LABUHANBATU SELATAN | INDATANEWS.COM - Di tengah hamparan hijau kebun kelapa sawit milik Sekolah Menengah Kejuruan Negeri (SMKN) 1 Silangkitang, ada satu nama yang tak pernah tercatat dalam dokumen resmi sekolah. Tidak pernah diumumkan melalui pengeras suara. Tidak pernah ikut dalam upacara bendera pada hari Senin, dan tidak pula diabadikan dalam sebuah prasasti. Namun, nama itu justru hidup dalam ingatan banyak siswa yang pernah melintas di antara barisan pohon sawit di belakang sekolah.
Namanya, Perdi "Topaz". Ya, Perdi "Topaz"! Pakai huruf "P", bukan "F", sebuah pilhan yang tidak lajim!
Perdi "Topaz" bukan guru, bukan siswa berprestasi, apalagi tokoh yang sering naik podium. Ia hanyalah sebatang pohon kelapa sawit yang tumbuh di bagian tengah kebun sekolah, tepat di dekat lintasan utama yang setiap hari dilalui siswa dan guru, jika sedang berlangsung praktik lapangan.
Nama itu muncul secara sederhana. Seseorang, entah siapa, menuliskannya menggunakan tipe-x warna putih pada batang pohon sawit. Tidak ada prosesi penabalan nama, tidak ada izin resmi, dan tidak ada acara syukuran sebagaimana lazimnya pemberian nama kepada seorang anak manusia. Tiba-tiba saja, pohon itu memiliki identitas. Namanya; Perdi.Lantas bagaimana sebutan "Topaz" bisa melekat? Pohon sawit itu berasal dari bibit jenis Topaz. Maka, pohon itu resmi memiliki nama lengkap; Perdi "Topaz"!
Tulisan "Perdi Topaz" yang menempel pada batangnya membuat pohon sawit biasa itu menjadi berbeda dari 107 pohon lainnya yang tumbuh di kebun SMKN 1 Silangkitang. Ia sukses menjadi icon, menjadi titik temu dan menjadi objek yang kerap mengundang senyum bagi siapa saja yang melihatnya.
Mungkin itulah keunikan sebuah nama. Ketika diberikan, bahkan secara spontan dan tanpa rencana, ia mampu menghadirkan kedekatan emosional.
Padahal, sejatinya Perdi "Topaz" hanyalah satu dari 108 pohon kelapa sawit yang tumbuh di lahan sekolah seluas lebih kurang satu hektare yang berada tepat di belakang SMKN 1 Silangkitang, Desa Suka Dame, Kabupaten Labuhanbatu Selatan, Sumatera Utara (Sumut).
Namun, kisah Perdi "Topaz", tidak bisa dipisahkan dari sepenggal kisah pengorbanan.
Di suatu waktu, pihak sekolah menghadapi kebutuhan yang lebih besar. Untuk mendukung kegiatan praktik dan pengembangan pembelajaran, diperlukan lokasi khusus untuk pengolahan pupuk kandang atau kompos.
Lahan harus tersedia. Harus dan wajib!
Pilihan yang ada tidak mudah. Tiga pohon sawit akhirnya harus mengalah. Ketiganya rela roboh ke tanah agar area tersebut dapat digunakan sebagai tempat pengolahan pupuk kandang. Bisa jadi, itu konsekuensi tumbuh di bagian sudut!
Pengorbanan itu tidak kecil. Tidak ada piagam penghargaan. Tidak ada ucapan terima kasih. Tidak ada tanda jasa. Namun, ketiga pohon itu rela tiada demi sesuatu yang lebih penting; tersedianya fasilitas yang akan mendukung proses pembelajaran dan pengembangan keterampilan para siswa. Mereka pergi dalam diam, meninggalkan ruang bagi tumbuhnya ilmu pengetahuan.
Beruntung, Perdi "Topaz" masih berdiri!
Ia tetap tumbuh bersama 104pohon lainnya, menjadi saksi perjalanan kebun sekolah yang selama ini memberikan manfaat nyata bagi dunia pendidikan.
POHON SAWIT BERNAMA PERDI "TOPAZ": Seorang guru pembimbing melihat tulisan Perdi menggunakan tipe-x pada sebatang pohon kelapa sawit yang ditanam di kebun Sekolah Menengah Kejuruan Negeri (SMKN) 1 Silangkitang, Labuhanbatu Selatan, Sumatera Utara, dari bantuan PT. SMA, anak perusahaan Asian Agri, Rabu, 10 Juni 2026. (FOTO: Ahmad Zulfikar Sagala)
Memberi Manfaat Bagi Siswa dan Guru
Kepala SMKN 1 Silangkitang, Hj. Dina Karyawati Saragih, S.E., M.M., mengatakan setiap 15 hari sekali, kebun tersebut menghasilkan panen Tandan Buah Segar (TBS) sawit dengan berat antara 500 hingga 600 kilogram. Hasil penjualan TBS menjadi salah satu sumber pendukung berbagai kebutuhan pendidikan di sekolah.
"Uangnya kita pakai untuk membantu proses belajar siswa. Kadang untuk biayai kursus persiapan hadapi Tes Kemampuan Akademik. Kadang untuk kebutuhan Assessment Nasional yang diselenggarakan Dinas Pendidikan dari provinsi, khususnya untuk siswa kelas XII," ujar Hj. Dina Saragih.
Hj. Dina Saragih menambahkan, manfaat hasil penjualan sawit tidak berhenti di ruang kelas. Hasil kebun juga menopang berbagai kegiatan ekstrakurikuler yang menjadi wadah pengembangan minat dan bakat siswa. Mulai dari kegiatan pramuka, drum band, pelatihan komputer, hingga pengadaan berbagai perlengkapan penunjang olahraga.
Kendati demikian, sebagian hasil kebun juga digunakan untuk mendukung peningkatan kompetensi tenaga pendidik melalui Pelatihan Keterampilan Guru (PKG), baik yang diselenggarakan di lingkungan SMKN 1 Silangkitang maupun kegiatan yang digelar oleh Dinas Pendidikan Sumut.
"Hasil panennya memang masih terbatas karena lahan kita juga tidak luas. Hanya sekitar 1 hektare. Tetapi ini sangat membantu meringankan beban kami. Ada income dari kebun sekolah, itu sudah kami syukuri," ucap Hj. Dina Saragih.
Hj. Dina Saragihjuga mengatakan, keberadaan kebun sekolah memiliki manfaat ganda. Tidak hanya penopang berbagai keburuhan pembiayaan siswa dan guru, tetapi menjadi sarana praktik para siswa.
"Sekolah punya satu jurusan, Agribisnis Tanaman Perkebunan. Jadi, kebun kita itu sangat menunjang praktik siswa. Saat ada praktik, siswa bisa langsung kita bawa ke kebun sendiri. Hemat waktu," jelasnya.
Bantuan Bibit Topaz Asian Agri
Koordinator Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Asian Agri wilayah Sumut, Muchtar, menyebutkankeberadaan kebun kelapa sawit SMKN 1 Silangkitang merupakan wujud kepedulian PT. Supra Matra Abadi (SMA), anak perusahaan Asian Agri, dalam mendukung peningkatan mutu dan kualitas pendidikan di wilayah sekitar operasional perusahaan.
"Lokasi kebun berada di kawasan Ring II perusahaan.Sekitar 10 kilometer dari areal perkebunan sawit PT. SMA. Memang lahannya tidak terlalu luas, tapi keberadaannya memberikan dampak yang sangat besar bagi sekolah," ucapnya.
Lebih lanjut, Muchtar menyebutkan, kebun tersebut merupakan bagian dari Program Sekolah Sawit Lestari Asian Agri di wilayah Sumut.
"Pihak sekolah punya lahan kosong. Kita bantu olah lahannya.Kita tanami sawit, rawat, pupuk, kemudian kita serahkan kepada pihak sekolah. Semua gratis. Hasil panennya untuk sekolah," jelas Muchtar.
Muchtar mengatakan, pihaknya sengaja memilih bibit kelapa sawit jenis Topazuntuk ditanam di kebun SMKN 1 Silangkitang, karena bibit sawit Topaz merupakan varietas kelapa sawit unggul (DxP) yang dikembangkan oleh Asian Agri Benih Topaz. Varietas ini dikenal memiliki potensi produksi tinggi serta rendemen minyak yang sangat baik, sehingga menjadi salah satu pilihan utama petani di Indonesia.
Keunggulan Topaz terlihat dari produktivitasnya. Generasi kedua bibit ini mampu menghasilkan TBS rata-rata sekitar 38 ton per hektare per tahun dengan rendemen minyak mencapai 29 persen. Selain itu, Topaz juga mampu beradaptasi di berbagai jenis tanah, termasuk tanah mineral maupun tanah marjinal.
"Dari sisi ketahanan, bibit ini dikenal tangguh. Varian khusus seperti Topaz GTmemiliki toleransi terhadap penyakit busuk pangkal batang yang disebabkan jamur Ganoderma, salah satu ancaman serius dalam budidaya sawit," ujar Muchtar.
Ia juga menegaskan, potensi panen bibit Topaz GT juga menjanjikan. Dengan siklus panen setiap 15 hari sekali, satu tandan buah dapat mencapai berat sekitar 20 kilogram, dan masa produktif optimalnya dapat berlangsung hingga 20 sampai 25 tahun.
"Di antara seluruh keunggulan teknis itu, Topaz di kebun sekolah ini tidak hanya menjadi komoditas, tetapi juga media pembelajaran hidup yang tumbuh di halaman pendidikan," tambah Muchtar.
SISWA PRAKTIK PEMUPUKAN POHON SAWIT: Seorang siswa Sekolah Menengah Kejuruan Negeri (SMKN) 1 Silangkitang, Labuhanbatu Selatan, Sumatera Utara, sedang menyiapkan pupuk ke dalam timba dalam kegiatan praktik lapangan di kebun kelapa sawit di belakang sekolah, Rabu, 10 Juni 2026. Kebun ini ditanam dari bantuan bibit jenis Topaz Asian Agri sebagai bentuk kepedulian terhadap dunia pendidikan. (FOTO: Ahmad Zulfikar Sagala)
Implementasi Filosofi "5C" Asian AgriSementara Media Relation Asian Agri, Lidia Veronika Ginting,menyebutkan kebun sawit SMKN 1 Silangkitang merupakan bagian dari implementasi filosofi bisnis Asian Agri yang berlandaskan pada prinsip "5C" yakni; community, country, climate, customer, dan company.
Filosofi community (masyarakat) adalahkomitmen Asian Agri memberikan manfaat dan meningkatkan kesejahteraan masyarakat, termasuk memberdayakan petani plasma dan swadaya yang bermitra.
Selanjutnya filosofi country (negara) yaitudalam membangun bisnis Asian Agri wajib memberikan kontribusi nyata bagi negara, berpartisipasi dalam ketahanan pangan, menciptakan lapangan kerja, dan mematuhi regulasi yang berlaku.
Filosofi ketiga adalah climate (iklim) yakni Asian Agri berkomitmenmenjaga kelestarian lingkungan dan iklim melalui praktik perkebunan kelapa sawit berkelanjutan, serta komitmen menuju zero emissiondan penggunaan energi terbarukan.
Sedangkan filosofi keempat adalah customer (pelanggan) yaitu Asian Agri senantiasa fokus menghadirkan produk Cruide Palm Oil(CPO) berkualitas tinggi dengan layanan yang bernilai tambah guna memenuhi kebutuhan serta kepuasan pelanggan.
Terakhir, filosofi company (perusahaan) yakni Asian Agri harus terus tumbuh, dikelola dengan baik, dan berkelanjutan secara komersial agar dapat terus menciptakan nilai bagi seluruh pemangku kepentingan.
"Filosofi ini yang menjadi panduan perusahaan dalam beroperasi, berekspansi, dan memberikan dampak positif secara menyeluruh," papar Lidia Ginting.
Kebun Sawit Sekolah Jadi Jembatan Cita-cita
Ternyata, setiap tandan buah yang dipanen dari kebun SMKN 1 Silangkitang, bukan sekadar hasil perkebunan semata. Di baliknya terdapat harapan, kesempatan belajar, peningkatan kualitas sumber daya manusia, dan masa depan yang sedang dipersiapkan.
Di tengah semua manfaat itu, Perdi "Topaz"tetap berdiri tenang.Kian kokoh bersama 104 pohon lainnya. Siap menghadapi hujan dan badai demi ratusan siswa SMKN 1 Silangkitang meraih prestasi.
Nama Perdi "Topaz" mungkin lahir dari sebuah keisengan seorang siswa. Tulisan putih di batangnya mungkin suatu hari akan memudar diterpa hujan dan panas matahari. Namun kisahnya telah menjadi bagian dari cerita kebun sekolah.
Ia mengingatkan bahwa pendidikan tidak selalu tumbuh dari ruang kelas. Kadang-kadang, pendidikan juga tumbuh dari sebidang tanah di belakang sekolah. Dari pohon-pohon yang menghasilkan buah atau dari pengorbanan tiga pohon yang mengalah demi lokasi pembuatan kompos. Tentu tidak luput dari kepedulian Asian Agri terhadap dunia pendidikan, dan bisa juga dari "kreativitas konyol" seorang siswa yang memberi nama pada sebatang pohon sawit.
Karena itu, ketika seseorang berjalan di lintasan utama kebun SMKN 1 Silangkitang dan saat melihat tulisan sederhana di batang pohon sawit, ia akan memahami satu hal; bahwa Perdi "Topaz" bukan sekadar pohon kelapa sawit. Ia adalah simbol kecil tentang kebersamaan, pengorbanan, manfaat, dan harapan yang terus tumbuh di kebun sekolah. Oleh karena alasan itulah, tidak berlebihan jika meluncur sebuah kalimat pengakuan; I LovePerdi "Topaz"!
(IDNC)REPORTER: Ahmad Zulfikar Sagala | EDITOR: Fik Sagala
DISCLAIMER:Artikel ini dipublikasikan dalam bahasa Indonesia sebagai bagian dari persyaratan dan kesepakatan dalam Lomba Tulis dan Foto yang diselenggarakan oleh Asian Agri. Tulisan ini berhasil terpilih sebagai salah satu dari enam artikel nominator berdasarkan keputusan resmi Dewan Juri.
Sebagai media online berbahasa Inggris, indatanews.com berkomitmen untuk tetap menghadirkan informasi yang dapat menjangkau pembaca global. Oleh karena itu, artikel ini juga dikemas dalam versi bahasa Inggris sebagai bentuk konsistensi dalam menjaga komitmen indatanews.com sebagai media digital berbahasa Inggris.
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ENGLISH VERSION OF THE ARTICLE========================
ASIAN AGRI SUPPORTS SCHOOL PLANTATION MAINTENANCE: Asian Agri's Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Coordinator for North Sumatra Province, Muchtar, together with a supervising teacher, provided instructions to several students of State Vocational High School (SMKN) 1 Silangkitang, Labuhanbatu Selatan, North Sumatra, before they carried out a practical fertilization activity on Perdi "Topaz," the oil palm tree growing behind the school. The activity was conducted on Wednesday, June 10, 2026. (PHOTO: Ahmad Zulfikar Sagala)
I Love Perdi "Topaz"!
LABUHANBATU SELATAN | INDATANEWS.COM - Amid the vast green landscape of the oil palm plantation belonging to the State Vocational School (SMKN) 1 Silangkitang, there is a name that has never appeared in any official school records. It has never been announced through the school's public address system, never participated in a Monday flag ceremony, and never been engraved on a commemorative plaque. Yet, this name continues to live in the memories of many students who once walked among the rows of oil palms behind the school.
The name is Perdi "Topaz". Yes, Perdi "Topaz"! Written with the letter "P", not "F" - an unusual spelling that does not follow conventional naming rules.
Perdi "Topaz" is not a teacher, an outstanding student, or a figure who regularly receives recognition on a stage. It is simply an oil palm tree that has grown in the middle of the school plantation, right beside the main pathway used daily by students and teachers during practical field activities.
The name was created in the simplest way possible. Someone - no one knows exactly who - wrote it on the tree trunk using a white correction pen (Tipp-Ex). There was no official naming ceremony, no approval process, and no celebration like the naming of a person. Suddenly, the tree had an identity. Its name: Perdi.
But how was the word "Topaz" added? The answer is simple: the oil palm belongs to the Topaz variety. Thus, the tree received its complete name: Perdi "Topaz".
The inscription "Perdi Topaz" on its trunk transformed an ordinary oil palm into something different from the other 107 trees growing on the SMKN 1 Silangkitang plantation. It became a symbol, a meeting point, and an object that often brings smiles to those who see it.
Perhaps this is the true power of a name. Once a name is given - even spontaneously and without careful planning - it can create an emotional connection.
In reality, Perdi "Topaz" is only one of 108 oil palm trees growing on approximately one hectare of land behind SMKN 1 Silangkitang, located in Suka Dame Village, South Labuhanbatu Regency, North Sumatra Province.
However, the story of Perdi "Topaz" cannot be separated from another story - the story of sacrifice.
At one point, the school faced significant challenges. To support practical learning activities and improve educational development, a special area was needed for processing livestock waste and compost production.
Additional space had to be created. It was necessary and unavoidable.
The available options were limited. Eventually, three oil palm trees had to be removed. They were cut down so the area could be transformed into a facility for producing organic fertilizer. Perhaps their location at the edge of the plantation determined their fate.
Their sacrifice was not insignificant. There were no certificates, appreciation ceremonies, or public recognition. Yet, these three trees gave their lives for a greater purpose: providing facilities that support the learning process and improve students' skills.
They disappeared quietly, leaving behind space for knowledge and education to grow.
Fortunately, Perdi "Topaz" still stands today.
It continues to grow alongside 104 other trees, witnessing the development of a school plantation that has contributed meaningfully to the world of education.
Benefits for Students and Teachers
The Principal of SMKN 1 Silangkitang, Hj. Dina Karyawati Saragih, S.E., M.M., explained that the plantation produces fresh oil palm fruit bunches (Tandan Buah Segar/TBS) every 15 days, weighing between 500 and 600 kilograms. Revenue from TBS sales provides additional financial support for various educational needs at the school.
"We use the income to support the students' learning process. Sometimes it helps fund preparation courses for the Academic Ability Test. At other times, it supports the National Assessment program organized by the provincial education authorities, especially for Grade 12 students," said Hj. Dina Saragih.
She added that the benefits of plantation income extend beyond classroom activities. The proceeds also support various extracurricular programs that help students develop their interests and talents. These include scouting activities, a drum band group, computer training programs, and the purchase of supporting sports equipment.
In addition, part of the plantation revenue is used to improve teachers' professional competencies through Teacher Skills Training (Pelatihan Keterampilan Guru/PKG), both for programs conducted internally at SMKN 1 Silangkitang and for training organized by the North Sumatra Provincial Education Office.
"Although the harvest income is still limited because our plantation area is not large - only about one hectare - it has helped reduce our financial burden. We are very grateful to have income from the school plantation," she said.
Hj. Dina Saragih emphasized that the plantation provides a dual benefit. It not only supports the financial needs of students and teachers but also serves as a practical learning facility.
"Our school has an Agribusiness for Plantation Crops program. Therefore, our own plantation greatly supports students' practical training. Whenever field practice is conducted, we can directly bring students to the plantation. This saves time," she explained.
OIL PALM TREE NAMED PERDI "TOPAZ": A supervising teacher observes the inscription "Perdi," written with correction fluid on the trunk of an oil palm tree. The palm grows in the garden of State Vocational High School (SMKN) 1 Silangkitang, Labuhanbatu Selatan, North Sumatra. The oil palm tree originated from support provided by PT Supra Matra Abadi (SMA), a subsidiary of Asian Agri. The photograph was taken on Wednesday, June 10, 2026. (PHOTO: Ahmad Zulfikar Sagala)
Support Through Asian Agri's Topaz Seedlings
Asian Agri's Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Coordinator for North Sumatra, Muchtar, explained that the oil palm plantation at SMKN 1 Silangkitang represents the commitment of PT Supra Matra Abadi (SMA), a subsidiary of Asian Agri, to improving educational quality and capacity in communities surrounding the company's operational areas.
"The plantation is located within the company's Ring-II area, approximately 10 kilometers from PT SMA's oil palm plantation area. Although the land size is limited, its existence has created a significant impact for the school," he said.
Muchtar explained that the plantation is part of Asian Agri's Sustainable Oil Palm School Plantation Program in North Sumatra.
"The school had unused land. We helped prepare the area, planted oil palms, provided maintenance and fertilization, and then handed the plantation over to the school. Everything was provided free of charge. The harvest proceeds belong entirely to the school," he explained.
He added that Asian Agri deliberately selected Topaz oil palm seedlings for the SMKN 1 Silangkitang plantation because Topaz is considered a high-quality DxP oil palm variety developed by Asian Agri Benih Topaz. This variety is recognized for its high production potential and excellent oil yield, making it one of the preferred varieties among Indonesian farmers.
The advantages of Topaz are reflected in its productivity. The second generation of these seedlings can produce an average of approximately 38 tons of fresh fruit bunches per hectare per year, with oil extraction rates reaching up to 29 percent. Furthermore, Topaz can adapt to various soil conditions, including mineral soils and marginal land.
"In terms of resilience, these seedlings are considered strong. Specific variants such as Topaz GT have higher tolerance against stem rot caused by the Ganoderma fungus, one of the major threats in oil palm cultivation," Muchtar explained.
He also highlighted that Topaz GT has promising production potential. With a 15-day harvesting cycle, one fruit bunch can weigh around 20 kilograms, while the optimal productive lifespan can reach between 20 and 25 years.
"Beyond its technical advantages, Topaz in this school plantation is not merely an agricultural product. It is also a living educational medium growing within a learning environment," he added.
STUDENTS CONDUCT PRACTICAL OIL PALM FERTILIZATION: A student of State Vocational High School (SMKN) 1 Silangkitang, Labuhanbatu Selatan, North Sumatra, prepares fertilizer in a bucket. The activity is part of a practical field exercise conducted in the oil palm plantation behind the school. The plantation was established with support from Topaz seedlings provided by Asian Agri and represents the company's commitment to supporting the education sector. The photograph was taken on Wednesday, June 10, 2026. (PHOTO: Ahmad Zulfikar Sagala)
Implementation of Asian Agri's "5C" Philosophy
Asian Agri Media Officer Lidia Veronika Ginting stated that the SMKN 1 Silangkitang oil palm plantation reflects the company's business philosophy based on the five principles of "5C": Community, Country, Climate, Customer, and Company.
The Community principle represents Asian Agri's commitment to creating benefits for society and improving people's welfare, including supporting plasma and independent farmer partners.
The Country principle reflects the company's responsibility to contribute to national development through food security support, job creation, and compliance with applicable regulations.
The Climate principle emphasizes Asian Agri's commitment to protecting the environment through sustainable oil palm cultivation practices, achieving Net Zero Emissions, and promoting renewable energy initiatives.
The Customer principle focuses on delivering high-quality Crude Palm Oil (CPO) with added value and reliable services to meet customer needs.
The Company principle represents Asian Agri's commitment to continuous growth, professional management, and sustainable business practices that create long-term value for all stakeholders.
"This philosophy serves as the company's guide in conducting business operations, expansion, and creating positive impacts for society," said Lidia Ginting.
A School Plantation as a Bridge Toward Students' Future Hopes
The fruits harvested from the SMKN 1 Silangkitang plantation are not merely agricultural products. Behind them are hopes, educational opportunities, improved human resources, and a future being prepared.
Amid all these benefits, Perdi "Topaz" continues to stand quietly and firmly. Together with 104 other oil palms, it grows stronger, ready to withstand rain and storms so hundreds of SMKN 1 Silangkitang students can continue pursuing achievements and dreams.
The name Perdi "Topaz" may have originated from a spontaneous idea by a student. The white writing on its trunk may eventually fade due to rain and sunlight. However, its story has already become part of the school plantation's history.
It reminds us that education does not only happen inside classrooms. Sometimes, education grows on a piece of land behind a school. It develops through trees that produce valuable harvests, or through three trees that had to be sacrificed to create space for compost production. All of this cannot be separated from Asian Agri's support for education - and perhaps also from the "crazy creativity" of a student who gave an oil palm tree a name.
Therefore, anyone walking along the main pathway of the SMKN 1 Silangkitang plantation and seeing the simple writing on the trunk of an oil palm tree may discover a meaningful lesson: Perdi "Topaz" is not merely an ordinary oil palm tree. It is a small symbol of unity, sacrifice, benefit, and hope that continues to grow within the school plantation. For that reason, it is not an exaggeration to express a simple appreciation: I Love Perdi "Topaz"!
(IDNC)REPORTER: Ahmad Zulfikar Sagala| EDITOR: Fik Sagala