PALMOILMAGAZINE, MENTOK – The West Bangka Regency Government, in collaboration with Gunung Sawit Bina Lestari (GSBL), has officially launched the Community Plantation Development Facility (FPKM) program. This initiative aims to improve the welfare of local oil palm farmers through sustainable agricultural support.
During the launch event in Dusun Ibulume, Belo Laut, Mentok District, on Wednesday, West Bangka Regent Sukirman emphasized that the program represents a strong partnership between the local government and the private sector in boosting the regional economy.
“As an initial step, the government, along with Belolaut Village and GSBL, has prepared 32 hectares of land for oil palm cultivation. This initiative is expected to enhance the livelihoods of local farmers,” Sukirman stated, as quoted by Palmoilmagazine.com from Antara on Friday (February 28, 2025).
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According to him, the FPKM program provides various forms of support, including fertilizer, seedlings, and technical assistance. Based on previous experiences, a two-hectare oil palm plantation can yield up to four tons of fresh fruit bunches (FFB), offering significant economic benefits to farmers.
Cooperative-Based Partnership Model
Belolaut Village Head, Ibnu, explained that GSBL supports the program through a cooperative-based partnership model. Farmers who join will receive assistance in land clearing, seedling supply, and fertilizers, with interest-free capital support.
“This model ensures that the land remains owned by the farmers, while the provided assistance is repaid gradually through harvested crops, which are sold to the company via the cooperative,” he said.
This approach is designed to ensure sustainability, guaranteeing that farmers have market access at competitive prices.
Expansion to Other Villages
Beyond Dusun Ibulume, the FPKM program is set to expand to other villages in Mentok District in stages. The government and GSBL are confident that this initiative will bring long-term economic benefits to the region.
“We hope this program will continue to grow. After Ibulume, we will gradually extend it to other villages,” Sukirman added.
The FPKM launch was marked by a symbolic planting event in Dusun Ibulume, attended by West Bangka Regent Sukirman, GSBL executives, and local government officials. This program is expected to become a model for partnership-based plantation development in other regions. (P2)
