PALMOILMAGAZINE, SERDANG BEDAGAI — Efforts to strengthen Indonesia’s oil palm genetic foundation continue to advance through collaboration among the government, industry players, and research institutions. The Gabungan Pengusaha Kelapa Sawit Indonesia (GAPKI), together with PT Riset Perkebunan Nusantara (RPN) and PT Socfin Indonesia, organized an event titled “Release of Tanzania-Origin Genetic Resources – Germplasm Enrichment for the Next Generation of Indonesian Oil Palm” at Tanah Besih Plantation, Tebing Syahbandar District, Serdang Bedagai Regency, North Sumatra, on Tuesday (May 5, 2026).
The initiative is part of a research program initiated by the Directorate General of Plantations under Indonesia’s Ministry of Agriculture, focusing on enriching oil palm genetic resources through international exploration, particularly from Tanzania. The program also received funding support from the Plantation Fund Management Agency (BPDP).
The release of the genetic resources marked a strategic step in expanding Indonesia’s oil palm germplasm diversity. Greater genetic diversity is considered crucial for developing superior oil palm varieties with higher productivity, stronger climate adaptability, and improved resistance to environmental stress.
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GAPKI Chairman Eddy Martono said genetic resources are the key foundation for improving oil palm productivity, resistance to pests and diseases, and adaptability to climate change.
“With the arrival of these new genetic resources from Tanzania, we are opening major opportunities to further enrich our genetic diversity. Today, we are not only distributing genetic resources, but also looking toward a new future for Indonesia’s oil palm productivity,” Eddy said in a statement received by Palmoilmagazine.com on Thursday (May 7).
He explained that the main objectives of the program include officially marking the release of Tanzania-origin oil palm genetic resources, strengthening the crop’s genetic foundation, enhancing collaboration among stakeholders, and encouraging the development of next-generation superior varieties capable of addressing future challenges in the palm oil industry.
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“We believe collaboration between the government, businesses, research institutions, and international partners is extremely important. The distribution of these genetic resources is not merely a technical activity, but part of a broader effort to strengthen the competitiveness of Indonesia’s palm oil industry on the global stage,” he added.
Representing the Indonesian Quarantine Agency, Director of Plant Quarantine Risk Management Aprida Cristin stated that the importation of Tanzania-origin oil palm genetic seeds represents a strategic move to support the development of Indonesia’s agricultural sector, particularly in improving the productivity and competitiveness of the country’s palm oil industry.
“Every biological material entering Indonesia, including genetic resources such as oil palm seeds from Tanzania, is strictly supervised to ensure it does not carry risks that could disrupt Indonesia’s ecosystem,” Aprida explained.
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She noted that before being approved by the Minister of Agriculture, the seeds underwent a comprehensive pest risk analysis process. The materials were also subjected to a series of plant quarantine procedures, including inspection, isolation, observation, and eventual clearance.
“This lengthy process reflects the implementation of the precautionary principle, which serves as the primary foundation of quarantine measures to prevent the entry and spread of quarantine plant pests while protecting the health of biological commodities and preserving national genetic resources,” she said.
Representing BPDP President Director, Director of Fund Distribution Mohammad Alfansyah reaffirmed BPDP’s commitment to supporting the sustainability of Indonesia’s palm oil industry through strategic research initiatives.
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“BPDP remains committed to supporting strategic research initiatives. Funding support is part of our broader efforts to strengthen the palm oil industry,” he said.
Meanwhile, PT Socfin Indonesia General Manager Erikson Ginting, as host of the event, expressed pride in being part of the release of Tanzania-origin genetic resources, which he believes will provide significant benefits for the industry.
“These genetic resources will deliver tangible benefits and become a new driver of competitiveness. Socfin is always ready to contribute to strengthening the palm oil industry,” Erikson remarked.
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The event was attended by representatives from GAPKI, BPDP, the Directorate General of Plantations of the Ministry of Agriculture, the Indonesian Quarantine Agency, Tanzania’s Ambassador to Indonesia Macocha Moshe Tembele, the North Sumatra Center for Animal, Fish, and Plant Quarantine, as well as 14 partner companies within the Indonesian oil palm germplasm consortium.
Through this initiative, Indonesia is expected to further strengthen its position as a global leader in an innovation-driven and sustainable palm oil industry. (P3)
