PTPN Group and PT KUAB Develop National Soybean Ecosystem
The Special Envoy of the President of the Republic of Indonesia for Climate and Energy, Hashim S. Djojohad .adikusumo, has welcomed the synergy between the Nusantara Plantation Holding PTPN III (Persero) and PT Karya Unggulan Anak Bangsa (KUAB) in supporting the development of national soybeans. This collaboration is regarded as a strategic step towards building a foundation for soybean self-sufficiency while optimising Indonesia’s agricultural land potential.
The synergy was marked by the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding regarding land use and the development of soybean cultivation from upstream to downstream. A primary focus is the establishment of a Soybean Seed Development Centre, which is expected to support the availability of high-quality seeds for national soybean production.
The signing was conducted by the President Director of PT KUAB, Prof. Ali Zum Mashar, and the Director of Assets of PTPN III (Persero), Agung Setya Imam Efendi, witnessed by the President Director of PTPN III (Persero), Denaldy Mulino Mauna, and Hashim S. Djojohadikusumo.
“I believe this is very strategic for soybean food self-sufficiency. I express my gratitude to PTPN. This is a very strategic cooperation for the Indonesian nation,” said Hashim during the signing ceremony in Jakarta on Friday (11/09/2026).
Hashim hopes that the development of national soybeans can drive the achievement of self-sufficiency within approximately three to four years. He also sees a significant opportunity to build a soybean seed ecosystem that can support cooperatives and farmers across various regions in Indonesia.
“We should be able to achieve soybean self-sufficiency in perhaps 3-4 years. Our intention is to supply seeds to cooperatives or many farmers throughout Indonesia, as much of Indonesia’s land is very suitable for soybeans,” he added.
The programme aligns with the strategic agenda of the Government through the Ministry of Agriculture to strengthen national food security and independence, including efforts towards soybean self-sufficiency.
As a State-Owned Enterprise (SOE) with a strategic role in driving the national plantation sector, PTPandum Group is committed to supporting various Government priority programmes in food security. This support is realised through the optimisation of company assets and capabilities, as well as developing collaborations with various parties to build a productive and sustainable national soybean ecosystem.
The President Director of PTPN III (Persero), Denaldy Mulino Mauna, stated that the Nusantara Plantation Holding will perform coordination and facilitation functions to ensure that the synergy between PTPN Group entities runs in a directed, measurable manner, and in accordance with good corporate governance principles.
“PTPN Group is ready to play its role in supporting national soybean development through measured and feasibility-based collaboration. This programme will be implemented in stages so that the business model, productivity, land readiness, and sustainability can be tested and evaluated objectively,” said Denaldy.
According to Denaldy, PTPN Group possesses experience in plantation management, operational capabilities, and potential assets that can be synergised with the technology, varieties, funding, and cultivation capabilities held by PT KUAB.
Under the cooperation plan, PTPN I (SupportingCo), PTPN IV (PalmCo), and PT Sinergi Gula Nusantara (SugarCo) will play roles according to their respective land ownership and management. PTPN IV (PalmCo) will also support knowledge transfer, cultivation development, and the absorption of soybeans for subsequent planting needs.
Meanwhile, PT KUAB will be responsible for the implementation of cultivation, the provision of technology and MIGO soybean varieties, funding, and knowledge transfer in the execution of the programme. The event was also attended by the Board of Directors and representatives from PPPP I (SupportingCo), PTPN IV (PalmCo), and PT Sinergi Gula Nusantara (SugarCo).
Potential Development Reaching 4,800 Hectares
The cooperation plan covers several indicative locations within the PTPN Group environment with a total potential development of approximately 4,800 hectares. These locations include the Jalupang Plantation in Subang Regency, Pasir Badak Plantation in Sukabumi Regency, Cikumpay Plantation in Purwakarta Regency, Cibungur Plantation in Sukabumi Regency, Cisalak Baru Plantation in Lebak Regency, and the Jatitujuh Sugar Factory area in Majalengka Regency.
The development is also directed towards supporting the formation of a Soybean Seed Development Centre as a foundation for building the national soybean ecosystem. Through this initiative, the collaboration covers not only cultivation aspects but also the strengthening of the seed system, which is expected to be replicated and developed alongside cooperatives and farmers in various regions.
This initiative is also in line with the Government’s plan to encourage national soybean development, including the plan to assign PTPN Group to develop soybeans across up to 250,000 hectares gradually until 2029. The collaboration between PTPN Group and PT KUAB is expected to be a part of building the ecosystem readiness, development models, and production capacity required to support this agenda.
This Memorandum of Understanding serves as an initial foundation for the parties to conduct deeper studies into technical aspects, productivity, business models, land readiness, and programme sustainability.
Prior to the signing of the MoU, PTPN Group and PT KUAB conducted field visits and inspections at several potential cultivation sites. This was followed by discussions on land suitability, mapping of proposed areas, and the preparation of the cooperation draft.
Through this collaboration, PTPN Group reaffirms its commitment as an SOE driving the plantation sector to continue supporting the Government’s strategic programmes in strengthening national food security and independence.