Downstream Palm Oil Industry Encourages Society to Understand Palm Oil Benefits Through Social Activities
Three downstream palm oil industry associations comprising the Indonesian Biofuel Producers Association (Aprobi), the Indonesian Oleochemical Producers Association (Apolin), and the Indonesian Vegetable Oil Industry Association (GIMNI) have invited the public to become better acquainted with the benefits of palm oil in daily life. One of the initiatives undertaken by these three associations is collaborating with the Agricultural Journalists Forum (Forwatan) to distribute social assistance to three orphanages in Depok, West Java. The aid provided consists of cooking oil, food products derived from palm oil, and rice to support the daily needs of orphanage residents.
Aprobi representative Rahayu Dwi Mumpuni stated that the palm oil industry not only contributes to the national economy but also produces various products used by society daily. “From cooking oil, food, to biodiesel, everything comes from palm oil. That is why we hope that the existence of this industry can also provide direct benefits to the public,” she said in Jakarta on Monday.
Rahayu explained that palm oil is a strategic Indonesian commodity with numerous applications in daily life. Its derivative products are used in various needs, ranging from cooking oil, soap, chocolate, to ice cream. “Palm oil products are used almost throughout the day in our lives, from soap to food,” she said.
Beyond its benefits for daily life, the palm oil industry also makes a substantial contribution to the national economy. Currently, the area of palm oil plantations in Indonesia reaches approximately 16.8 million hectares, spread from Aceh to Papua. The industry also absorbs approximately 17 million workers, both in the plantation and processing sectors.
Indonesia itself is one of the world’s largest exporters of palm oil, with major markets including India, Europe, China, the Middle East, and Africa. According to data from the Ministry of Industry, the economic value of the downstream palm oil sector is estimated to reach approximately Rp750 trillion, or equivalent to approximately 3.5% of Indonesia’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
Rahayu added that the social assistance distribution activity has been conducted routinely over the last seven years as a form of concern from the palm oil industry towards society.
Meanwhile, Forwatan Chairman Beledug Bantolo stated that assistance was distributed to three foundations in Depok City: the Marhamatur Ridho Orphan & Poor Foundation, the Darussalam Orphanage Foundation Sukmajaya East Depok, and the INTIFA Love for Orphans and Poor Foundation Al Ikhwaniyah. According to him, the activity also serves as a means to introduce the various benefits of the palm oil industry to the public. “Palm oil derivative products are utilised in various sectors, from cooking oil for food needs to biodiesel which is used as a mixture of fuel additives,” he said.