental pressures must still be addressed with sustainable solutions," he explained.
ICOPE 2025 will discuss various critical topics, including efforts to achieve net-zero emissions, biodiversity protection, and the empowerment of small farmers. One of the main focuses is the utilization of palm oil waste, such as Palm Oil Mill Effluent (POME), which has the potential to become a renewable energy source if processed correctly.
Haskarlianus Pasang, Co-Chairman of ICOPE 2025, emphasized the government's commitment to supporting sustainable palm oil, including the use of waste for energy. "The government has committed to optimizing POME as part of the energy transition. This is an economic and environmental opportunity that must be utilized," he stated.
Irfan Bakhtiar, Director of Climate & Market Transformation Programs at WWF Indonesia, welcomed ICOPE 2025 as a strategic platform. "WWF encourages sustainable palm oil practices through initiatives such as certification and governance strengthening. This conference will enhance science-based collaboration," he said.
ICOPE, which has been held every two years since 2007, last took place in 2018 before being temporarily halted due to the pandemic. The return of this conference is considered timely, especially in response to global pressures regarding deforestation and carbon emissions.
"ICOPE is not just a discussion but about real action. We need to implement good agricultural practices supported by scientific data," Caliman asserted.
The conference is expected to produce policy recommendations and technological innovations that can be adopted by all stakeholders. With the participation of international experts, industry leaders, and policymakers, ICOPE 2025 is anticipated to be a significant milestone in accelerating the transformation of the palm oil industry towards a climate-friendly and inclusive future.
"The future of palm oil lies in balancing productivity, sustainability, and social justice. ICOPE 2025 will show the way forward," concluded Agus Purnomo. (T2)
