The Pelalawan Indonesian Plantation Technology Institute (ITP2I) emphasized the urgency of transforming the national palm oil sector through strengthening downstream processing and integrating digital technology. This step is considered crucial for increasing product added value and addressing the challenges of global market dynamics that increasingly demand efficiency and sustainability.
During the 3rd Scientific Meeting, which coincided with ITP2I's 10th Anniversary, the Rector of ITP2I, Tengku Dahril, stressed that the institute is pushing to upgrade the academic qualifications of its teaching staff to the doctoral level. This effort aims to enable the higher education institution to become a research hub capable of generating innovative solutions for real problems in the plantation sector.
Assistant III of the Regional Secretariat of Pelalawan Regency, Mayhendri, added that reliance on raw material sales must end immediately. According to him, downstreaming palm oil derivative products is the main key to creating new jobs while boosting the economic welfare of the broader community at the regional level.
In addition to downstream processing, digital transformation through the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI), Internet of Things (IoT), and smart farming systems was a major agenda in the discussion. These technologies are expected to optimize industrial productivity while addressing international certification challenges, such as ISPO, and compliance with global environmental issues.
The international forum, attended by academics from Thailand and Malaysia as well as industry practitioners from Nigeria, is expected to yield strategic recommendations. Cross-sector collaboration between the government, higher education institutions, and the business sector is considered the main foundation for building a more modern, competitive Indonesian palm oil ecosystem that upholds environmental sustainability principles.
