IPB University and PTPN IV Strengthen Palm Oil Research and Science
The research team of IPB University’s Palm Oil Study Center visited PT Perkebunan Nusantara (PTPN) IV Regional III in order to strengthen research and increase knowledge related to palm oil processing and waste. The visit was held in Pekanbaru on 5/3.
The purpose of this visit was to study the development of science and technology in the processing of oil palm into CPO (crude palm oil), PKO (palm kernel oil) and energy conversion from POME waste related to carbon capture, carbon credit, methane gas, electrical energy conversion and its application for power generation. In addition, opportunities for research and development cooperation in the field of oil palm were also discussed.
The IPB University team visited three locations at once in the PTPN IV Riau complex, namely the Tandun Palm Oil Mill (PKS), the Tandun Biogas Power Plant, and the Tandun Palm Kernel Processing Plant. Firdaus, Manager of Tandun Palm Oil Mill, explained the process of processing oil palm starting from plantation until CPO is produced as the main product.
“All parts of the palm tree can be utilized, from palm kernel shells for fuel, empty fruit bunches for fertilizer, kernels that are extracted back into PKO, to Palm Oil Mill Effluent (POME) liquid waste that can be used as biogas and generate electricity to be reused in factory operations. This proves that palm oil is a multipurpose crop and can truly support the country’s economy,” Firdaus explained.
“We are very interested in hearing about palm oil-related research conducted by IPB University lecturers on campus, especially biomass processing and research on POME. We will try these research products in our waste processing unit,” said Firdaus.
He continued, still in one complex, there is a kernel processing plant into PKO with a capacity of 400 tons per day through a two-stage squeezing process. “PTPN also has laboratory facilities that test the quality of CPO and PKO produced by the Tandun PKS every day. I hope this collaboration is beneficial for both parties in the development of science and technology for more sustainable palm oil management,” Firdaus said.
The visit to Tandun Palm Oil Mill (PKS), Riau was led by the Chairman of IPB University’s Palm Oil Education Center (Pusdik), Prof Budi Mulyanto, accompanied by Dr Supijatno, Dr Siti Nikmatin, Rima Adiati, Basuki Sriwantoro and Zainal Abidin. The IPB University team was received by the Chairman of Tandun PKS, Eisyen Firdausman accompanied by the General Manager of PTPN IV Regional III. (*/Lp) (IAAS/HLF)
