PALMOILMAGAZINE, JAKARTA – Efforts to strengthen the competitiveness of micro, small, and medium enterprises (SMEs) continue through cross-sector collaboration. One such initiative was carried out by Apical, through its business unit PT Asianagro Agungjaya, by organizing an entrepreneurship training program for culinary SMEs in North Jakarta.
The program, titled “Peningkatan Kewirausahaan,” was held on April 8, 2026, at the North Jakarta Manpower, Transmigration, and Energy Office hall. It focused on improving production efficiency through better selection of cost-effective raw materials.
Participants were not only provided with theoretical knowledge but also engaged in hands-on practice, including preparing fried food products such as crispy cireng and fried chicken.
Also Read: Asian Agri and Apical Highlight Palm Oil’s Expanding Role from Plantations to Renewable Energy
During the training, participants compared the use of different cooking inputs, including Camar cooking oil and Frybest shortening produced by Apical. This practical approach enabled SMEs to directly understand how raw material choices impact production costs and final product quality.
In addition to cooking techniques, the program also emphasized the importance of maintaining product consistency and developing strategies to enhance market value amid increasing competition.
Apical Indonesia’s CSR Manager, Sugiantoro, stated that the initiative reflects the company’s long-term commitment to empowering SMEs.
“Apical is committed to contributing to community development, particularly for SMEs. Through this program, we hope business owners can improve production efficiency while maintaining quality, enabling them to compete more effectively in a highly competitive market,” he said in an official statement received by Palmoilmagazine.com on Wednesday, April 22, 2026.
Also Read: Apical Calls for Aligned Standards and Traceability to Accelerate SAF Growth in Asia Pacific
Head of the North Jakarta Manpower, Transmigration, and Energy Office, Noviar Dinaryanti, added that the partnership with Apical has been ongoing since 2020 and continues to deliver positive results.
“This collaboration demonstrates a sustainable synergy in improving skills and strengthening the competitiveness of SMEs in North Jakarta,” she noted.
One participant, Rahma, said the training provided practical benefits, particularly in understanding how to select efficient raw materials without compromising product quality.
“This program is very helpful. We now better understand how to reduce production costs while improving product quality,” she said.
Also Read: Indonesian CPO Prices Rise Slightly on Wednesday (April 22), Global Markets Continue to Strengthen
Through this initiative, Apical and local authorities aim to further support the growth of more productive, innovative, and competitive SMEs. Programs like this are also seen as essential in strengthening the local entrepreneurial ecosystem, especially in the culinary sector, which holds significant growth potential. (P2)
