Indonesia expands plantation human resource and scholarship programs

Indonesia is implementing large-scale human resource development initiatives to bolster its plantation sector, particularly in palm oil. The Badan Pengelola Dana Perkebunan (BPDP) has significantly expanded its 2026 scholarship program, increasing the number of recipients to 5,000 students from previous years. These students undergo mental, physical, and discipline training to prepare them for the dynamic challenges of the agricultural industry.

In a parallel effort to improve smallholder productivity, PTPN IV PalmCo Regional 2 organized field education sessions at the Adolina plantation for 126 palm oil farmers from Simalungun Regency. This training aims to bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical cultivation techniques. Currently, smallholder plantations in the region produce approximately 12–15 tons of fresh fruit bunches per hectare per year, whereas corporate plantations average up to 24 tons per hectare.