IPB University and Agrinas Palma Establish Strategic Cooperation in the Field of Plantation and Agroindustry
IPB University and PT Agrinas Palma Nusantara officially established a strategic cooperation in the development of the plantation and agroindustry sectors, especially in the development of oil palm. This collaboration emphasizes the commitment of both parties to strengthen research, innovation, and productivity in the national agricultural sector.
IPB University Rector Prof Arif Satria, stated that IPB University is ready to become a research and development (RnD) center for Agrinas Palma.
“We have great resources, both in terms of lecturers and students. IPB University is ready to become a strategic partner for palm oil research, including in the issue of pests and diseases and biodiversity,” said Prof Arif after the signing of the MoU with Agrinas Palma at the Business School, IPB Gunung Gede Campus on Friday (5/23).
Furthermore, Prof Arif explained that the main challenge in oil palm cultivation lies in pest and disease control, as well as sustainability issues. IPB University has prepared a sustainable palm oil demonstration plot in Jambi which has even been visited by 11 European Union Ambassadors.
In addition, Prof Arif said, IPB University has also developed a method of detecting biodiversity and the effectiveness of fertilization in oil palm land based on algorithms. He also highlighted the success of intercropping oil palm and cattle in Jonggol, as well as the production of animal feed that has been exported.
In addition, there are also palm oil derivative products such as helmets, bulletproof vests, and clothing that Prof Arif considers potential for further development. Including the potential for developing sugar from palm oil as a new innovation that will provide high added value.
“In essence, IPB University is ready to be used as RnD for Agrinas Palma. Because this is a National Strategic Project (PSN), IPB University will be ready to continue to support,” he said.
President Director of PT Agrinas Palma Nusantara, Lieutenant General TNI (Ret.) Agus Sutomo said that the establishment of this company is part of Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto’s big vision to realize national independence.
“We want the wealth of this country to be enjoyed by all Indonesian people. Therefore, Agrinas is present as part of the effort to build national food and energy sovereignty,” he said.
With a target of managing 1 million hectares of oil palm land, Agrinas Palma realizes the importance of collaboration with educational and research institutions such as IPB University. Therefore, this collaboration is expected to be an important milestone in the development of a sustainable palm oil industry, which has a real impact on the welfare of the community and national economic progress.
“IPB University is the most superior institution in the fields of agriculture, animal husbandry, and agribusiness. We need IPB University’s assistance in managing crude palm oil (CPO), developing cooking oil, and integrating cattle farming in oil palm plantations,” Agus explained. (*/Rz) (IAAS/LAN)
