PALMOILMAGAZINE, JAKARTA – The holy month of Ramadan is often seen as a time for reflection and renewal. For the palm oil industry, the moment also provides an opportunity to reflect on how a single commodity contributes to many aspects of daily life—from household needs to a wide range of industrial applications.
This theme was highlighted during a Ramadan iftar gathering hosted by Asian Agri and Apical at GIOI Menteng in Jakarta on March 5, 2026. The event brought together media representatives and served as a platform to strengthen relationships while exchanging perspectives on the development of the palm oil sector and its role in Indonesia’s economy and everyday life.
In his remarks, Johan Kurniawan, Director of Corporate Affairs at RGE Palm Business, said the values emphasized during Ramadan closely align with the principles required to manage a responsible palm oil industry.
“Ramadan teaches us integrity and consistency—doing the right thing even when no one is watching. The same principle is essential in ensuring that palm oil is managed responsibly and sustainably,” says Johan, at an event attended by Palmoilmagazine.com.
He emphasized that the benefits generated by the palm oil sector are not produced instantly but are the result of integrated management across the entire value chain.
At the upstream level, Asian Agri focuses on building a strong foundation in plantation management. This includes the use of high-quality Topaz seeds, the implementation of responsible cultivation practices, and replanting programs designed to maintain productivity without expanding into new land. Partnerships with smallholder farmers also play a critical role in supporting the sustainability of the palm oil industry.
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“Sustainability cannot be built alone. Strong partnerships with farmers are key to creating a resilient and responsible palm oil industry,” Johan added.
Meanwhile, in the downstream segment, Apical processes palm oil into a wide range of value-added products through an integrated supply chain. These products extend beyond cooking oil and serve as raw materials for multiple industries, including oleochemicals and renewable energy such as sustainable aviation fuel (SAF).
The spirit of delivering broader benefits was also reflected in several initiatives carried out during Ramadan.
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In its operational areas across North Sumatra, Riau, and Jambi, Asian Agri once again organized cooking oil bazaars for surrounding communities ahead of Eid al-Fitr. Through the program, residents can purchase premium cooking oil at affordable prices, helping households meet their needs during the fasting month.
Apical also participated in a cooking oil bazaar program organized in collaboration with the Ministry of Industry. Over three days, around 600 cartons of cooking oil under the Minyakita and Camar brands were distributed to the public.
These initiatives are part of broader efforts to ensure that the benefits of the palm oil industry can be felt directly by communities.
Closing the event, Johan noted that Ramadan serves as a reminder that sustainable growth is not determined solely by innovation and productivity. Equally important are integrity, strong partnerships, and a commitment to continuously delivering value and benefits to society through meaningful programs and initiatives. (P3)
