9th Borneo Forum 2026 Highlights the Role of Palm Oil as an Engine of Indonesia's Economy

The 9th Borneo Forum 2026 will take place from 5-8 August 2026 in Balikpapan. (Photo: Ist)

BALIKPAPAN - The Indonesian Palm Oil Entrepreneurs Association (GAPKI) East Kalimantan Branch held the 9th Borneo Forum 2026 on August 5-8, 2026 in Balikpapan. The forum, which has the theme "Resilience, Innovation, and Transformations: Empowering the Palm Oil Industry Beyond Sustainability", discusses various challenges and opportunities for the national palm oil industry in the midst of economic, technological, and sustainability demands.

On this occasion, the Deputy Governor of East Kalimantan, Seno Aji, emphasized that the future of the palm oil industry will be stronger if it is based on three things, namely resilience in the face of change, courage to present innovation, and the ability to transform.

"Therefore, the East Kalimantan Provincial Government continues to encourage the development of downstream industries based on palm oil. We want the potential that East Kalimantan has to provide greater added value, strengthen investment, develop its derivative industries, and provide wider benefits for the community," said Seno Aji.

Meanwhile, GAPKI Chairman Eddy Martono said the palm oil industry has repeatedly proven its resilience in facing various crises, ranging from the 1998 monetary crisis, the global financial crisis of 2008-2009, to the COVID-19 pandemic. According to him, in every difficult period, the palm oil sector has emerged as one of the main buffers of the national economy through its large foreign exchange contribution as well as its ability to maintain labor absorption.

"During the pandemic, palm oil foreign exchange reached around USD 39.2 billion. Even when many sectors were laying off employees, the palm oil industry still opened new job opportunities," he said.

Eddy added that increasing the productivity of plasma and self-help farmers must be a common focus so that Indonesia is able to meet the needs of the domestic market while maintaining its position as the world's palm oil market leader. One of the strategic steps that continues to be encouraged is the acceleration of the People's Palm Oil Revitalization Program (PSR) which is supported by the Plantation Fund Management Agency (BPDP). The program is considered capable of increasing the productivity of people's gardens through the use of superior seeds, the application of technology, and sustainable assistance.

The 9th Borneo Forum, which is supported by the Plantation Fund Management Agency (BPDP), was held on August 5-8, 2026, presenting a series of events consisting of a Golf Tournament, an International Conference and Exhibition, and concluded with the GAPKI Run. Chairman of GAPKI East Kalimantan Branch, Rachmat Perdana Angga, said that the implementation of the Borneo Forum is expected to strengthen the role of East Kalimantan in the development of the national palm oil industry.

"Borneo Forum is a platform to bring together various stakeholders in generating ideas and collaborations that can support the progress of the Indonesian palm oil industry," he said.

Through this forum, GAPKI hopes that cooperation between the government, business world, academics, and the community can continue to grow in facing the increasingly complex challenges of the palm oil industry, both at the national and global levels.