05 October 2023
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The Association of Agricultural Socio-Economic Students (IMASEP) of FP USU, in collaboration with the Palm Oil Agribusiness Strategic Policy Institute (PASPI) and the Palm Oil Plantation Fund Management Agency (BPDPKS), successfully organized a book discussion and dissemination event titled Myths vs Facts: The Indonesian Palm Oil Industry in Global Social, Economic, and Environmental Issues, Fourth Edition.
The event also hosted an infographic and videographic competition for all university students across North Sumatra. It took place on Wednesday, October 4, 2023, at the Hall of the Faculty of Nursing, Universitas Sumatera Utara.
Universitas Sumatera Utara is the second university in the series of book dissemination events, which will also be held at 10 other universities in Indonesia.
The event was attended by various parties, including Prof. Dr. Bungaran Saragih (Minister of Agriculture in the Gotong Royong Cabinet, 2000–2004), Prof. Dr. Ir. Tavi Supriana, M.S. (Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture, USU), Dr. Rulianda Purnomo Wibowo, S.P., M.Ec. (Head of the Agribusiness Program, FP USU), Aida Fitria (Head of the Community and Civil Society Division, BPDPKS), Zaid Burhan Ibrahim (Director of Finance, General Affairs, Compliance, and Risk Management, BPDPKS), Timbas Prasad Ginting (Chairman of GAPKI, North Sumatra Branch), and Kacuk Sumarto (Chairman of Rumah Sawit Indonesia). The academic community, including lecturers and students from USU and other universities, as well as the general public, participated in the event to gain a deeper understanding of the palm oil industry.
The book Myths vs Facts: The Indonesian Palm Oil Industry in Global Social, Economic, and Environmental Issues, Fourth Edition was the main focus of the event. Authored by a team led by Dr. Ir. Tungkot Sipayung, Executive Director of PASPI, the book has become a significant resource for discussions on Indonesia's palm oil industry. It addresses various myths and facts about the palm oil sector, aiming to provide a deeper understanding based on the latest data and facts related to social, economic, and environmental aspects. During his speech, Dr. Tungkot Sipayung emphasized that the book aims to counter negative campaigns or black propaganda about palm oil by presenting verified facts.
Dr. Rulianda Purnomo Wibowo, S.P., M.Ec., highlighted the importance of understanding the book's content to avoid misconceptions about palm oil. He urged agricultural students to promote palm oil globally, maintain its sustainability, and develop an in-depth understanding of the agricultural industry as it represents the future of Indonesian agriculture.
Prof. Dr. Ir. Tavi Supriana, M.S., added that palm oil has remained Indonesia's leading export over the past decade. He encouraged further collaboration and anticipated new editions of the book to advance Indonesia's palm oil industry through comprehensive, fact-based research.
Prof. Dr. Bungaran Saragih concluded the event by stressing the importance of students understanding palm oil’s vital contribution to daily life, describing it as a divine blessing for the world through Indonesia.
The event was both lively and informative. Participants not only gained valuable insights but also received free copies of the book Myths vs Facts (limited to the first 150 attendees) and e-certificates for all participants. It is hoped that negative campaigns or black propaganda about palm oil will cease. As the next generation, let us continue to cultivate and develop palm oil as a valuable asset for Indonesia's agricultural industry.
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