Efforts to reinforce national energy and food security do not always begin with downstream policy measures. In many cases, the foundation is laid far from public attention—through genetic research and biodiversity exploration. This is the path Indonesia is now taking by strengthening the Strategic Genetic Diversity (SGD) of oil palm, a move with impacts extending well beyond laboratory walls. In the short term, the initiative opens access to new genetic resources essential for developing superior oil palm varieties. Over the long run, it plays a crucial role in safeguarding palm oil supply for food and energy, enhancing national resilience, and maintaining Indonesia’s position as the world’s largest palm oil producer. “This is about the sustainability of Indonesia’s palm oil industry,” said Edy Suprianto, Senior Vice President of Business Development at PT Riset Perkebunan Nusantara (RPN). “We are not only talking about today’s yields, but about maintaining productivity for future generations.” A key milestone of the agenda is an oil palm genetic exploration project in Tanzania, East Africa. The project marks a historic moment as it is the first to receive direct support from the Badan Pengelola Dana Perkebunan (BPDP). The support goes beyond symbolism, covering research funding, quarantine facilities, and master’s scholarships for staff of the Tanzania Agricultural Research Institute (TARI) through a Plant Breeding and Biotechnology program starting in September 2025. “This collaboration reflects a shared commitment between government, industry, and research institutions,” Edy said. “We want to ensure Indonesia does not fall behind in palm oil genetic innovation, because that is the key to long-term competitiveness.” The initiative underscores that sustainable palm oil development can no longer rely solely on land expansion or production efficiency. As expansion space becomes increasingly limited and global sustainability standards tighten, control over genetic resources will determine the industry’s future. Indonesia’s palm oil research journey itself reflects this long process—from modest laboratories in Deli during the early days of plantation development to cross-continental genetic exploration in East Africa today. The direction is clear: sustainability is not just about production volume, but about knowledge, innovation, and genetic conservation. As Edy Suprianto emphasized, the future of Indonesia’s palm oil depends on decisions made today. “If we want palm oil to remain a source of national pride for the next 100 years, we must protect its genetic roots now,” he said. Source: InfoSAWIT Magazine, November 2025 Edition