MEDAN | INDATANEWS.COM - The Deputy Governor of North Sumatra, Surya, has expressed strong expectations for the future development of Indonesia's palm oil industry, emphasizing that the sector must not only remain economically competitive but also uphold social and environmental responsibility.
Surya conveyed the message during the opening of the Socfindo Conference on Practical Application & Exhibition (Scopex) 2026, held at Hotel Adimulia, Jalan Pangeran Diponegoro No. 8, Medan, on Tuesday, May 19, 2026. He stressed that research, technology, skilled human resources, and innovation are the key drivers for the industry's sustainable future.
Innovation Must Move Beyond Theory
Surya underscored that innovation should not remain confined to laboratories or discussion rooms, but must be translated into real-world applications.
"It must not stop in laboratories or discussion forums, but be implemented concretely—to support farmers, increase productivity, reduce production costs, strengthen competitiveness, and protect the environment," he said.
CHILDHOOD REFLECTION: Surya recalls his childhood on a palm oil plantation in Pulau Raja and the social transformation within plantation communities. (PHOTO: Fahmi Aulia)
Childhood Memories from Pulau Raja
In his remarks, Surya also reflected on his childhood spent in a palm oil plantation environment in Pulau Raja, Asahan Regency. He described the social structure of the plantation community in the past as more rigid, compared to the more open and harmonious conditions of today.
He noted that Pulau Raja was the first oil palm plantation site in North Sumatra developed by companies from Germany and Belgium.
"I still remember in primary school we were told to respect the first oil palm tree and even ask for permission when passing by it—we called it 'Misi Mbah.' In the past, social classes were very distinct, and there was little interaction between workers and managers. Today, things have become much more open and harmonious," he explained.
PALM OIL PRODUCTIVITY: Scopex 2026 Committee Chair Indra Syahputra presents data on palm oil production in North Sumatra and strategies to boost yields without land expansion. (PHOTO: Fahmi Aulia)
Sustainability and Shared Responsibility
Surya further emphasized that palm oil companies, together with the government, must share responsibility for public welfare and environmental protection.
"The most important thing for us as stakeholders is the well-being of the people. Companies must contribute and work together with the government to protect the environment," he stated.
Production Reaches 2 Million Tons Annually
Scopex 2026 Committee Chair Indra Syahputra revealed that North Sumatra's palm oil production currently stands at around 2 million tons per year. Average productivity is recorded at 3.6 tons per hectare for plantations and approximately 2.5 tons per hectare for smallholder farmers.
He emphasized that increasing output without expanding land can only be achieved through high-quality seedlings, proper cultivation techniques, and efficient plantation management.
"If we want to increase production without expanding land, we must use the right seedlings, apply proper planting methods, and manage plantations effectively. That is why we are here—to discuss solutions to current plantation challenges," Indra said.
The opening ceremony was also attended by Socfindo Principal Director Harold Williams, Serdang Bedagai Regent Darma Wijaya, North Labuhanbatu Deputy Regent Samsul Tanjung, and more than 500 participants from industry, academia, and innovation sectors from Indonesia and Malaysia. (IDNC)
REPORTER: Darmailawati | EDITOR: Fik Sagala