#YoungElaeis Ambassador Program: Bridging the Perception Gap Against Palm Oil
Many of us, especially the younger generation, may not fully grasp the significance of palm oil in our daily lives. From waking up to going to bed, we consistently use products derived from palm oil, such as bread with margarine for breakfast, palm oil for frying food, skincare products, and even the soap or shampoo we use every day. Palm oil products have become an integral part of our 24-hour routine.
Since its versatility, palm oil is utilized in various products, spanning from food and pharmaceuticals to renewable energy. As such, palm oil is a valuable resource for the world’s largest palm oil-producing countries, such as Indonesia and Malaysia. Regrettably, there is an imbalance in perceptions regarding sustainable palm oil efforts and their overall positive impact on the environment and social structure.
In response to this phenomenon, the #YoungElaeis Ambassador Program emerged as an educational initiative by the Council of Palm Oil Producing Countries (CPOPC). I am proud to represent DSN Group and serve as Indonesia’s representative in this program, alongside talented youths from various countries.
Our task is to develop educational projects related to palm oil. I am interested in the topic of sustainable palm oil, particularly from the perspective of the younger generation regarding climate and palm oil. I plan to conduct a campaign on social media platforms such as Instagram, TikTok, and LinkedIn
During this campaign, I can share my experience in contributing to the company’s Climate Action Plan, specifically DSN Group’s efforts to convert Palm Oil Mill Effluent (POME) or liquid palm oil byproducts into fuel for Fresh Fruit Bunch (FFB) trucks. Notably, DSN Group innovates by converting diesel trucks to use 100% Bio-CNG, addressing the challenges of transitioning to renewable energy, namely high costs and stranded assets. With 100% of FFB transport trucks owned by the community, this innovation facilitates an environmentally friendly transition and widespread climate literacy.
What makes this program intriguing is the direct guidance from palm oil experts such as YBhg. Tan Sri Yusof Basiron, Dr. M. Fadhil Hasan, and Prof. Pietro Paganini. Learning from these experts enhances our factual and scientific understanding of palm oil. This program marks a promising beginning for the younger generation to communicate about sustainable palm oil more vocally on social media.
I feel fortunate to gain this valuable experience, especially in conveying concepts simply for Gen-Z understanding on social media regarding sustainable palm oil. I am also grateful as almost all the materials provided by mentors have been acquired during my 2 years at PT Dharma Satya Nusantara Tbk (DSN Group), making the company a reference point for palm oil sustainability programs. This has also facilitated the development of campaign materials, as I have witnessed the tangible evidence firsthand.
I would like to invite all friends who have firsthand experience with the sustainability of palm oil in the field to help balancing the narrative on social media. By this efforts, we can ensure that more information aligns with the existing facts and data. Together, let’s advocate for the sustainability of palm oil for a better future!
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