The Inauguration Session of the Youth Empowerment Program (YEP), “Empowering the Future of Coconut Sector: A Youth-Led Transformation for Sustainable Partnerships” Phase 2 (Internship Program) was held on 15th May at the Swiss-Belhotel Bogor. The program aims to provide hands-on experience in research, innovation, and industrial application within the coconut sector to young individuals from various ICC member countries.
The event commenced with prayers, followed by a welcome address and an outline of the program's objectives delivered by Dr. Jelfina C. Alouw, the Director General of ICC. Dr. Alouw highlighted the importance of empowering the next generation in the coconut community and addressed the challenges and opportunities within the sector, emphasizing the need for sustainable practices and innovation. She noted the global export value of coconut products accounts for 14 billion USD annually, while also pointing out the current lower productivity in Indonesia at approximately 1.1 metric tons of copra equivalent per hectare per year compared to its potential of over three metric tons with improved practices. Emphasizing sustainable partnerships, the program seeks to transform the industry through innovative solutions like mobile apps and drone monitoring. Training will cover charcoal production, coconut peat processing, and high-value product creation, aiming for a more inclusive, sustainable, and economically viable sector.
Opening remarks were delivered by Ms. Nina Damajanti, Head of Team for Coordinator Cooperation of Coconut, Pepper and Palm Oil Commodity Organization, Director General of International Trade Negotiation, representing Mr. Natan Kambuno,
Alternate National Liaison Officer, Director for Interregional and International, Organization Negotiation, Ministry of Trade, Republic of Indonesia/ANLO, ICC. Ms. Nina conveyed the Indonesian government's support for the ICC's mission and the YEP, emphasizing the program's role in cultivating a new generation of leaders and innovators within the coconut industry.
A key highlight of the event was the inaugural video launching the Internship phase of the YEP 2025. This phase will see seven selected participants from India, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, Solomon Islands, Indonesia, Thailand, and Papua New Guinea undertake internships at three institutions: PT House of Charcoal in Indonesia, the Coconut Research Institute (CRI) in Sri Lanka, and Growrite Substrate Private Limited in Sri Lanka.
Special remarks were delivered by H.E. DiarNurbiantoro, the Director of the Non-Aligned Movement Centre for South-South Technical Cooperation (NAM-CSSTC). He underscored the importance of investing in the youth for a sustainable and resilient future of the coconut sector and highlighted the collaborative spirit of South-South cooperation embodied by the program. NAM-CSSTC has been a significant sponsor of the YEP, supporting both the virtual workshops and the internship phases.
Mr. Asep Jembar Mulyana, CEO of PT House of Charcoal, introduced his company and its profile. He expressed pride in being a host institution for the internship, noting that Indonesia is the largest producer of coconut charcoal briquettes globally. He shared the company's journey and its commitment to eco-friendly and sustainable production, expressing hope that the trainees would gain valuable insights into the industry.
Following the company introduction, the YEP candidates from India, Malaysia, and Sri Lanka briefly introduced themselves and shared reflections on the coconut industry in their respective countries, including challenges such as rising manufacturing costs, labor shortages, climate change impacts, and the need for mindset shifts in adopting modern agricultural practices.
A significant part of the session involved the signing of Memorandum of Agreement (MoA). Dr. Jelfina C. Alouw, Director General, ICC, and H.E. Diar Nurbiantoro, Director, NAM-CSSTC, signed a MoA confirming NAM-CSSTC's sponsorship for the internship phase. Additionally, Dr. Alouw and Mr. Asep Jembar Mulyana, CEO of PT House of Charcoal, signed a MoA formalizing PT House of Charcoal's role as a host institution for the internship program.
Guidelines for the participants were presented by the Deputy Director General of ICC, Mr.Nuwan Chinthaka. Participants were also informed that they were required to submit a report and presentation upon completion of their internship, and that ICC would sponsor the best business plan developed by the participants as part of the final phase of the program.
The session concluded with a Q&A session and a vote of thanks delivered by Mr. Alit Pirmansah, Director of Market and Statistics at ICC.
The event concluded with an official group photo session, marking the beginning of an intensive learning and development journey for the young participants in the Youth Empowerment Program Phase 2: Internship Program.