InfoSAWIT, MEDAN – The Oil Palm Plantation Fund Management Agency (BPDP) has once again affirmed its commitment to supporting the development of research and promoting palm oil-based Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs). This was demonstrated through BPDP's participation in the North Sumatra Innovation and Investment Week (PIISU) 2025, held at Maimun Palace, Medan, from August 20–23, 2025.

At this annual event, which serves as a showcase for regional innovation and investment potential, BPDP featured an SME booth displaying a variety of palm oil derivative products. These included Jayanti Batik Sawit, environmentally friendly polybags by students from the Industrial Chemical Technology Polytechnic (PTKI), Palm Oil Honey from PPKS Medan research, palm sugar, palm frond sandals, and other creative products based on palm oil.

Beyond product exhibition, the BPDP booth also served as an interactive educational space. Visitors were invited to participate in activities such as painting pots made from palm oil waste, playing Kahoot games, and trying a spin wheel quiz with information about palm oil. Public enthusiasm was high, with over 400 people visiting the BPDP booth throughout the event.

The Head of BPDP's Cooperation, Community, and SME Division, Helmi Muhansyah, stated that his institution's support for SMEs is part of its mission to expand the benefits of palm oil. "BPDP always encourages SMEs to innovate and grow. Palm oil derivative products have great potential to meet community needs while opening up new business opportunities," he said in an official statement received by InfoSAWIT on Tuesday (9/2/2025).

BPDP has also launched a catalog of 100 palm oil SME products as part of its promotion and education on the diversity of palm oil derivatives.

BPDP's involvement in PIISU 2025 was highly appreciated. Out of 82 participating booths, BPDP won the award for "Most Favorite Stand." This achievement is proof that palm oil derivative products are not only economically valuable but also capable of attracting public attention.

The 11th PIISU 2025 featured seminars, a culinary festival, cultural performances, and an exhibition of flagship products from various agencies, state-owned enterprises, ministries, and SMEs. The event is expected to be a bridge for the public to learn more about the region's potential and open up new investment opportunities in North Sumatra. (T2)