PALMOILMAGAZINE, JAKARTA – Gorontalo Regency has reaffirmed its commitment to advancing a sustainable palm oil industry by promoting downstream processing and strengthening collaboration among government, businesses, and smallholder farmers.
The commitment was delivered by Gorontalo Vice Regent Tonny S. Junus during the 2026 National Working Meeting (Rakernas) and Workshop of the Indonesian Palm Oil Producing Regencies Association (AKPSI), held at Bidakara Hotel in South Jakarta on Tuesday (July 7).
Held under the theme “Palm Oil for the People,” the annual forum brought together central and regional government representatives to align policies for sustainable palm oil development while enhancing the competitiveness and value creation of one of Indonesia’s key agricultural commodities.
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Speaking at the event, Tonny said Gorontalo is ready to play a greater role in expanding the downstream palm oil sector through partnerships involving local governments, private companies, and farming communities.
“Gorontalo Regency is prepared to strengthen downstream palm oil development through collaboration between government, the private sector, and farmers. This approach will ensure that the added value generated by the palm oil industry is enjoyed directly by local communities,” he said.
According to Tonny, the palm oil sector has significant potential to become a key driver of regional economic growth, provided it is managed professionally, sustainably, and with strong environmental safeguards.
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He emphasized that downstream processing is essential to improving the industry’s competitiveness while expanding economic opportunities for farmers and palm oil-producing regions. Developing local processing facilities, he noted, would not only increase the value of palm oil products but also create jobs and stimulate regional economic activity.
Tonny also described the AKPSI National Working Meeting as an important platform for strengthening cooperation among palm oil-producing regencies, exchanging best practices in plantation management, and attracting investment to accelerate the development of Indonesia’s palm oil industry.
He expressed hope that the meeting would produce policy recommendations that better support smallholder farmers and local governments, stressing that close cooperation among public institutions, businesses, and communities remains essential to building an inclusive, competitive, and sustainable palm oil sector.
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Tonny attended the event accompanied by Gorontalo Regency Health Office Head Ismail Akaseh, underscoring the local government’s support for national strategies aimed at sustainable plantation development and improving the welfare of communities in palm oil-producing regions. (P2)
