Indonesia Adds Palm Oil Genetic Resources from Tanzania, Here's the Purpose

Efforts to strengthen the national palm oil genetic foundation continue through collaboration between the government, industry, and research institutions. The Indonesian Palm Oil Entrepreneurs Association (GAPKI), along with PT Riset Perkebunan Nusantara (RPN) and PT Socfin Indonesia, organised the Release of Genetic Resources from Tanzania – Enrichment of Germplasm for the New Generation of Indonesian Palm Oil. The event took place at the Tanah Besih Estate in Tebing Syahbandar Subdistrict, Serdang Bedagai Regency, North Sumatra, on Tuesday (5/5/2026). The programme also received funding support from the Plantation Fund Management Agency (BPDP). The release of these genetic resources (SDG) represents a strategic step in expanding the diversity of Indonesia’s palm oil germplasm. Genetic diversity is considered a key factor in producing superior varieties that are more productive, adaptive to climate change, and resistant to various environmental stresses. “With the arrival of these new SDG from Tanzania, we are opening up great opportunities to further enrich the genetic diversity we possess. Today, we are not only distributing genetic resources but looking towards a new future for Indonesian palm oil productivity,” said Eddy in a press release on Wednesday (6/5/2026). He added that collaboration between the government, business actors, research institutions, and international partners is an important factor in strengthening the national palm oil industry. “We view collaboration between the government, business actors, research institutions, and international partners as very important. The distribution of this SDG is not just a technical activity but part of a joint effort to strengthen the competitiveness of the Indonesian palm oil industry on the global stage,” Eddy explained. “Every entry of biological material into Indonesia, including genetic resources such as palm oil seeds from Tanzania, is strictly supervised to ensure it does not bring risks that could disrupt Indonesia’s ecosystem,” said Aprida. She explained that before being permitted entry by the Minister of Agriculture, the seeds underwent comprehensive risk analysis for plant pest organisms. Subsequently, a series of plant quarantine measures were carried out, from inspection, isolation, observation, to release. The President Director of BPDP, represented by the Directorate of Fund Distribution, Mohammad Alfansyah, emphasised BPDP’s commitment to promoting the sustainability of the palm oil industry through various strategic research initiatives. “BPDP is committed to supporting strategic research initiatives. Funding support is part of efforts to strengthen the palm oil industry,” he stated.