PALMOILMAGAZINE, SANUR – Bali once again hosts over 500 participants from various countries at the International Conference on Oil Palm and the Environment (ICOPE) 2025. Held at the Bali Beach Convention in Sanur, the event is organized by Sinar Mas Agribusiness and Food, the Agricultural Research Centre for International Development (CIRAD), and WWF Indonesia.
Delegates from India, the Netherlands, France, Malaysia, the United Kingdom, Finland, Colombia, and Spain gathered to collaborate on sustainability strategies, climate adaptation, and the transformation of the palm oil industry toward a more environmentally friendly future.
The conference, opened by Deputy Minister of Agriculture Sudaryono, serves as a platform for academics, scientists, government officials, financial institutions, industry players, and non-governmental organizations to discuss the future of the palm oil sector based on scientific research.
Also Read: Vice Minister of Agriculture Sudaryono Highlights Ecosystem Restoration at 7th ICOPE Conference
“When we work together, we can go further and faster. The sustainability of the palm oil industry is Indonesia’s ‘golden egg,’” Sudaryono stated during the opening of the 7th ICOPE, attended by Palmoilmagazine.com on Wednesday (February 12, 2025). He also emphasized that Indonesia has significant potential to support President Prabowo Subianto’s three key priorities: food security, energy self-sufficiency, and industrial downstreaming.
Jean-Pierre Caliman, Co-Chairman of ICOPE 2025, highlighted the importance of global collaboration in turning environmental challenges into opportunities. “We share the same goal—to develop a more climate-friendly and sustainable palm oil agricultural system,” he said.
This year’s theme, “Agroecological Transformation of Palm Oil: Toward Climate-Friendly and Sustainable Agriculture,” reflects the urgency of addressing climate change challenges.
Also Read: Sinar Mas CEO Calls for Climate-Positive Agriculture at ICOPE 2025
Franky O. Widjaja, Chairman and CEO of Sinar Mas Agribusiness and Food, stressed that the future of the palm oil industry depends on innovation and close collaboration among governments, businesses, academia, and communities.
“We are committed to implementing best practices in sustainable agriculture while protecting biodiversity and surrounding ecosystems,” Franky stated.
Dewi Lestari Yani Rizki, Director of Conservation at WWF Indonesia, also highlighted the need for transformation in the palm oil industry to support Indonesia’s carbon emission reduction targets. “Strong governance is essential to ensure the industry meets global market demands,” she added.
Jean-Marc Roda, Regional Director of CIRAD, emphasized that ICOPE aims to be a catalyst for change in the palm oil industry. “This conference provides a platform for researchers to share the latest data and recommendations to guide the sector’s evolution,” he explained.
Amid growing climate challenges and global food demands, ICOPE 2025 is expected to deliver concrete solutions. With a science-based approach and international collaboration, the conference is set to steer the palm oil industry toward a more sustainable and environmentally responsible future. (P2)
