UNPRI’s Leading Faculty of Agro Technology Hosts Nugroho Adi Wibowo in Public Lecture: Students Encouraged to Advance Indonesia’s Palm Oil Industry

UNPRI, Medan – The Faculty of Agro Technology at Universitas Prima Indonesia (UNPRI) reaffirmed its commitment to providing inspiring and practical learning through a public lecture held on Thursday (October 9, 2025) at the 10th-floor mini hall of UNPRI’s Main Campus, Jalan Sampul No. 3, Medan Petisah. The event featured guest speaker Mr. Nugroho Adi Wibowo, Head of the Planning and Program Development Division of the Palm Oil Fund Management Agency (BPDP). The session was attended by all Agrotechnology and Agribusiness students—both programs accredited “Excellent” by BAN-PT—and was officially opened by Dr. Suratni Afrianti, S.T., M.Si., Dean of the Faculty, with Andry Admaja Tarigan, S.P., M.Agr. as moderator and Laura Juita Pinem, S.Si, MM. as master of ceremonies.

In her remarks, Dr. Suratni expressed appreciation for BPDP’s partnership with UNPRI, especially in scholarship programs that support human resource development in the palm oil sector. Around 90 students from the 14th cohort in 2025 benefited from the scholarship, bringing the total to 210 recipients. The event highlighted UNPRI’s ongoing collaboration with national institutions to deliver quality, innovative, and sustainable education.

With the theme “Palm Oil Fund Support in Developing the National Palm Oil Industry”, Nugroho explained BPDP’s role in improving human capital and the competitiveness of Indonesia’s palm oil sector. He noted that BPDP’s collaboration with UNPRI has entered its third year, covering living expenses, housing, tuition, uniforms, field practices, and graduation costs.

“UNPRI students should be proud to study at one of the best universities trusted by a national strategic institution like BPDP. Education is not just about earning a degree—it’s about building networks and becoming part of Indonesia’s globally competitive palm oil industry,” Nugroho said.

He also highlighted the vast potential of Indonesia’s palm oil industry, which spans 16.8 million hectares, produces 47 million tons of CPO, and generates 27.76 billion USD in exports while employing over 16.7 million people in 26 provinces. Palm oil products, he added, are essential in modern life—from toothpaste, soap, and cosmetics to margarine and biodiesel.

Nugroho discussed the challenges the industry faces, including low productivity among independent farmers and global negative campaigns. BPDP continues to implement strategic programs such as replanting (Rp60 million per hectare), high-quality seeds, fertilizers, entrepreneurship training, and ISPO certification. It also provides research grants of Rp20 million to students to foster innovation in the palm oil sector.

Concluding the event, Nugroho encouraged students to stay resilient and uphold integrity. “Your body may be tired, your heart may break, your eyes may tear—but all will be worth it when your parents smile proudly on your graduation day,” he said.

The event, opened with a traditional Malay dance and closed with the Toba Tor-Tor performance by UNPRI Creative students, reinforced the Faculty of Agro Technology’s role as a leading faculty producing professional, ethical graduates with a socio-technopreneurship mindset—ready to build a sustainable future for Indonesia’s palm oil industry.

UNPRI reaffirms its position as the best private university (PTS) in North Sumatra and an excellent campus with a socio-technopreneurship vision, ready to produce globally competitive graduates. Interested in becoming part of this Excellent Campus? Visit UNPRI’s official website at www.unprimdn.ac.id for admission information and other outstanding study program options.