InfoSAWIT, ACEH UTARA – In a boost for educational access, the local chapter of the Palm Oil Farmers Union (SPKS) has assisted 40 students from farming families in applying for fully-funded university scholarships through the Palm Oil Human Resource Development Program (SDMPKS).

The initiative, backed by the Palm Oil Plantation Fund Management Agency (BPDP), targets children of smallholder oil palm farmers across Indonesia's production regions. SPKS Aceh chairman Abubakar AR personally oversaw the application process, which concluded May 24.

"These 40 students from six Aceh Utara subdistricts represent the future of our industry," Abubakar said. "This program finally gives farming families the educational opportunities they've long been denied."

Successful applicants will receive full tuition at partner universities for degrees related to plantation agriculture, with the dual aim of professionalizing the sector and keeping young people engaged in family farms. SPKS has pledged continued support through the selection and enrollment process.

The scholarship program forms part of broader efforts to improve human capital in Indonesia's vital palm oil sector, which has historically suffered from productivity gaps due to limited access to technical education among smallholder families. (T2)