The palm oil industry is increasingly recognized as a key driver of Indonesia’s economic growth and global green energy transition. Arief Poyuono, Chairman of the Indonesian Plasma Palm Oil Farmers Association, highlighted that rising global demand and a supportive domestic environment have accelerated the industry’s growth. This has not only contributed between 4.5% to 12% of Indonesia’s GDP but also created millions of jobs, especially in rural areas where palm cultivation is concentrated.

To further maximize the industry’s impact, Arief emphasized the importance of integrating palm oil-specific education at the vocational school level. He proposed the establishment of specialized technical schools focusing on sustainable agriculture, efficient harvesting, processing, and industry-relevant skills. Students would engage in both classroom learning and hands-on internships with palm oil companies. He also stressed the need for collaboration between industry and education sectors to align training with real-world demands and support sustainable palm oil production.

Source: https://rmol.id/amp/2025/07/16/673137/industri-sawit-mainkan-peran-penting-pertumbuhan-ekonomi-