GAPKI Partners with BPDP to Encourage Young Palm Oil Generation to Develop Sustainable Palm Oil
Jakarta – The Indonesian Palm Oil Entrepreneurs Association (GAPKI) is promoting synergy among member companies, the Palm Oil Plantation Fund Management Agency (BPDP), local governments, and the education sector to foster understanding that palm oil is a strategic national commodity. It plays a significant role in job absorption, regional economic development, and sustainable growth.
One such effort involved organising the Sobat Sawit (Soswit) Goes To School Sulawesi event at SMK Negeri 1 Pasangkayu in West Sulawesi on Monday (4/5). Themed “Palm Oil is Close: Providing Jobs, Driving the Economy, Building the Region,” the event was officially opened by the Regent of Pasangkayu, Yaumil Ambo Djiwa, and attended by more than 280 students and teachers from various senior high schools and vocational schools in Pasangkayu Regency.
Dony Yoga Perdana, Chairman of the GAPKI Sulawesi Branch, expressed gratitude to all involved parties. He hoped the event would provide tangible benefits for the youth in Pasangkayu. The programme was organised by GAPKI in collaboration with member company PT Pasangkayu, and supported by relevant stakeholders.
“Through this programme, GAPKI aims to bring palm oil education closer, more interactive, and relevant to the younger generation, particularly high school and vocational students,” said Dony, as quoted in his statement on Monday, 4 May 2026.
In his remarks, the Regent of Pasangkayu emphasised that the palm oil sector has a strategic role in regional development, particularly in job absorption, boosting community economic activity, and growth in various supporting sectors at the local level.
“Through this event, I hope the students gain a correct and comprehensive understanding of palm oil, from cultivation processes and economic benefits to sustainable and environmentally friendly management. Become smart, creative sobat sawit who care about the environment,” said Yaumil Ambo Djiwa.
On the same occasion, Failur Rahman, an academic from the Faculty of Economics at Tadulako University in Palu, stated that palm oil contributes 90 percent of exports from West Sulawesi Province. According to him, this commodity is vital for the local community.
“The younger generation should be critical in reading news and information so as not to be misled by incorrect reports. Information validation is necessary,” stressed Failur Rahman.