Prof. Dr. Budi Setiadi Daryono, S.Si., M.Agr.Sc., Ph.D. the Dean of the Faculty of Biology at UGM, represented UGM as the Recipient of Research and Development Funding Support from the Palm Oil Fund Management Agency (Badan Pengelola Dana Perkebunan Kelapa Sawit – BPDPKS) for the year 2023. The official collaboration was marked by a Cooperation Agreement Signing Ceremony held on Monday, September 25, 2023, from 12:00 PM to 5:30 PM WIB at Hotel JHL Soltaire, Gading Serpong, Tangerang.
The event commenced with welcoming remarks from the CEO of BPDPKS, Eddy Abdurrachman, and a speech from a representative of BPDPKS’s Research and Development Committee. This was followed by the signing of the cooperation agreement for the Palm Oil Research and Development Grant Program 2023. Heads of Research and Development Institutions and Researchers who received Research and Development Funding Support from BPDPKS for 2023 were present at the event, including the team from UGM. UGM successfully secured the BPDPKS grant for an intriguing research project titled “Development of Molecular Markers for Efficient Phosphate Nutrient Uptake in Oil Palm.” This research is led by Prof. Dr. Budi Setiadi Daryono, S.Si., M.Agr.Sc., and involves several other researchers, namely Sigit Dwi Maryanto, M.Sc., Eka Tarwaca Susila Putra, S.P., M.Sc., Ph.D., Prof. Dr. Diah Rachmawati, M.Sc., and Prof. Dr. Purnomo, MS. This research project stands as the sole project to receive the BPDPKS grant and represents UGM in this prestigious event for the year 2023.
The Palm Oil Fund Management Agency (BPDPKS) has long been committed to supporting research and development in the palm oil industry. The research funding they provide originates from the palm oil plantation sector and is used to support various research and development initiatives in the palm oil industry, while also strengthening national research institutions.
The BPDPKS Grant research demonstrates support for the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through collaborative efforts to enhance research by researchers and lecturers at the Faculty of Biology, UGM, as well as to advance education (SDG 4 and SDG 17). Additionally, this collaboration supports BPDPKS’s mission in contributing to a better economic growth (SDG 8).
The BPDPKS Grant research demonstrates support for the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through collaborative efforts to enhance research by researchers and lecturers at the Faculty of Biology, UGM, as well as to advance education (SDG 4 and SDG 17). Additionally, this collaboration supports BPDPKS’s mission in contributing to a better economic growth (SDG 8).
The sustainability of the national palm oil industry is the primary focus of BPDPKS in supporting these research endeavors. It is hoped that the research results funded by BPDPKS will provide concrete solutions, act as problem-solving tools, and contribute to increased productivity and sustainability in the palm oil industry. The aspiration is that research funded by BPDPKS will be utilized by the palm oil industry, government, and the wider community, ultimately advancing the industry while ensuring its sustainability.