InfoSAWIT, PONTIANAK — The Ministry of Industry (Kemenperin) continues to enhance the development of the downstream palm oil industry as a strategic effort to support the national economy. This initiative has shown positive results with a significant increase in the export ratio of palm oil derivative products. If in 2010 the composition was still 40% raw materials and 60% downstream products, by 2024 it has drastically changed to 7% raw materials and 93% downstream products.
"This demonstrates extraordinary progress in the development of the palm oil processing industry domestically. The number of derivative products has also surged from 48 types in 2011 to around 200 types in 2024," said Minister of Industry Agus Gumiwang Kartasasmita in an official statement received by InfoSAWIT on Saturday (May 31, 2025).
Agus emphasized the importance of providing quality raw materials and technological innovation in refining and processing palm oil to produce high-value-added products. "Competent human resources are also a key factor in supporting the development of this industry," he stated.
To cultivate superior human resources in the palm oil industry, Kemenperin relies on vocational education institutions, including SMK-SMTI Pontianak, which has a specific focus on the palm oil industry.
Head of the Industrial Human Resource Development Agency (BPSDMI) Masrokhan stated that each educational unit under Kemenperin has sectoral specialties, from vocational schools to polytechnics and community academies. "Developing competent industrial human resources is our top priority," he said.
As part of strengthening vocational education, SMK-SMTI Pontianak received a visit from PT Perkebunan Nusantara (PTPN) IV Regional V through the "Palm Co Goes to School: Cerdas Bersama Palm Co" program on Tuesday, May 27, 2025.
The Principal of SMK-SMTI Pontianak, Marwandi, appreciated PTPN IV's contribution. "We focus on the palm oil and textile industries. This activity greatly enriches students' knowledge," he explained.
During the event, Senior Executive Vice President of PTPN IV Regional V, Darmansyah Siregar, presented material themed "The Future In Our Palm." He explained the strategic role of palm oil as a sustainable commodity, accompanied by the company's commitment to Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles.
Darmansyah also encouraged students to become a workforce-ready generation and free from drugs. "It is not impossible that a sustainable partnership between PTPN and SMK-SMTI Pontianak can be established in the future," he said.
The event continued with an interactive Q&A session, reflecting students' enthusiasm for career opportunities in the palm oil industry. Three students raised questions about job opportunities in state-owned enterprises, the role of the younger generation in sustainable palm oil, and the importance of hard and soft skills in leadership.
The agenda concluded with the symbolic handover of grants from PTPN IV to SMK-SMTI Pontianak. The assistance included five volleyballs, five soccer balls, five basketballs, and two laptops as support for student activities at the school. (T2)
