InfoSAWIT, ACEH – Palm oil plantations are not only a leading national commodity but also the economic backbone for communities across various regions. Recognizing this strategic role, IPB Training, in collaboration with the Oil Palm Plantation Fund Management Agency (BPDP) and the Directorate General of Plantations (Ditjenbun), held a Technical Training on Oil Palm Cultivation for cohorts IX, X, and XVII in Aceh from August 19-23, 2025.
Participants hailed from Aceh Tamiang and East Aceh, two key centers for palm oil production in the province. During the opening, several officials emphasized that palm oil plays a significant role as a driver of the local economy. With proper management, the commodity can not only increase farmers' income but also create new jobs.
Baginda Siagian, Director of Oil Palm and Various Palms, stated via a video call that strengthening the human resources in the palm oil sector is key to the success of national food security programs. "Improving the competence of palm oil farmers will ultimately have a direct impact on community welfare. This is the main goal of this program," he said in an official statement received by InfoSAWIT on Sunday (24/8/2025).
The training was designed to do more than just equip participants with technical skills. It also instilled an understanding of the importance of sustainable cultivation practices. This ensures that palm oil plantations can continue to provide economic benefits without sacrificing environmental sustainability, guaranteeing long-term prosperity for future generations.
The participants were encouraged to become agents of change in their respective areas, bringing new knowledge that can be passed on to farmer groups, colleagues, and village communities. The success of palm oil, it was emphasized, is measured not only by harvest productivity but also by its contribution to the economic and social development of society.
N.M. Apuk Ismane from the Ministry of Agriculture's BPPSDMP added that strengthening human resources in major producing regions must continue to be accelerated. "Aceh has great potential to become a role model for palm oil human resource development in Indonesia," he said.
This training, which brought together academics, practitioners, and local government officials, is hoped to become a learning model that can be replicated in other regions. In doing so, Aceh will not only improve the quality of its local palm oil human resources but also inspire the development of sustainable plantations at a national level. (T2)
