Palm oil is seen as a key commodity for achieving Net Zero Emissions (NZE) in the industrial sector by 2050. Setiadi Diarta, Director of the Marine and Plantation Products Industry at Indonesia's Ministry of Industry, announced that the "Golden Palm Oil 2045" program aims to eliminate carbon emissions from the national palm oil industry. Speaking at the 2nd Technology and Talent Palm Oil Mill Indonesian (2nd TPOMI 2024) in Bandung, Setiadi emphasized sustainable and traceable development as crucial for the global market acceptance of palm oil products. He highlighted the significant economic value of the palm oil sector, contributing over IDR 750 trillion annually, equivalent to 3.5% of Indonesia's GDP in 2023. The Ministry of Industry is currently developing a roadmap to ensure the sustainable growth of the palm oil industry from upstream to downstream sectors by 2045. Achmad Mangga Barani, former Director General of Plantations, noted the rapid technological advancements in palm oil mills, including digitalization and artificial intelligence, which have improved efficiency and production value. He stressed the need for Indonesia to keep pace with these developments to avoid stagnation.
Tatang Hernas Soerawidjaja, Chairman of the Indonesian Bioenergy Experts Association (IKABI), pointed out that current crude palm oil (CPO) production technologies, which are over 100 years old, are inefficient in terms of water and energy use. He called for the adoption of more water- and energy-efficient technologies that minimize waste. Sahat Sinaga, Acting Chairman of the Indonesian Palm Oil Board (DMSI), recommended transitioning from "wet-process" to "dry-process" technology in palm oil processing to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and environmental pollution. The 2nd TPOMI 2024, held from 18-19 July, showcased the latest innovations and talent in the palm oil industry, addressing current challenges and highlighting advancements in technology and human resource management. The event, supported by the Palm Oil Plantation Fund Management Agency (BPDPKS), aimed to improve yield and align the industry's workforce with modern requirements.
