InfoSAWIT, JAKARTA - The Director General of Higher Education at the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, and Technology (Kemdiktisaintek), Prof. Khairul Munadi, emphasized that the Center of Excellence (CoE) for Palm Oil at Universitas Muhammadiyah Malang (UMM) is a strategic step in supporting a sustainable green economy. According to him, the transformation of higher education must be oriented towards real impacts for national development, including through synergy between academia and industry.
This statement was made during the launch of the Palm Oil Professional Class held on Wednesday (March 5, 2025) at GKB IV, 9th floor, Universitas Muhammadiyah Malang. The event was also attended by UMM's Vice Rector IV, Muhamad Salis Yuniardi, the Indonesian Ambassador to Colombia (2017–2022), Priyo Iswanto, and representatives from PT Eagle High Plantations Tbk.
Prof. Khairul Munadi stressed that the CoE for Palm Oil at UMM is a tangible example of contributive collaboration between academia and industry. "This program aligns with the Asta Cita mission to enhance the relevance of higher education through strengthening research, innovation, and governance that impacts sustainable development," he stated, as quoted by InfoSAWIT from the official website of the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, and Technology on Thursday (March 6, 2025).
He noted that higher education institutions must act as game changers that drive socio-ecological and economic transformation through academic integrity and the utilization of technology. Close collaboration with industry is key to accelerating innovation downstream and enhancing national competitiveness.
Palm oil, he continued, is a strategic commodity for Indonesia that plays a role in the global economy and politics. "This CoE not only addresses industry needs but also strengthens Indonesia's palm oil identity on the international stage," he asserted.
The CoE for Palm Oil at UMM is designed in collaboration with the industrial world (DUDI) to equip students in Agrotechnology, Food Technology, and Industrial Engineering with technical, managerial competencies, and an understanding of current regulations in the palm oil sector. Its curriculum is based on SKSNI and OBE-MBKM, combining one semester of lectures with one semester of internships in companies, ensuring graduates are ready to contribute to both national and global industries.
In addition to enhancing the quality of university education, this CoE also serves as a research and technology center that can provide tangible contributions to regional development, particularly in East Java. Students involved in this program gain in-depth knowledge of technology, regulations, and developments in the palm oil industry at both national and global levels.
The event also featured the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between UMM and PT Eagle High Plantations. This MoU serves as a foundation for the development of applied research, technology, and community empowerment in East Java. Group Head of Estate Operations at PT Eagle High, Ronny Gandey, expressed his commitment to supporting the development of superior human resources through this program.
UMM's Vice Rector IV, Muhamad Salis Yuniardi, explained that the CoE for Palm Oil is part of the UMM PASTI program (Guaranteed Graduation, Guaranteed Employment, Guaranteed Independence) to ensure students master theory and practice in balance.
"The CoE for Palm Oil is here to bridge the gap between industry and higher education. This initiative is born purely from industry needs, ensuring closer and more sustainable collaboration," he added. (T2)
