On Wednesday (August 19, 2026), the Faculty of Law, Universitas Sumatera Utara (FH USU), collaborated with the Directorate of Institutional Relations of PTPN IV PalmCo to hold a book discussion titled “Ekosistem Kebun Negara untuk Petani Sawit dan Rakyat” (State Plantation Ecosystem for Smallholder Palm Oil Farmers and the People). The event took place in the Faculty Advisory Board (DPF) Room at FH USU.

The book discussed during the event was written by the literacy team of the Directorate of Institutional Relations of PTPN IV PalmCo, led by Arya Sandhiyudha and colleagues. The event opened with a speech by Arya Sandhiyudha, Ph.D., Director of Institutional Relations of PTPN IV PalmCo.

The discussion featured three speakers: Abdul Muthalib, S.P.; Dr. Mahmul Siregar, S.H., M.Hum., Dean of the Faculty of Law, USU; and Dr. Christian Orchard Perangin-Angin, S.H., M.Kn., CLA., CCD., Head of the Secretariat and Legal Division of PTPN IV Regional I. The discussion was moderated by Cand. Dr. Dini Srivati, S.Sos., M.M.

The discussion highlighted the synergy between state-owned plantations and the welfare of smallholder palm oil farmers, strategies for strengthening an inclusive and sustainable national palm oil governance ecosystem, and the role of strategic partnerships in supporting the economic advancement of local farmers and communities.

The book “Ekosistem Kebun Negara untuk Petani Sawit dan Rakyat” explores the strategic role and social responsibility of state-owned plantation companies in supporting the smallholder palm oil sector. Several key topics discussed included:

The Strategic Role of State-Owned Plantations

Although state-owned plantation companies such as PTPN IV PalmCo manage only around 5% of the country's total oil palm plantation area in terms of asset ownership, state-owned plantations play a crucial role as a “gravitational force” that supports and serves approximately 42% of smallholder palm oil farmers across Indonesia.

Implementing the Mandate of the 1945 Constitution

The book discusses how the management of state-owned plantations can serve as a practical government instrument for fulfilling the constitutional mandate to safeguard national unity, economic stability, and public welfare.

The discussion also examined formulas for fair strategic partnerships between state-owned plantation corporations as the “nucleus” (inti) and smallholder plantations as the “plasma” (plasma), with the aim of enabling smallholder farmers to achieve productivity standards comparable to those of the industry.

The book also addresses the fulfillment of basic rights for smallholder oil palm farmers, ranging from production sovereignty, including access to high-quality seeds and fertilizers, to transparent and predictable pricing. It outlines strategies for developing farmers' capacity to adopt environmentally friendly cultivation practices in response to negative campaigns in global markets.

In addition, the book discusses the role of state plantation investment in stimulating economic activity in remote areas, creating employment opportunities, and improving the livelihoods of local communities.

The book discussion is expected to enrich the academic community at FH USU, particularly in understanding legal and policy aspects of national palm oil plantation governance. The activity also serves as a platform for strengthening future cooperation between FH USU and the Directorate of Institutional Relations of PTPN IV PalmCo.