PALMOILMAGAZINE, YOGYAKARTA — A warm and energetic atmosphere filled the Auditorium of the Institut Pertanian Stiper (INSTIPER) Yogyakarta in mid-September 2025. Hundreds of students receiving the Palm Oil Human Resource Development Scholarship (SDM PKS) attended a public lecture delivered by Dida Gardera, member of the Supervisory Board of the Plantation Fund Management Agency (BPDP) and Expert Staff for Connectivity and Service Development at the Coordinating Ministry for Economic Affairs.
During the session, Dida Gardera offered motivation and inspirational messages to scholarship recipients from various palm oil–producing regions across Indonesia. He underscored the importance of strong learning spirit and moral responsibility as the next generation of leaders in Indonesia’s palm oil industry.
“I am delighted to meet the SDM PKS scholarship students at INSTIPER. You have passed a highly competitive selection process, outperforming thousands of other applicants. Make the most of this opportunity to study, because the knowledge you gain here will be invaluable when you return to your communities and contribute to the development of Indonesia’s palm oil industry,” Dida said in an official statement received by Palmoilmagazine.com, Tuesday (11/11/2025).
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The public lecture was part of BPDP’s visit to INSTIPER to monitor the ongoing SDM PKS scholarship program, which has been implemented for several years. The initiative is one of BPDP’s strategic efforts to prepare highly skilled human resources for the palm oil sector—from upstream to downstream—so the national industry can become more competitive and sustainable.
The event was also attended by INSTIPER Rector Dr. Ir. Harsawardana, M.Eng., along with vice rectors and faculty leaders. In his remarks, Harsawardana highlighted the importance of student responsibility in making the most of the opportunities provided through the BPDP scholarship.
“I fully agree with the message delivered by Mr. Dida Gardera. This scholarship is not only a chance to study but also a responsibility. SDM PKS scholarship students must become change agents in the plantation sector, offering strategic ideas and practical solutions for the future development of Indonesia’s palm oil industry,” the Rector said.
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The public lecture concluded with an interactive discussion. Students enthusiastically followed the presentation and participated in a question-and-answer session covering the outlook of the palm oil industry, human resource development, and downstream innovation opportunities.
At the end of the event, several students expressed gratitude for the encouragement and guidance provided. They said they felt even more motivated to complete their studies with excellent results and to contribute meaningfully to their home regions. (P2)
