Indonesia’s Prabowo-Gibran Administration Expected to Strengthen Palm Oil Industry
In an era pushing for agricultural and economic advancements, Indonesia’s upcoming government, led by Prabowo Subianto-Gibran Rakabuming Raka, aims to bolster the competitiveness of palm oil, heralding a strategic shift for both domestic and global markets. The emphasis on palm oil, a pivotal commodity, is anticipated to bring protective as well as promotional policies to the forefront, according to insights from a prominent scholar.
Rachmat Pambudy, a professor at Bogor Agricultural University (IPB), stresses the importance of adopting a dual approach towards the palm oil sector. He highlights the necessity for implementing both protective measures and promotional strategies, to shield the industry against market volatility while also enhancing its global positioning. “The government can opt for a protection policy for palm cross due to its often unstable nature, employing various strategies for active and passive protection,” Pambudy elaborated, underlining the potential paths that could safeguard and elevate palm oil’s status on the world stage.
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Central to the proposed policies is the pivotal role of the Oil Palm Plantation Fund Management Agency (BPDPKS), which Pambudy suggests should play a crucial part in providing financial support and guidance. He argued for the establishment of BPDPKS, emphasizing that it must be grounded in robust data and compelling arguments to truly benefit the vast ecosystem of palm oil stakeholders. “I see the establishment of BPDPKS as a necessity and as part of the strategy to produce superior, competitive products,” Pambudy remarked during a discussion titled “Maintaining the Sustainability of the Palm Oil Industry in the New Government.
The formation and legitimization of the BPDPKS, according to Pambudy, should firmly adhere to existing laws and regulations to ensure its effectiveness and relevance. This emerging entity is envisioned as a cornerstone for strategic planning and execution in the palm oil sector, promising to leverage innovative and sustainable practices.
Fenny Sofyan, a communication staff member of the Indonesian Palm Oil Association (GAPKI), brought to light another significant challenge faced by the industry: the tarnishing of palm oil’s image due to negative campaigns. Sofyan advocates for a strong push towards upholding the Indonesia Sustainable Palm Oil (ISPO) policy to counteract these narratives effectively. By making ISPO the sole certification standard, the aim is to guarantee full market acceptance of Indonesian palm oil products.
“The acceptance of palm oil by the community must happen, hence, ISPO is a value for the industry players. That is why in the next government, we hope that there will be advocacy regarding this matter,” Sofyan expressed. Her statement underscores a collective aspiration for the Prabowo-Gibran administration to foster a more inclusive and admired palm oil sector, through rigorous policies and strategic initiatives.
With the winds of change at its back, Indonesia’s palm oil industry stands at the cusp of transformation. The incoming government’s commitment to fortifying the sector through innovative policies and strategic frameworks promises to reshape its global narrative and propel it towards sustainable growth and recognition.
