INDONESIA PALM OIL INDUSTRY NEEDS SKILLED HUMAN RESOURCES

Jakarta, 4 Rabiul Akhir 1436/25 January 2015 (MINA) – Indonesia urgently needs the skilled labor for palm OIL industry in line with the target of Indonesia’s CPO production and competition in the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) in 2015.

Director Widya Corporation who also serves as Chairman of the Organization of the Indonesian Palm Oil Association, Tjokro Putro Wibowo stated it in a press release on Sunday, Antara news Agency  quoted by Mi’raj Islamic News Agency (MINA) as reporting.

Tjokro said, there are many oil palm companies having trouble in finding skilled labor that has special qualifications in the field. “We as a user requires a supply of qualified human resources in the field of garden, factory, and administration,” he said.

Tjokro explained, in the last decade, palm oil consumption grew at an average of 8-9 percent per year and is expected to increase more. This increase along with the trend in using alternative fuels based on renewable resources, such as biodiesel.

“Indonesia market will increase significantly. Likewise, there is a development in Malaysia. Without the support of qualified human resources, we will always left behind and could not compete in the international market,” he said.

Similar opinion was also stated by the Polytechnic Director of Palm Oil Citra Widya Education, Stephanus Kristono Nugroho. “The need will remain high,” he said.

Nugroho said nowadays and in the future, many oil palm companies need educated and skilled workers.

“Moreover, we also observe the principle of campus (Palm Oil Citra Widya Polytechnic) sustainability in every aspect of the course and practice,“ he said. (T/R03/P3)

Mi’raj Islamic News Agency (MINA)