PALMOILMAGAZINE, MEDAN – Palm oil plantations in Indonesia have a long history, dating back to the early 20th century. The first commercial planting occurred in 1911 by Oliepalmen Cultur in Pulau Raja, Asahan. This initiative was continued by the England de Sumatra – RCMA and other companies, contributing significantly to the development of the palm oil industry in East Sumatra.
According to information from the Pusat Penelitian Kelapa Sawit (PPKS), Firma Seumadan Cultuur Mij started planting in Kebun Seumadan, while other firms operated around Sungai Liput Cultuur Mij. These plantations were part of Socfindo, which also developed plantations around Sungai Liput in Aceh Province.
Additionally, Palmbomen Cultuur Mij planted palm oil in Mapoli and Tanjung Genteng, while Medang Ara Cultuur Mij developed plantations in Medang Ara. The Huilleries de Deli planted palm oil in Deli Muda.
Also Read: The 19th Century Boom: Palm Oil’s Emergence
Palm oil plantation got expansion until 1920s. Many palm oil plantations developed in Aceh and Sumatera. Not only palm oil, the other commodities, such as, coffee, rubber, coconut, and tobacco developed in the same time. These showed plantation industries developed fast in Indonesia, and adapted to the market needs globally.
Palm oil plantation would be the main pillar of the economy in Indonesia, particularly in Sumatera. Many companies developed the technology and agricultural practices to escalate the production and be efficient. One significant contribution in the progress is the roles of PPKS that keeps conducting research and development to support palm oil industries. (P2)
