PALMOILMAGAZINE, PANGKALAN BUN – The Office of Industry, Trade, Cooperatives, and MSMEs (Disperindagkop UKM) of West Kotawaringin Regency (Kobar) is strengthening its commitment to unlock the potential of palm oil through entrepreneurship. This initiative was underscored by its full support for the Palm Oil-Based MSME Entrepreneurship Practice for Food and Energy Independence, held at Mercure Hotel Pangkalan Bun earlier this week.
Alfan Khusnaini, Head of Disperindagkop UKM Kobar, emphasized that palm oil should not be seen merely as an export commodity. It also holds significant potential to be processed into food and energy products by MSMEs. “We encourage palm oil-based MSMEs in Kobar to become key players in creating added value, so that together we can achieve food and energy independence,” he said, as quoted by Palmoilmagazine.com on Thursday (Aug 28, 2025).
As a follow-up, Maryami, Head of the MSME Division at Disperindagkop UKM Kobar, joined the event on Tuesday (Aug 26) as a speaker. She shared strategies to empower MSMEs, ranging from skills development and access to financing, to building sustainable business networks. The presence of the agency’s representatives was expected to inspire participants with motivation and confidence to expand their palm oil-based enterprises.
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The program was initiated by the Sawit Center – Akademi Komunitas Perkebunan Yogyakarta (AKPY) in collaboration with the Palm Oil Plantation Fund Management Agency (BPDPKS). Forty participants took part in the training, which also received academic backing, including insights from Dr. Sri Gunawan of AKPY-Stiper.
Through this cross-sector collaboration, Disperindagkop UKM Kobar is optimistic that palm oil MSMEs will grow into a vital pillar in strengthening regional food and energy resilience, while delivering real benefits for the community. (P2)
