PALMOILMAGAZINE, JAKARTA — As fertile land becomes increasingly scarce due to land conversion and deforestation, researchers from Indonesia’s National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) are exploring innovative ways to sustain the nation’s palm oil productivity. One of their main focuses is the use of Acidic Dry Land (Lahan Kering Masam/LKM) as an alternative resource for sustainable oil palm development.
Puji Lestari, Head of BRIN’s Research Organization for Agriculture and Food (ORPP), emphasized that palm oil research deserves full national support due to its strategic importance to Indonesia’s economy. “Our palm oil productivity is still far below its genetic potential. Research and innovation are therefore vital to building an efficient, adaptive, and sustainable production system,” she stated during the EstCrops_Corner #20 webinar, titled “Exploring the Potential and Technological Innovations in Palm Oil Development in Indonesia,” hosted by BRIN’s Plantation Crops Research Center (PRTP) on Tuesday (Oct 21).
Puji explained that acidic dry lands are widely found across Indonesia, particularly in Kalimantan and Sumatra. These areas are dominated by Ultisols, Oxisols, and Inceptisols — soils that are naturally acidic, low in nutrients, and prone to erosion. Despite these challenges, research indicates that such lands can be optimized through science-based intensification approaches.
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These include balanced fertilization, soil amelioration, water and land conservation, and the use of high-quality planting materials. With proper management, acidic dry lands can be transformed from marginal to productive and environmentally friendly agricultural zones.
She also highlighted the importance of adopting Best Management Practices (BMP), such as the “4R” fertilization principle (right type, rate, time, and place), the use of organic fertilizers and biochar, as well as soil and water conservation. “These practices have been proven to boost yields while maintaining ecological balance,” Puji noted.
However, she acknowledged that socio-economic barriers remain a major challenge. “Weak farmer institutions, low technology adoption, and fluctuating FFB prices continue to hinder progress. This calls for stronger collaboration in research, supportive policies, and direct assistance for farmers,” she said, as quoted by Palmoilmagazine.com from BRIN (Oct 23, 2025).
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Puji further stressed that innovation in superior planting materials is key to strengthening Indonesia’s palm oil industry. Through breeding programs, tissue culture, and biotechnology, productivity can be improved without clearing new land. “Seed quality determines the industry’s competitiveness. Cross-sector collaboration is crucial to ensure that research outcomes are widely implemented,” she added.
Meanwhile, PRTP BRIN Head Setiari Marwanto stated that palm oil remains a vital commodity contributing significantly to national economic growth and employment. Yet, the gap between actual and potential yields remains wide. “Advanced seed technology and precision soil management are two critical pillars for ensuring the sustainability of Indonesia’s palm oil industry,” he remarked.
In a scientific session, BRIN’s Principal Researcher Suratman elaborated on the characteristics and challenges of managing acidic dry lands. He noted that oil palm has a relatively high tolerance to acidic soils and can withstand short-term water deficits due to its deep and strong root system. “This demonstrates that oil palm can thrive on acidic dry lands when managed with appropriate technology,” he explained.
According to Suratman, the success of LKM management relies on a multifactor approach — combining the use of fertilizers and biochar, liming, organic matter enrichment, and land-water conservation. “Social, economic, and institutional aspects must also be strengthened to ensure effective technology adoption in the field,” he concluded. (P2)
