The Rector of IPB University, Prof. Arif Satria, demonstrated the sustainable practice of Indonesian palm oil plantations to 11 European Union Ambassadors. In the Webinar of the IPB University Alumni Association, (16/12), Prof. Arif said that so far, oil palm plantations in Indonesia have been carried out based on the principles of sustainability.
“The evidence on the ground already exists. Therefore, I hope that with this seminar, there will be more inspirations and ideas that can be expressed in the form of policies or research agendas,” he said in the activity which was part of the National Conference (Munas) VI of the IPB University Alumni Association.
According to him, palm oil is Indonesia’s leading commodity so that its exports are the largest in the world. “IPB University continues to come up with extraordinary innovations. IPB University already has a catalyst that makes palm oil material as one hundred percent energy (B100). In addition, IPB University has also produced innovations from palm oil derivatives into biomaterials, ” he explained.
He added that the palm oil derivatives produced were bullet-proof vests, organic hand sanitizers to environmentally friendly helmets.
“Upstream, technology has been growing. In collaboration with PT Pupuk Kaltim, through technology 4.0, we develop oil palm plantations with precision. The fertilization technology is better and has been applied in various places. Research continues, including the logistics system that uses the blockchain system and its biodiversity monitoring,” he explained.
Meanwhile, Ir Fathan Kamil (General Chair of HA IPB University) said that this event was part of the active contribution of alumni in strengthening policies in an important sector, namely palm oil.
“We want to build strong competitiveness. Hopefully this webinar can make a positive contribution in strengthening the policy base of the country going forward. It can bring consolidation to the actors and stakeholders in the palm oil industry,” he said.
Dr Ir Musdhalifah Machmud, Deputy for Food and Agriculture Coordination at the Coordinating Ministry for the Economy, added that one of the agricultural commodities that was able to survive the COVID-19 pandemic was palm oil.
“The Indonesian palm oil industry is able to absorb 16.2 million workers. From economic statistics, palm oil contributes 3.5 percent of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP), reducing inflation by 1.75 percent and total state spending by 1.74 percent. Palm oil also creates a positive trade balance and becomes the largest non-oil and gas export product,” she said.
Therefore, she continued, the palm oil sector, which is the backbone of the national economy, needs to be guarded. Not only by the government but by all stakeholders, including IPB University.
According to her, palm oil can also realize national energy independence through mandatory biodiesel. Can save foreign exchange and reduce imports of diesel up to 38 trillion rupiah. Globally, Indonesia has a 58 percent market share. The domestic palm oil industry is also capable of producing 160 different types of downstream products. And will continue to be improved with innovations that have high added value
“Indonesia produces 40 percent of the world’s total vegetable oil. Downstreaming of palm oil is also still a challenge. The international challenge is the rise of negative campaigns related to palm oil and the policies carried out by the European Union.
In addition, Dr Dadan Kusdiana, Director General of New Renewable Energy and Energy Conservation (EBTKE) of the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) was also present at this event.
“The potential for palm oil waste is to produce 8,730 MW of electricity. Palm oil can also be developed as Compressed Biomethane Gas (CBG). Palm oil for biofuel has the potential to reach 34 million kilo liters. Meanwhile, for a biomass power plant, the potential reaches 13,273 and biogas reaches 1,785 MW,” he explained.
Ir Sucipto Prayitno, MM, Director of PT Perkebunan Nusantara IV discussed material related to the strategy for developing the palm oil industry in a sustainable manner. And for the topic of accelerating and strengthening the added value (downstream) of Indonesian palm oil products, Prof Erliza Hambali, MS, an Expert on Downstream Oil Palm Industry at IPB University was present. (Dh/Zul) (IAAS/SYA)
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