PALU – The Indonesian Palm Oil Association’s (GAPKI) Sulawesi Branch Office has shown its commitment to driving innovation in the palm oil sector by organizing the Celebes Forum 2025. Held in Palu, Central Sulawesi, the event was focused on the theme of digitalization as a driver of sustainability in the palm oil industry.
The Head of GAPKI Sulawesi Branch, Dony Yoga Perdana, said that digital transformation is now urgent in the plantation industry. “Digitalization can accelerate various processes in the palm oil industry, from harvesting and maintenance to processing. If developed sustainably, this technology will significantly bring positive impact to the industry,” said Dony.
Currently, GAPKI Sulawesi groups 18 palm oil companies operating in provinces of Central Sulawesi and West Sulawesi. “Approximately, 70 percent of GAPKI Sulawesi members have implemented digital systems in their plantation operations. Most companies have begun adopting digital technology for efficiency and for increasing productivity,” Dony said.
The Celebes Forum 2025 serves as an important platform for conducting discussions and seeking collaborations among industry players, academics, and policymakers. The forum highlights various strategic issues, including productivity challenges, the need for replanting of oil palm plantations with the age of over 25 years old, and the implementation of sustainability standards.
Dony emphasized that sustainability will become the focal point for the future of the palm oil industry.
“Palm oil industry should be environmentally friendly, pay attention to worker welfare, and comply with prevailing regulations, including on the requirement to obtain the certification of Indonesian Sustainable Palm Oil (ISPO),” he said.
With the theme “Facing the Challenges of Indonesia’s Sustainable Oil Palm Plantations in the Digital Era,” the Celebes Forum 2025 is expected to be a crucial momentum in strengthening collaborations and in accelerating digital transformation in the Indonesian palm oil sector. (*)
