18 February 2026
Threesna Sharfina
The Faculty of Agriculture, Universitas Sumatera Utara (FP USU), in collaboration with Hai Sawit Indonesia, organized the “Sawit Academy” on Thursday, February 12, 2026, at the Soeratman Hall. This activity was part of an effort to enhance the capacity and understanding of the academic community, including lecturers and students, regarding the palm oil industry through an educational, data-driven, and sustainable approach.
Carrying the theme “Palm Oil in Daily Life: Inviting the Younger Generation to Understand the Role of Palm Oil in Everyday Living,” the event was attended by Heads and Secretaries of Study Programs, lecturers, educational staff, and 25 students from the Agrotechnology, Agribusiness, Food Technology, Animal Science, Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering, and Aquatic Resources Management study programs within FP USU. Participants followed the series of activities directly and were actively involved in dynamic discussion sessions.
The event began with the screening of the “Good Palm Oil” video by the Palm Oil Plantation Fund Management Agency (BPDP), followed by remarks from the Director of PT Hai Sawit Indonesia, M. Danang MRQ, and a welcome address from the Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture USU, represented by the Dean’s Expert Staff for Student Affairs, Vindy Rilani Manurung, S.Pi., M.P. The activity then continued with the presentation of a plaque as a symbol of appreciation and the strengthening of cooperation between both parties.
In his remarks, M. Danang MRQ stated, “We would like to express our gratitude for the warm collaboration between Hai Sawit Indonesia and USU, as well as the support from BPDP. From the university perspective, there are two major opportunities that can be utilized, namely palm oil scholarships and palm oil research grants. Therefore, if lecturers or students have research innovations, they can be proposed to BPDP.” He also added that there are funding programs for smallholder palm oil replanting as well as support for biodiesel development.
He explained that Hai Sawit Indonesia is a palm oil industry platform that plays a role in promoting the positive aspects of palm oil through various services and programs, such as the Sawit Academy, the Palm Oil Career Expo which has been held twice in Medan, and the Hai Sawit Symposium (HASI), which brings together Indonesian and Malaysian palm oil professionals in an international forum. “Our hope is that through this Sawit Academy, students can gain an overview of the current condition of the palm oil industry, whether there are still job opportunities, and how far career paths can be pursued in this industry,” he said.
Meanwhile, in her remarks, Vindy Rilani Manurung stated, “This activity serves as an important momentum in strengthening synergy between industry and academia, particularly in the palm oil plantation sector, which is one of the national strategic programs. Through the Sawit Academy, students not only gain theoretical insights but also practical understanding of career opportunities in the palm oil industry.” She also expressed appreciation to PT Hai Sawit Indonesia and BPDP for their commitment to encouraging human resource development in the fields of agriculture and plantations.
The materials in the Sawit Academy were delivered directly by speakers from various backgrounds. Ahmad Taufan, a palm oil industry professional, presented the topic “From Accusations to Understanding: Clarifying Palm Oil Issues through Academic and Data-Based Approaches.”
Nursa’adah, S.ST., M.Agr, a lecturer at the Faculty of Agriculture USU, shared the academic perspective on the role of palm oil in daily life. Fairuz Balqis from the Student Executive Board (BEM) of the Faculty of Agriculture USU presented the viewpoint of the younger academic generation in building palm oil literacy. Dr. rer. medic., dr. M. Ichwan, M.Sc., Sp.KKLP, Subsp.FOMC, a lecturer at the Faculty of Medicine USU, discussed the role of palm oil derivative products in the health sector. The final session was again delivered by M. Danang MRQ, who explained the role of the Hai Sawit platform in bridging young campus talent with the world of work.
The activity concluded with a post-test, door prize distribution, and closing session. The enthusiasm of the participants and the critical discussions throughout the event became positive energy to continue encouraging the strengthening of literacy and human resource development in the palm oil sector. Through the Sawit Academy, FP USU and Hai Sawit Indonesia are optimistic that the younger generation on campus holds a strategic role in shaping the future of an innovative, professional, and globally competitive palm oil industry based on scientific knowledge.
