PALMOILMAGAZINE, JAKARTA – The Director-General of Higher Education at the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, and Technology (Kemdiktisaintek), Prof. Khairul Munadi, emphasized that the Center of Excellence (CoE) for Palm Oil at Universitas Muhammadiyah Malang (UMM) is a strategic initiative to support a sustainable green economy. According to him, higher education transformation must focus on tangible impacts on national development, particularly through synergy between academia and industry.
This statement was made during the launch of the Palm Oil Professional Class held on Wednesday (March 5, 2025) at GKB IV, 9th floor, Universitas Muhammadiyah Malang. The event was attended by UMM Vice-Rector IV, Muhamad Salis Yuniardi, the Indonesian Ambassador to Colombia (2017–2022), Priyo Iswanto, and representatives from PT Eagle High Plantations Tbk.
Prof. Khairul Munadi highlighted that UMM’s Palm Oil CoE is a concrete example of a productive collaboration between academia and industry. “This program aligns with the Asta Cita mission to enhance the relevance of higher education by strengthening research, innovation, and governance that contribute to sustainable development,” he stated, as quoted by Palmoilmagazine.com from the official website of the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, and Technology, on Thursday (March 6, 2025).
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He further emphasized that universities must act as game changers in driving socio-ecological and economic transformation through academic integrity and technological advancement. Strong collaboration with the industry is crucial for accelerating innovation downstream and boosting national competitiveness.
Palm oil, he added, is a strategic commodity for Indonesia, playing a vital role in the global economy and politics. “This CoE not only meets industry demands but also strengthens Indonesia’s palm oil identity on the international stage,” he affirmed.
The UMM Palm Oil CoE program is designed in collaboration with the industry to equip students from Agrotechnology, Food Technology, and Industrial Engineering with technical skills, managerial expertise, and knowledge of the latest regulations in the palm oil sector. Its curriculum follows SKSNI and OBE-MBKM standards, combining one semester of academic study with another semester of internship at palm oil companies, ensuring graduates are industry-ready at both national and global levels.
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Beyond enhancing university education quality, the CoE also serves as a research and technology hub, making a significant contribution to regional development, especially in East Java. Students in this program gain in-depth knowledge of palm oil technology, regulations, and industry trends at both national and global scales.
The event also featured the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between UMM and PT Eagle High Plantations. This agreement lays the foundation for applied research, technology development, and community empowerment in East Java. PT Eagle High’s Group Head of Estate Operations, Ronny Gandey, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to fostering highly skilled human resources through this program.
UMM Vice-Rector IV, Muhamad Salis Yuniardi, explained that the Palm Oil CoE is part of UMM’s PASTI program (Pasti Lulus, Pasti Bekerja, Pasti Mandiri – Guaranteed Graduation, Guaranteed Employment, Guaranteed Independence), ensuring students gain a balanced mastery of theoretical and practical knowledge.
“The Palm Oil CoE bridges the gap between industry and higher education. This initiative is born out of industry needs, fostering stronger and more sustainable collaboration,” he added. (P2)
