Innovations in the Field of Oil Palm will Get Incentives
To improve global competitiveness, Indonesian Oil Palm Society (Maksi) held a National Seminar on Acceleration of Oil Palm Industry Innovations in IICC Bogor (26/1). In line with the instruction of the President of Indonesia, Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, i.e. accelerated strengthening of Indonesian economy, Maksi follows up by making inventions in the field of oil palm.
After five consecutive years as the world’s largest CPO producer, the palm oil industry of Indonesia is faced by the environmentally unfriendly issues. Innovations in the field of palm oil are made as part of efforts to reduce the negative image.
Prof. Tien Muchtadi, Chairman of Maksi 2009-2011, in the press conference said the Innovation Committee of Indonesia (KIN) with Maksi has already recommended the government that the inventors be diligent in doing research and get adequate reward.
An invention which has not been applied in the market can not be regarded as an innovation. Therefore a bridging idea comes up by forming a cluster of innovation (an area of industrial innovation) so that there will be interaction between the actors.
This step is considered to be able to improve Indonesia’s CPO export. Although Indonesia is said to be the world’s largest CPO producer, but the exports of CPO and processed products are still below Malaysia. In addition, industrial innovation operators will be facilitated with the implementation of the Trade Ministry’s Regulation No. 35 that they are not subject to taxes. With all of these waivers, the industry will be mature and ready to compete globally. Further, it is expected that this potential will grow as a national flagship. If it stands out, then the others will rise.
"The innovation which is the closest to the palm oil industry is the use of red color in the palm oil waste. It contains beta-carotene, which is usually removed, but there is a compound that can maintain young age and is good for the health of heart and eyes. No industry has touched it although the price of beta-carotene could reach hundreds of dollars." says Prof. Tien. On the occasion, Chairman of the Maksi 2012-2015 Prof. Dr. Ir. Endang Gumbira Said was also elected. (Mtd)
