InfoSAWIT, PUTUSSIBAU — Efforts to promote the welfare of palm farmers in the outermost, frontier, and disadvantaged (3T) regions continue to be intensified. Through the support of the Palm Oil Plantation Fund Management Agency (BPDP), the Indonesian Palm Oil Farmers' Forum Association (POPSI) together with Media Perkebunan held Technical Training for Palm Farmers themed “Palm Development for Community Welfare in 3T Areas”, at Hotel Grand Banana, Putussibau, Kapuas Hulu Regency, West Kalimantan, Friday (31/10).

This activity received a warm welcome from the community. More than 150 participants consisting of independent palm farmers, village heads, cooperative administrators, extension workers, and community leaders filled the training room. The participants' enthusiasm reflects the spirit of Kapuas Hulu residents to make palm oil the main economic source of the region.

POPSI Secretary General and Leader of Media Perkebunan, Hendra J. Purba, expressed appreciation for the support from all parties, especially the Regional People's Representative Council (DPRD) and the Kapuas Hulu Regency Government, which helped encourage the event's implementation.

“The enthusiasm is extraordinary. With a short preparation time, this activity could be carried out thanks to the encouragement from the DPRD Chairman and the Regent. Our target was 150 participants because the building capacity is limited, even though many still want to join,” said Hendra in an official statement received by InfoSAWIT, Friday (31/10/2026).

On that occasion, Hendra reminded the importance of using legal and certified seeds to avoid losses due to fake seeds still circulating in the community.

“Currently, there are 21 registered official palm seed producers. We hope farmers are not tempted by cheap seeds without official labels because the risks are high—could lead to harvest failure and long-term losses,” he emphasized.

Meanwhile, POPSI Chairman, Mansuetus Darto, highlighted the great potential for palm development in Kapuas Hulu accompanied by infrastructure and technology challenges.

“This region has vast land and a community enthusiastic about planting palm. However, limitations in road access, markets, and technology are the main challenges. Therefore, sustainable palm is the middle way between economic needs and environmental preservation,” explained Darto.

POPSI, he continued, is committed to making palm farmers the main actors in the industry value chain, not just price receivers. This effort is pursued through technical training, strengthening transparent cooperatives, and facilitating sustainable certifications such as ISPO.

“We want farmers to be part of the production chain that has added value. This can only be achieved through strong cooperatives and open governance,” he added.

Support also came from the Kapuas Hulu DPRD Chairman, Yanto, S.P., who considered this training a crucial momentum to improve the capacity of smallholder palm farmers.

“Most farmers in Kapuas Hulu do not yet understand how to choose superior seeds, cultivation techniques according to agronomic standards, and the benefits of BPDP programs such as PSR, Sarpras, and HR development. We fully support so that activities like this continue,” said Yanto.

According to him, the smallholder palm sector in Kapuas Hulu is still small and not yet optimized to drive regional economic growth. “There must be strategic steps so that farmers are not left behind. The DPRD is ready to ensure people-oriented policies,” he emphasized.

On the same occasion, the Kapuas Hulu Regent, Fransiskus Diaan, S.H., M.H., who officially opened the event, called palm oil a strategic sector for local and national economies. However, he emphasized the importance of balance between economic development and environmental preservation.

“Kapuas Hulu has a land area of 31,328 km², with 56% being protected and conservation forest areas. So only about 20% of the land can be utilized for plantations and agriculture,” he explained.

The Regent also reminded the community not to be tempted by illegal palm seeds widely circulating in the market.

“Use labeled and certified seeds. Even though the price is slightly higher, the results are much better and beneficial for farmers in the long term,” he advised.

Fransiskus emphasized the local government's commitment to synergize with farmers, cooperatives, companies, and institutions such as BPDP and POPSI in realizing productive, competitive, and sustainable palm governance.

“We want palm in Kapuas Hulu not only economically beneficial, but also provide social benefits and maintain environmental integrity. Let us develop palm wisely to become a source of community welfare while protecting the environment,” he concluded. (T2)