JAKARTA – The Indonesian Palm Oil Association (GAPKI) Chairman Eddy Martono said that in dealing with the current challenges, Indonesian palm oil industries need the support of research and development initiated by the Oil Palm Plantation Fund Management Board (BPDPKS.

Eddy underlined the importance of BPDPKS’ role in financing the upstream palm oil industry, which has given positive contribution to Indonesia economy. “One example on this is the ongoing project to bring in superior seeds and pollinating insects from West Africa Barat to Indonesia,” he said.

Eddy said that the research program currently funded by BPDPKS is focused on applied research, which will directly contribute to national productivity. He admitted that previously a number of BPDPKS researches were less applicative, but now the BPDPKS researches are more focused and applicative. “Currently, the applied researches have been progressing well, and no longer just for the researchers’ reputation,” said Eddy.

GAPKI also highlighted the importance of replanting program for oil palm smallholders’ plantations as part of efforts to increase the national production of palm oil.

Eddy urged the government to simplify the replanting procedures, so that it becomes more effective as a solution to national production decline. It is also necessary for Indonesia as the world’s largest producer and exporter, as well as major consuming country of palm oil products. (*)