Yogyakarta, Saturday, March 22, 2025 – The Department of Agricultural Economics and Agribusiness, Universitas Gadjah Mada, held a guest lecture with the theme “Management of PT Sinergi Gula Nusantara in Facing National Sugar Self-sufficiency and Global Challenges.” The event was held online through a Zoom meeting on Saturday, March 22, 2025. This event was attended by students presenting the main speaker, Mahmudi, S.P., M.Si., and President Director of PT Sinergi Gula Nusantara (SGN).
PT SGN is part of PTPN 4 through Palm Co, Sugar Co, and Supporting Co, currently managing 36 sugar factories in various parts of Indonesia. 2024 has been one of the best achievements for the company, with the highest revenue in its history. However, the national sugar industry still faces major challenges, especially in sugarcane productivity and yield caused by the dominance of old plants above the ideal limit.
Some of the strategic steps taken by PT SGN to overcome these challenges include:
- Improved Crop Composition: Optimizing the ratoon cycle by limiting plants that pass ratoon 3.
- Sugarcane Variety Diversification: Using superior varieties that are more productive and resistant to environmental conditions.
- Sweet Program: Special initiatives to improve the welfare of sugarcane farmers through the rejuvenation of smallholder sugarcane plants, increasing yields with superior varieties, Sugarcane Cluster People’s Business Credit (KUR) to provide access to sustainable financing, digitalization of the farmer ecosystem through ETERA (Ekosistem Tebu Rakyat) to improve operational efficiency and effectiveness, Satgas Tebu Rakyat to assist farmers in the cultivation process, and the Sugarcane Agripreneur Incubator to train young farmers and expand sugarcane land through the concept of mini estate entrepreneur.
On the operational side, PT SGN also implements the Excellent Operational Strategic Program, which is divided into On-Farm, namely Modernization of agriculture through mechanization, digitalization of Good Agricultural Practices (GAP), and optimization of water management. Off-Farm, namely by increasing the efficiency of sugar factories through digitalization, optimizing production, and reoperating four previously inactive factories.
Through this guest lecture, students gained in-depth insight into the challenges and management strategies of the national sugar industry. With various innovations and strategic approaches, PT SGN strives to realize national sugar self-sufficiency and improve the welfare of sugarcane farmers. This insight can inspire students to contribute to developing a sustainable agribusiness sector in Indonesia.
Author : Aprilia Dwi Hastuti
Admin of the Website for the Agricultural Economics and Agribusiness, Faculty of Agriculture, UGM