MEDAN – The press plays a big role in supporting the development of palm oil industry in Indonesia. For such purpose, a synergy between the press and palm oil stakeholders should be continually strengthened.
The statement was made by Tofan Mahdi, Head of Communication Division at the Indonesian Palm Oil Association (GAPKI) when addressing a seminar which was held in conjunction with the commemoration of the national press day in Medan, North Sumatra province, on Wednesday, 8 February 2023.
“Through objective and positive publication, the image of palm oil industry will improve. It will then strengthen the sustainability of Indonesia’s palm oil industry,” said Tofan Mahdi.
Speaking before hundreds of students from various universities in North Sumatra and participants of the press day celebration, Tofan pointed out the strategic role of the palm oil in the national economy of Indonesia.
“Just look at Indonesian economy during the Covid-19 pandemic. At that time the contraction of Indonesian economy was the lowest compared to other countries, and even better than the developed countries,” he said.
Tofan said that in 2022 the contribution of palm oil in foreign exchange from exports was the highest during the history of palm oil, reaching USD39 billion or nearly Rp600 trillion. The high level of foreign exchange from palm oil exports helped Indonesia in supporting the stability of its rupiah exchange rate against the foreign currencies, especially the US dollars.
“It’s hard to imagine Indonesian economy without palm oil industry,” said Tofan, who is also a researcher at the Paramadina Public Policy Institute.
Asked about the prospect of palm oil industry in the future, Tofan said that he is optimistic it will continue to be positive. “The demand for palm oil at the global market will stay high. But will Indonesia stay the world’s largest producer and exporter of palm oil until the next 10-30 years, wallahualam (hopefully so),” he said.
Tofan said that to maintain the sustainability of Indonesian palm oil, the most important aspect to consider is the policy. “It’s not the low price of CPO that will destroy the palm oil industry. But if it can do so, it will take long time. It’s because the price fluctuates. It’s impossible to continue declining, as in due time it will increase. But wrong policy in managing palm oil industry can destroy the strategic industry in no time,” said Tofan.
In relation with the national press day, Totan hopes the Indonesian press will continue supporting the Indonesian palm oil industry. “Please continue helping the industry to fight against discrimination and negative campaigns against the palm oil industry. You should also participate in overseeing every process to formulate policies and regulations on palm oil,” he said. (*)
Source: GAPKI Press Release