The growth of the oil palm plantation industry and its downstream industries in the era of Industry 4.0 is marked by the application of the internet in all sectors (Internet of Things – IoT) and artificial intelligence (AI) in various aspects of human life.

This was conveyed by the Director of Poltek CWE, Ir. St. Nugroho Kristono, M.T., during the “13th Graduation Ceremony of the Diploma III Program of Citra Widya Edukasi Oil Palm Polytechnic for the 2020/2021 Academic Year” in Cibitung, Bekasi, on October 23, 2021.

Therefore, the education sector must immediately adapt to the Industry 4.0 era. To support sustainable and smart oil palm management, Poltek CWE continues to enhance its educational facilities with drone equipment, advanced tissue culture laboratory equipment, and hardware and software for its e-logistics laboratory.

In addition, Nugroho continued, CWE studio equipment is also provided to support lecturers’ learning innovation, students’ online activities, and the promotion of Poltek CWE. He also observed the increasing interest among students in process control topics based on industrial automation that can be applied in palm oil processing.

“I hope that more students and lecturers will become interested in information and computer technology-based research (ICT/digitalization) that can be applied in the plantation industry,” Nugroho said.

According to Nugroho, Poltek CWE has continued to innovate in preparing resilient and competent human resources. In addition to completing their studies, most graduates have also taken and passed competency tests.

“Especially for students in the Cultivation and Processing Technology study programs, competency certification is organized by the Indonesian Plantation and Horticulture Professional Certification Institute (LSP PHI),” he explained.

Meanwhile, for students in the Logistics Management study program, competency testing is organized by the Professional Certification Institute for Engineering and Industrial Management (LSP TMI). Both LSP PHI and LSP TMI have been licensed by the National Professional Certification Agency (BNSP) to conduct competency tests.

Nugroho explained that on this occasion, Poltek CWE graduated 211 students, consisting of 105 graduates from the D3 Oil Palm Plantation Cultivation Study Program, 51 graduates from the D3 Oil Palm Plantation Product Processing Technology Study Program, and 55 graduates from the Logistics Management Study Program.

“There were 27 graduates with cum laude honors, consisting of 11 graduates from the D3 Cultivation Study Program, 2 graduates from the D3 Processing Technology Study Program, and 14 graduates from the D3 Logistics Management Study Program,” Nugroho said proudly.

Up to the 13th graduation ceremony held today, Citra Widya Edukasi Oil Palm Polytechnic has graduated 1,403 students from its Diploma 3 programs, consisting of 627 graduates (44.7%) from D3 Cultivation, 333 graduates (23.7%) from D3 Processing Technology, and 443 graduates (31.6%) from D3 Logistics Management.

Nugroho also advised the graduates to continue embracing the distinctive values of their alma mater: responsive, resilient, and agile. The application of the knowledge and technology (hard skills) they have gained will be more beneficial in supporting their careers when grounded in values (soft skills), accompanied by strong faith and devotion.

Also present at the event was the Acting Head of the Higher Education Service Institution Region IV, represented by Mrs. Endang Setyo Budi Rahayu, S.Sos., M.Si., Head of the Facilities and Infrastructure Sub-Coordinator. Tjiungwanara Njoman, Chair of the Board of Trustees of the Citra Widya Edukasi Foundation, was also present along with board members. Tjokro Putro Wibowo, S.E., Chair of the Supervisory Board of the Citra Widya Edukasi Foundation, also attended.

Also in attendance were Major General TNI (Ret.) Dr. Djanadi Bimo Prakoso, M.P.A., M.Sc., Chair of the Executive Board of the Citra Widya Edukasi Foundation, along with board members; the Regent of Tulang Bawang Barat, Lampung Province, Mr. H. Umar Ahmad; the President Director of the Oil Palm Plantation Fund Management Agency, represented by Mr. Fajar Wahyudi, Acting Head of the Service Program Division; the Director of Plantation Protection at the Directorate General of Plantations, Ministry of Agriculture, Mr. Ardi Praptono, S.P., M.Agr.; the Director of the Indonesian Plantation and Horticulture Professional Certification Institute, Mr. Ir. Darmansyah Basyaruddin, M.Sc.; and the President Director of the Professional Certification Institute for Engineering and Industrial Management, represented by Mr. Ir. Abdul Madjid Effendi, IPM.

In his remarks, Nugroho specifically expressed his gratitude to H. Umar Ahmad, Regent of Tulang Bawang Barat, who had sent 40 young people from Tubaba, and to Eddy Abdurrahman, President Director of the Oil Palm Plantation Fund Management Agency (BPDPKS), who had supported the education of 87 children of oil palm farmers from 22 provinces.

Nugroho added that the development of Indonesia’s oil palm sector continues to progress, and everyone should be proud of it. In early October, the CN 235 aircraft successfully completed a test flight from Bandung to Jakarta using J2.4 bioavtur fuel, made from 2.4 percent palm kernel oil using the Merah Putih catalyst innovation developed by an ITB team led by Professor Subagio.

“Next, an industrial-scale production trial will be conducted at Refinery Unit 4 Cilacap owned by PT Pertamina,” he explained.

According to Nugroho, this happened because the President of the Republic of Indonesia, Joko Widodo (Jokowi), has remained consistent in supporting oil palm. The government has been actively developing a renewable energy mix, palm-based bioenergy (B30 biodiesel and green fuel), the people’s oil palm replanting program (PSR), improvements and development of plantation facilities and infrastructure, as well as plantation human resource education and training, including scholarship programs for children of oil palm farmers through BPDPKS. Furthermore, on Wednesday, October 6, 2021, President Jokowi discussed his plan to continue reducing CPO exports and process CPO domestically into palm-derived products in order to further improve the welfare of the Indonesian people and achieve food and energy independence by 2045, when Indonesia commemorates 100 years of independence.

“Thus, the growth of downstream oil palm industries will certainly continue to develop, and will undoubtedly require excellent Indonesian human resources who are ready to contribute,” he concluded.