Doctoral Program in Agricultural Science Conducts Doctoral Colloquium on Farmers’ Planned Behavior Toward Sustainable Palm Oil Practices

The Doctoral Program in Agricultural Science, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Bengkulu, conducted a Doctoral Colloquium on Wednesday, September 10, 2025, at the Graduate Meeting Room, Faculty of Agriculture. The colloquium was part of the academic requirements for doctoral students, serving as an essential step before conducting their dissertation research.

In this session, doctoral student Eko Sumartono presented his dissertation proposal titled “Farmers’ Planned Behavior Toward Sustainable Palm Oil Practices in the Implementation of the Indonesian Sustainable Palm Oil (ISPO) Standard.” The presentation aimed to outline the conceptual framework, objectives, and methodological approach that will guide his forthcoming research.

The event was attended by the examination committee consisting of Prof. Dr. Ir. Ketut Sukiyono, M.Ec., Dr. Apri Andani, S.P., M.Si., Dr. M. Mustopa Romdhon, S.P., M.Si., Prof. Dr. Ir. Satria Putra Utama, M.Sc., and Dr. M. Zulkarnain Yuliarso, S.P., M.Si., who provided critical feedback and academic insights to help refine the research proposal.

Through this colloquium, doctoral candidates are given the opportunity to articulate their research ideas and receive constructive evaluation from academic experts, ensuring that the planned studies meet high scientific and methodological standards. The discussion also highlighted the importance of behavioral perspectives in understanding farmers’ decisions related to sustainable palm oil practices, aligning with Indonesia’s efforts to strengthen compliance with the ISPO certification system. By conducting this academic forum, the Doctoral Program in Agricultural Science continues to demonstrate its commitment to advancing agricultural research and developing innovative solutions for sustainable agricultural development in Indonesia.