A fieldtrip was successfully conducted by the Food Chemistry Laboratory Assistants, lecturers, and staff of the Food Technology Study Program, Faculty of Agriculture, Universitas Sumatera Utara (USU), to PKS Tanjung Seumentoh and Kebun Lama PTPN I Aceh Tamiang on Friday–Saturday, January 13–14, 2023.
The visit was led by Prof. Dr. Ir. Elisa Julianti, M.Si., the Vice Dean III of the Faculty of Agriculture and lecturer of the Food Technology Study Program, along with Jasmine Aldrina Iswara, S.TP., a laboratory assistant from the Food Chemistry Laboratory. The activity aimed to support practical learning about palm oil processing at the Food Chemistry Laboratory of FP USU.
Activity Details
- Day One: The FP USU team visited PKS Tanjung Seumentoh. The activities began with a brief orientation from the PTPN I Manager and HR representative. The team then proceeded to observe the CPO processing plant, guided by the Processing Assistant.
- Day Two: The visit continued to the nursery site, where the team received explanations and guidance from the Nursery Assistant and HR staff. The team also observed the fresh fruit bunch (FFB) harvesting process, guided by the Plantation Assistant.
About PTPN I and PKS Tanjung Seumentoh
PTPN I is a subsidiary of the State-Owned Plantation Holding Company (BUMN) that manages oil palm and rubber commodities, with operations spread across the Aceh Province. Its final products include CPO (Crude Palm Oil) and lump. Currently, PTPN I manages six oil palm plantations and three palm oil processing plants located in Aceh Tamiang, Aceh Timur, Aceh Utara, and Langsa City.
PKS Tanjung Seumentoh, located in Karang Baru Subdistrict, Aceh Tamiang Regency, was established in 1978 and began operations in April 1980 with a processing capacity of 30 tons of FFB per hour. By 1984, additional installations increased the plant’s capacity to 45 tons of FFB per hour. The raw material for PKS Tanjung Seumentoh comes from nucleus plantations (Kebun Lama, Kebun Baru, and Kebun Tualang Sawit), operational partnerships (KSO) with PTPN III, and local farmers' FFB (www.ptpn1.co.id).
Outcome of the Visit
The fieldtrip to PKS Tanjung Seumentoh and Kebun Lama PTPN I Aceh Tamiang was successfully conducted. The students showed great enthusiasm as they gained knowledge and practical experience through explanations from each guide. This activity is expected to enhance the competence of Faculty of Agriculture students, especially laboratory assistants, in the field of palm oil plantations and processing, both in theoretical knowledge and practical applications.