PALMOILMAGAZINE, BANDA ACEH — A warm and enthusiastic atmosphere marked the Technical Training on Oil Palm Cultivation held from July 21–25, 2025, at Ayani Hotel, Banda Aceh. A total of 84 oil palm farmers from Aceh Tamiang and East Aceh took part in the event, representing three training cohorts — Batch V, VI, and XV — under the 2025 Palm Oil Human Resource Development Program.
The program is a collaboration between the Plantation Fund Management Agency (BPDP), the Directorate General of Plantations (Ditjenbun) of the Ministry of Agriculture, and IPB Training. Its core objective is to enhance farmers’ capacity and skills in implementing productive, sustainable, and nationally standardized oil palm cultivation practices.
The training was officially opened on Monday (21/7/2025) by key officials including Zulfadli, Secretary of the Aceh Provincial Agriculture and Plantation Office; M. Apuk Ismane, Head of Institutional and Workforce Development at BPPSDMP of the Ministry of Agriculture; and Tulus Tri Margono, Head of Empowerment at Ditjenbun — all underscoring the importance of cross-institutional synergy in empowering smallholder farmers to thrive in a fast-evolving palm oil industry.
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Led by five expert trainers from IPB Training, the program focused on both theory and hands-on field application. One of the trainers, Hariyadi, M.S., stressed the importance of solid foundational knowledge. “The three keys to successful oil palm cultivation are selecting the right location, using certified superior seedlings, and practicing optimal management. These elements must go hand in hand,” he explained.
On Thursday (24/7/2025), participants visited PT Agro Sinergi Nusantara for practical exposure across three plantation zones: nurseries, immature palms, and mature plantations. They observed harvesting techniques, pest identification and control, and post-harvest handling.
The visit was hosted by Zuhri Pradana, Estate Manager of Kebun Tanoh Makmue Seujahtera, who guided the farmers in identifying healthy seedlings, transplanting methods, and managing certified seeds. Participants were also encouraged to engage in active discussions throughout the session.
Farmers expressed great enthusiasm. Kamisan, a farmer from Bandar Pusaka, Aceh Tamiang, said the training was a turning point in his 15-year farming experience. “This is my first training based on scientific methods. I’ve realized that many practices I used were outdated — even the recommended planting distance of 9×9 meters in a quincunx pattern was new to me,” he admitted.
Similarly, Sufrio from East Aceh highlighted the training’s value in promoting sustainable farming. “Now we know the ideal fertilization schedule, how to identify high-quality seedlings, and effective pest control strategies. We hope this kind of training continues,” he said.
Zulfadli emphasized that this initiative is vital to unlocking Aceh’s vast oil palm potential, with over 230,000 hectares of plantations. “Oil palm is not only a major income source for farmers but also a pillar of regional revenue. Such training will shape the sector’s future,” he noted.
Tulus Tri Margono revealed that around 42% of Indonesia’s oil palm plantations are managed by smallholders, but with average yields still low at just 3 tons per hectare annually. “The real potential is 5 to 6 tons per hectare. The solution lies in better management, superior seeds, and proper fertilization,” he explained.
Meanwhile, M. Apuk Ismane from BPPSDMP stressed the importance of collaboration between government and private institutions to develop agricultural human resources. “This program aligns with the 2025–2029 agricultural development goals to produce modern, productive, and competitive farmers,” he stated.
The training covered a wide range of technical topics, including land planning, seedling development, planting techniques, maintenance, fertilization, and pest and disease control. All content was structured systematically and delivered interactively by IPB Training experts.
Overall, the training was well received by participants, providing not only new insights but also opportunities to build networks and future collaboration among farmers.
This initiative reflects a clear message: palm oil sector development isn’t just about land and yields — it’s equally about investing in the people behind it. With enhanced skills and knowledge, Aceh’s palm oil smallholders are now better equipped to manage sustainable, efficient plantations — supporting the broader goal of palm-based national food and energy security. (P2)
