Palm Oil Research Articles

A Review of Palm Oil Plasma Land Conflicts from the Perspective of Agrarian Reform: Analysis of Decision Number 3661 K/PDT/2019

Abstract: The government has addressed disparities in palm oil plantation ownership through the partnership model of the Nucleus Estate Smallholder Plantation (PIR-BUN) using a core-plasma scheme as outlined in Presidential Instruction No. 1 of 1986, aiming to achieve agrarian reform. However, in practice, the nucleus-plasma scheme has led to land conflicts and issues, one of which occurred in Teluk Bakung Village, West Kalimantan. Therefore, to ensure the effective implementation of the nucleus-plasma scheme in the future and the realization of agrarian reform, it is necessary to investigate the causes of plasma land conflicts in Teluk Bakung Village and the impacts of these conflicts on agrarian reform efforts. This study adopts a normative juridical method, examining secondary data from literature and primary data from Supreme Court Decision No. 3661 K/PDT/2019 concerning PT PALM’s default in profit-sharing on plasma land. The findings indicate that plasma land conflicts arise from differing interpretations of the 20% provision for community plantation development, inadequacies in institutional support and processes for the PIR-BUN program, and a lack of transparency from the nucleus company. These conflicts ultimately negatively impact the socio-economic aspects of plasma farmers in Teluk Bakung Village and hinder agrarian reform efforts, particularly in the region. Keywords: Agrarian Reform, PIR-BUN, Plasma Land

Management Ergonomics Sector Analysis Oil Palm Plantation

Indonesia, the world’s largest palm oil producer, significantly impacts global crude palm oil (CPO) production. Despite its economic value, manual labor in oil palm plantations often involves non-ergonomic practices, particularly in tasks like loading and unloading, leading to worker fatigue and increased risks of Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs). This research aims to evaluate ergonomic risks and MSD prevalence among oil palm workers by analyzing body posture during daily tasks. Data were collected using the RULA method, Nordic Body Map, and environmental measurements, supported by interviews and observations. Findings reveal that improper lifting and posture during harvesting contribute to fatigue and MSDs among workers. Recommendations for improvement include regular ergonomic training, adjustments to work posture, and the addition of safety equipment like fire extinguishers. By implementing these changes, the study seeks to improve worker safety, minimize MSD occurrences, and boost productivity in oil palm plantations. These insights are vital for ensuring sustainable practices in the industry and promoting the well-being of plantation workers.

Thermo‐mechanical performance of oil palm/bamboo fiber reinforced bio epoxy hybrid composites

AbstractThe aim of this work to fabricate bamboo (B)/oil palm (O) fibers based biocomposites to assess mechanical, thermal and morphological properties. Flexural strength and modulus of hybrid biocomposite (7B:3O) exhibited a higher value (71.18 MPa and 5.24GPa) respectively among all biocomposite samples. On the other hand, pure biocomposite (B) showed a higher impact strength value (6977.8 J/m2) compared to other biocomposites. The results of TGA showed that thermal stability was observed significantly for hybrid biocomposites compared to other samples. In addition, the maximum decomposition temperature values were displayed in the hybrid biocomposite (5B5O), which was 377.82°C. Through DMA, it was likely to find the storage modulus curves (E′), loss modulus (E″) and damping factor (tan δ) for the biocomposites. The E′ showed an increase in the (3736.84 MPa) contrasted to other corresponding samples which were 3121.81 MPa, and 3209.67 MPa for 3B7O MPa and 5B5O samples, respectively. Overall, the results of DMA displayed an enhancement in the storage modulus (E′) in terms of the hybrid biocomposites representing greater stiffness and lower damping factor. SEM micrographs were utilized to understand the fiber bonding and fiber adhesion with the epoxy matrix. Furthermore, it confirmed SEM results that hybrid natural fibers enhance the complete characterisations of bio‐epoxy materials. Additionally, SEM images of the tensile fracture surfaces discovered voids and cracks. Finally, it can be concluded that the selection for the developed hybrid biocomposites provides excellent and economical lightweight biomaterials for automotive, aerospace, contractions and building components.Highlights Green hybrid biocomposites by oil palm/bamboo fiber/bioepoxy resin. Mechanical, thermal, DMA of hybrid composites carried out. Hybrid biocomposite(7B:3O) exhibited higher flexural strength value (71.18 MPa). TGA showed that the biocomposites are thermally further stable. DMA displayed an enhancement in the storage modulus (E′).

The Quality Test of Utilization of Palm Oil Solid Waste As a Raw Material For Refuse Derived Fuel (RDF) For Alternative Fuels.

The use of palm oil solid waste as a raw material for refuse derived fuel (RDF) is a promising alternative to overcome environmental and energy problems. This study aims to test the quality of RDF produced from palm solid waste by paying attention to the composition of the mixture and treatment method through quantitative experimental methods, which are divided into two stages: processing and quality testing. The results showed that the average calorific value of RDF reached 4,216.75 cal/g, moisture content 10.76%, ash content 4.37%, volatile matter 58.11%, and fixed carbon 26.75%, all of which showed great potential as an alternative energy source. Although the RDF calorific value of palm solid waste is higher than the industry standard, the moisture content and ash content are still below international standards, and the calorific value is slightly below the SNI class 1 standard but higher than that of class 2 and 3. These findings indicate that RDF from palm oil solid waste has the potential to be a good quality alternative fuel.

Alleviation of oxidized lipid-induced oxidative stress and hypertension by estrogen and selected antihyperlipidemic drugs in post-menopausal Wistar rats

Lipid peroxidation is implicated in the development of hypertension and coronary artery disease, and its deleterious impact is exacerbated by estrogen (ETD) depletion in post-menopausal women. We hypothesize that treatment with ETD and antihyperlipidemic drugs, either alone or in combination, can alleviate the development of cardiovascular disease. In this study, female Wistar rats were divided into 10 groups (n = 6): Group 1 (control) underwent a Sham operation and was fed standard rat chow, whereas the other nine groups were ovariectomized (OVX) and received a diet containing either thermoxidized palm oil (TPO) or thermoxidized soya oil (TSO) for 12 weeks. ETD at 0.2 mg/kg/day, atorvastatin (ATV) at 10 mg/kg/day, and a combination of ezetimibe (EZE) and ATV (EZE at 3 mg/kg/day + ATV at 10 mg/kg/day) were administered for 12 weeks in both TSO and TPO diet groups. Blood pressure and electrocardiogram (ECG) parameters were assessed, along with serum lipid profile, atherogenic indices, and markers of oxidative stress. Both TPO and TSO diets significantly altered blood pressure and ECG parameters in OVX rats. Treatment with ATV, EZE+ATV, and ETD significantly reduced blood pressure parameters compared to the OVX+TPO group. Antihyperlipidemic drugs significantly decreased heart rate, QT interval, QRS duration, and QT corrected (QTc), whereas ETD similarly shortened the QRS and QTc duration. ATV and ETD also reduced total cholesterol, triglycerides, and very low-density lipoprotein levels, while boosting high-density lipoprotein concentrations compared to untreated OVX+TSO rats. This study demonstrates that thermoxidized oil has a deleterious effect on OVX rats by altering blood pressure, ECG parameters, and atherogenic indices. Treatment with antihyperlipidemic drugs and ETD normalized blood pressure and ECG parameters, reversed hyperlipidemia, and restored antioxidant system balance.

The impact of carbon quantum dots derived from spent coffee grounds on the droplet combustion of diesel/n-butanol blend

As global concerns surrounding climate change mount and fossil fuel reserves diminish, the application of additives in internal combustion engines is increasingly prevalent. Butanol and carbonaceous nanomaterials, such as carbon quantum dots (CQD), are being employed as additives to increase engine efficiency and mitigate the emission of pollutants. Nevertheless, understanding the impact of these additives on combustion behavior at the droplet scale through combustion assessments before their use in engines is crucial. In this study, our main objective was to assess the impact of incorporating CQD dispersed in n-butanol as additives to conventional diesel fuel on the combustion characteristics at the droplet scale. CQD were obtained from spent coffee grounds (SCGs) using n-butanol as a solvent. The product obtained was mixed with Colombian commercial diesel (10 % vol. palm oil biodiesel), and its combustion was evaluated using the droplet combustion method. Before the CQD synthesis, SCGs were characterized by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM). CQD were characterized via Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), UV–vis, and fluorescence spectroscopy. Results indicated that adding n-butanol and CQD to commercial diesel leads to a 5.4 % and 16.5 % increase in droplet ignition delay, respectively. These additives also cause droplet contraction and expansion cycles, resulting in unstable combustion. However, CQD reduces the frequency of microexplosions caused by boiling n-butanol inside the droplet, which mitigates instabilities during droplet combustion. Including CQD can enhance fuel evaporation by increasing the density of nucleation sites for bubble formation and preventing micro-explosions, thereby leading to stable combustion. These attributes can significantly influence the performance of blends in Compression Ignition (CI) Engines.

Structural, rheological and thermal properties of crude palm oil obtained in pressed, sifted and clarification stages using ultrasound-assisted

Abstract Crude palm oil (CPO) is commonly used in the oil industry. This study presents a comparison of the structural, rheological, and thermal properties of clarified CPO (CCPO) sample obtained using the conventional method and ultrasound-assisted (UA)-treated samples. These samples were obtained in the pressed (press liquor, PL), sifted (sifted liquor, SL), and clarification (outlet sludge, OS) stages. The frequencies used for the UA-treated samples were 40 and 80 kHz for 30 min. The PL and SL samples exhibited higher resistance to oxidative deterioration and nutritional quality than the CCPO sample did. The maximum oil extractability percentage (OEP) of the UA-treated samples relative to that of CCPO was 7.4 %. The bleachability index (DOBI) values of the UA-treated samples were higher (between 2.06 and 2.58) than that of the CCPO sample (1.43). However, the viscosity (η) displayed opposite trend. The thermal stability did not exhibit consistent patterns with increasing frequency.

Kontribusi Badan Usaha Milik Desa (BUMDes) Syariah dalam Meningkatkan Pendapatan Asli Desa (PADes) Desa Bangun Seranten Kecamatan Muara Tabir Kabupaten Tebo

The aim of this research is to determine the process of managing BUMDes Berkah Abadi's funds in PADes, the contribution of BUMDes Berkah Abadi in improving PADes, and the obstacles and solutions for BUMDes Syariah Berkah Abadi in its contribution to PADes. The method used in this research is qualitative. The results of this research show that the contribution of BUMDes to PADes is the activity process in an effort to design interactions between BUMDes and the Village Government so that they can distribute PADes well and create the ability of BUMDes with their business units that sell palm oil fertilizer to increase PADes, namely, by designing BUMDes in interaction. village government every month or every three months, BUMDes provides reports on BUMDes activities.

Erratum: Oil palm boom: its socioeconomic use and abuse

Erratum: Oil palm boom: its socioeconomic use and abuse

Long-term rainfall and water table influence on groundwater nutrient dynamics from an oil palm plantation

ABSTRACT Conservation of groundwater quality is of paramount importance for sustainable agricultural management. Hydrological factors such as rainfall patterns and water table (WT) management, including drainage practices, play a crucial role in groundwater recharge. This in turn has a significant impact on WT fluctuations, nutrient losses in the soil, and the leaching of fertilizers into groundwater which leads to groundwater pollution. Consequently, this study evaluates the long-term influence of seasonal rainfall and WT fluctuations on groundwater nutrient dynamics in tropical peatlands from an oil palm plantation (OPP). Linear regression analyses and Pearson correlation matrices were adopted to evaluate the relationships between seasonal rainfall, WT, and groundwater chemical parameters. The results showed that there was a significant increase in mean pH, NO3 −, Na+, Ca2+, and PO4 3- values during the wet season compared to the dry season which could be attributed to the leaching of nutrients into groundwater due to rainfall, nutrient runoff from drainage systems and increased nitrification rate. A significant positive correlation (p < 0.01) was found between groundwater pH and NO3 − during the wet season, suggesting that increased groundwater pH due to heavy rainfall directly affects the nitrification process. It was also observed that low WT promotes denitrification in shallow groundwater, with this effect being more significant (p < 0.05) during the dry season. This was reflected in the higher correlation values between the WT fluctuations and the NH4 + concentrations in the groundwater. This research represents the first study to explore the long-term impacts of rainfall and WT fluctuations on groundwater quality in tropical peatlands. The insights gained from this study offer valuable guidance for WT management strategies aimed at conserving groundwater quality in such environments, ultimately contributing to sustainable agricultural practices.

ANALISIS KINERJA KEMITRAAN INTI PLASMA PERKEBUNAN KELAPA SAWIT DI DESA JATIWARINGIN KABUPATEN KOTAWARINGIN TIMUR PROVINSI KALIMANTAN TENGAH (Performance Analysis Of The Core Plasma Partnership Of Palm Palm Plantations In Jatiwaringin Village, East Kotawaringin District, Central Kalimantan Province)

The partnership pattern is the umbrella for all plantation business collaboration between core and plasma companies. The plasma core business partnership system for oil palm farmers is an effort to improve the welfare of farmers. The aim of the research is to determine partnership patterns, the influence of stakeholder roles, stakeholder characters, and partnership models on KUD performance and farmer welfare. The sample in the research was 81 oil palm farmers with data analysis using SEM (Structural Equation Modeling) analysis techniques. Research results Partnership patterns used by PT. Makin Group with Jatiwaringin oil palm farmers provides welfare and benefits for both parties, with a direct influence on the character of stakeholders and the role of stakeholders with p-value ≤ sig 0.05 directly influencing KUD performance. KUD performance and the role of stakeholders p-value ≤ sig 0.05 have a direct influence on farmer welfare. The indirect influence of stakeholder character, stakeholder role, and KUD performance has a p-value smaller than the sig level of 0.05 which has an indirect effect on farmer welfare. The plasma core partnership model in Jatiwaringin Village applies a partnership model managed by the Village Unit Cooperative (KUD).

Acceptance and Awareness of Oil Palm Smallholders toward Integrating Farming Systems in Malaysia: A Case Study in Keratong Rompin District in Pahang

Acceptance and Awareness of Oil Palm Smallholders toward Integrating Farming Systems in Malaysia: A Case Study in Keratong Rompin District in Pahang

Sustainable innovations: Mechanical and thermal stability in palm fiber-reinforced boron carbide epoxy composites

This study reports the development of a sustainable composite material by integrating boron carbide (B4C) nanoparticles into palm fruit fiber (PFF)-reinforced epoxy matrices. The mechanical and thermal properties of these composites were thoroughly assessed, yielding promising results across key performance metrics. Tensile strength increased to 41.73 MPa with 4 % B4C, while flexural strength reached 43.29 MPa at the same concentration. Impact energy also saw an improvement, peaking at 5.6 kJ/m² with 4 % B4C. Similarly, hardness values showed an upward trend, with a Shore D value of 73. Additionally, water absorption was reduced from 7.2 % to 5.3 %, indicating enhanced moisture resistance. Thermal analysis confirmed the superior thermal stability of the composite, as shown by Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA) and Differential Thermogravimetry (DTG) curves, with the maximum mass loss occurring at a higher temperature for the 4 % B4C composite. Fatigue stress testing also demonstrated improved durability, with the 4 % and 5 % composites exhibiting higher fatigue resistance over multiple cycles. The findings suggest that a 4 % concentration of boron carbide achieves an optimal balance of improved mechanical strength, durability, and thermal stability, making these composites suitable for high-performance applications while promoting environmental sustainability.

Macroeconomics Factors Affecting Net Exports of Oil Palm Industry in Malaysia

This quantitative study investigates the impact of oil palm production, oil palm pricing, inflation, and GDP growth rate on the net exports of Malaysia's oil palm industry. This research is aimed at analyzing how the net export of oil palm relates to certain macroeconomic variables. This study has employed multiple regression analysis through Ordinary Least Squares for 26 years of time series data from 1996 to 2020 in Malaysia. The findings from this study improve our understanding of the major factors contributing to net exports in the oil palm industry. Palm oil production, price, as well as GDP growth, drive net export of palm oil in Malaysia found during this research. An increase in production leads to the reduced amount of palm oil exported, all other things remaining constant. Conversely, inflation and GDP growth are major drivers behind the increased net export of palm oil.

Optimasi Peningkatan Karakteristik Crude Palm Oil (CPO) sebagai Bahan Bakar Diesel

Indonesia is one of the largest palm oil-producing countries in the world, significantly contributing to global palm oil needs. The use of palm oil as fuel is generally achieved through the biodiesel manufacturing process; however, this process remains costly and thus less economical. Additionally, the primary obstacle in using crude palm oil (CPO) is its high viscosity, which can cause blockages in the fuel injector channels of diesel engines. Therefore, modifications are necessary to enhance the characteristics of CPO so that it can be used directly as diesel engine fuel. This can be achieved through heating and the addition of 2-EHN additives. This study aimed to optimize the characteristics of CPO using Response Surface Methodology (RSM) to determine the optimal combination of temperature and 2-EHN concentration. The optimal point was identified at a temperature of 50°C and a 2-EHN concentration of 2%. The results of the CPO characteristic test showed a viscosity of 4.45 CSt, a density of 0.884 g/ml, a cetane number of 56.9, and a calorific value of 9314 kcal/kg

The Influence of Extrinsic Motivation and Cross-Cultural Adjustment on Foreign Worker Commitment: The Mediating Role of Cross-Cultural Adjustment and Moderating Role of Employer Trust

Palm oil is a key income source in Malaysia, with the industry heavily reliant on foreign workers. This reliance necessitates a focus on their welfare to address workforce shortages. This study examines the relationship between extrinsic motivation and organizational commitment, mediated by cross-cultural adjustment and moderated by employer trust among foreign workers. This study employed a quantitative research design, using SPSS for data analysis, and surveyed 242 foreign workers from companies listed on the Malaysian Palm Oil Council (MPOC) website in 2022, achieving a 100% response rate. The key findings show that organizational commitment positively influences extrinsic motivation, with cross-cultural adjustment significantly enhancing both. Employer trust moderates the relationship between organizational commitment and cross-cultural adjustment, underscoring its importance in cultural adaptation and motivation. These insights highlight the need for targeted strategies to improve job satisfaction and retention among foreign workers by addressing extrinsic motivational factors and cultural adaptation challenges. The research contributes to the literature by detailing the interplay of organizational factors and cultural adaptation in shaping motivational outcomes, suggesting future research to explore longitudinal studies and other moderating variables. These findings offer valuable implications for improving workforce performance and retention strategies in the palm oil industry.

Application of the Naive Bayes Method for Determining the Quality of Crude Palm Oil (CPO) at PTPN 2 Sawit Seberang

The palm oil industry is a vital pillar of Indonesia's economy, with Crude Palm Oil (CPO) as one of its leading commodities. The quality of CPO significantly impacts its competitiveness and market price internationally. PTPN 2 Sawit Seberang, as a prominent CPO processing company, faces challenges in consistently maintaining product quality. Key factors affecting CPO quality include moisture content, free fatty acids, and impurity levels, which are difficult to manage manually. To address these challenges, this study applies the Naive Bayes method as an efficient and fast classification tool for determining CPO quality. Naive Bayes was chosen for its simplicity in probability calculations and its ability to handle data classification with reasonable accuracy. The data used in this study include moisture content, free fatty acids, and impurity levels measured between February and June 2024. The data was split into training data (80%) and testing data (20%) and analyzed using RapidMiner software. The results show that the Naive Bayes method achieved an accuracy rate of 66.6%, with precision and recall values of 50% each. Although the accuracy could be improved, the application of this method has significantly enhanced the efficiency of determining CPO quality. Thus, the implementation of the Naive Bayes method in determining CPO quality at PTPN 2 Sawit Seberang is an effective step towards improving operational efficiency, classification accuracy, and decision-making quality related to product standards, ultimately supporting the company's competitiveness in the global market.

Identification and Functional Analysis of Git3 G Protein-Coupled Receptors in Ganoderma boninense PER71

G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) are integral components of eukaryotic heterotrimeric G proteins, playing crucial roles in detecting extracellular signals and initiating the activity of signaling proteins within cells to activate cellular responses to these signals. The objectives of this study are to identify and characterize the function of Git3, a Class III GPCR protein, in the oil palm pathogen Ganoderma boninense. To identify the potential genes encoded for GPCR in this fungus, intensive data mining on the genome and transcriptome data has been carried out. A total of six classes of GPCRs have been identified. These include Class II pheromone detectors, Class III carbon detectors, Class IV nitrogen detectors, Class VII proteins similar to glycosyltransferase, Class VIII proteins similar to hemolysin, and Class X protein receptors. Among these, the Class III protein Git3, postulated to be involved in glucose sensing and fungal pathogenicity, was selected for gene knockdown using RNA interference (RNAi). A plasmid, designated pUChph-GIT3, was constructed, to target git3 silencing by incorporating a hygromycin resistance gene cassette and antisense sequences of git3. Transformation of G. boninense PER71 with pUChph-GIT3 produced five potential Δgit3 gene-silenced mutants. PCR analysis confirmed the integration of the RNAi expression cassette into the fungal genome. Quantitative PCR (qPCR) analysis revealed significant reductions in git3 expression in three G. boninense mutants, M42, M66, and M5 by 47%, 23%, and 13%, respectively. The Disease Severity Index (DSI) indicated slower disease progression in oil palm plantlets infected with Δgit3 mutants compared to those infected with wild-type G. boninense PER71. In conclusion, this study successfully isolated and characterized the git3 GPCR from G. boninense and demonstrated that it might play a role during the early stages of infection, as the mutants were able to slow the progression of infection in oil palm plantlets.

Adsorben dari Lumpur Limbah untuk Penyisihan Kromium pada Fixed Bed Column

Sewage sludge is a major by-product of the wastewater biological treatment process. Wastewater Treatment Plants at Palm Oil Mills (PKS) produce a lot of sewage sludge and until now it has not been optimally utilized. This study aims to examine the potential of PKS sewage sludge as an adsorbent for the removal of kromium (Cr) by the fixed bed column method. The study will also analyze the effect of recirculation on the reduction of kromium levels. The sludge was carbonized in a furnace at 300°C for 2 hours. Synthetic kromium wastewater was made at three concentrations of 2000 ppm, 3000 ppm, and 4000 ppm. The sludge adsorbent used was 100 grams which was filled into the fix bed column. Recirculation of kromium wastewater was performed 3 times. Adsorption isotherms were analyzed using Langmuir and Freundlich models. The results showed that the best removal without recirculation occurred at a kromium concentration of 3000 ppm with a removal efficiency of 48.07%. Furthermore, recirculation was carried out 3 times and resulted in varying removal values at the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd recirculation of 37.9%, 40.06% and 35.4%. The highest removal occurred in the second recirculation. The addition of recirculation led to a decrease in the sorption of chrome as the adsorbent had reached saturation point. This allows the release of kromium ions that have been adsorbed and causes the removal efficiency to decrease. A suitable adsorption isotherm model for sludge adsorbent is the Langmuir model, where the adsorption process occurs in a single layer and is homogeneous.

Assessment of the biological durability of oil palm trunk modified with 1,3-dimethylol-4,5-dihydroxy-ethyleneurea (DMDHEU) following subsequent curing at elevated temperatures

The biological durability of oil palm trunk modified with 1,3-dimethylol-4,5-dihydroxyethyleneurea (DMDHEU) was tested after subsequent curing at elevated temperatures. The resistance against mold, decay fungi, and subterranean termites was examined. Dimethylol dihydroxyethyleneurea-modified OPT demonstrated improved resistance against mold and decay fungi; however, the effect was lesser on subterranean termite attacks. Oil palm trunk modified with 34% DMDHEU and cured at 160 °C exhibited the most effective reduction in mass loss due to biological degradation compared to the untreated controls. High curing temperature (&gt; 180 °C) caused cracks and ruptured the cell walls, exposing the untreated zone of the OPT to biological attack. As a non-biocidal wood modification, homogeneous dispersion of DMDHEU with adequate concentration and curing temperature is important to fully prevent OPT degradation by wood-destroying fungi and termites. These results provide valuable information for technologists to enhance or streamline the experimental design of combined modification with DMDHEU and thermal treatment, supporting their practical goals. It is recommended to continue research on the leaching of DMDHEU-modified OPT to understand the prevailing effect of DMDHEU on the biological durability of OPT, whether it is due to cross-linking or filler dispersion.