Foundational Partnership Framework Established: ICC, BRIN, and IJBNet Launch Strategic Cooperation for Coconut Research and Innovation The International Coconut Community (ICC) has taken a strategic step together with Indonesia’s National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) and the Indonesia-Japan Business Network (IJBNet) to formalize two key agreements. These agreements establish a framework to accelerate comprehensive research and innovation on coconut, including the development of sustainable energy from non-food coconut resources.
The first memorandum, the “Agreement between the International Coconut Community and BRIN’s Research Center for Plantation Crops regarding Mass Propagation of Superior Coconut Seeds using In Vitro Techniques, and Metabolomic Studies, and Genetic Stability Assessment”, signed at the National Research and Innovation Agency Headquarter, Cibinong, 26 June 2025, outlines the specific technical collaboration. This bilateral agreement between the two bodies concentrates on enhancing the fundamental quality and quantity of coconut resources through advanced genetic research and superior seed production to ensure the long-term sustainability and supply of the feedstock.
The second agreement, the “Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between National Research and Innovation Agency of the Republic of Indonesia and International Coconut Community and Indonesia-Japan Business Network Concerning Research and Innovation on Coconut for Sustainable Energy”, signed at the Ministry of Trade Office, Jakarta, on 6 November 2025, serves as the comprehensive strategic umbrella for the partnership. Its core focus is the joint research, development, and eventual commercialization of technologies that convert coconut resources—primarily non-standard ones—into sustainable energy. These foundational documents formalize the collaborative efforts, which are expected to elevate the coconut sector into a major player in global decarbonization efforts.
Collectively, these foundational agreements will govern and formalize all future joint activities. This framework was immediately put into action with the the recent Expert Review Meeting in Jakarta, 6 November 2025, which was dedicated to reviewing the draft’ Inspector Manual for Non-Standard Coconut. This manual is a pivotal instrument, establishing the necessary technical guidelines to strategically distinguish and safeguard food-grade coconut resources by preventing their diversion for use as Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) feedstock.
The collaboration is formalized between the Deputy for Development Policy at BRIN, the ICC Secretariat, and IJBNet. The primary objective of the partnership is to advance mass propagation techniques for superior coconut seeds using in vitro methods, conduct crucial metabolomic and genetic stability studies, and ultimately facilitate the commercialization of technology for clean energy production.
This collaboration is of strategic importance for Indonesia’s long-term development goals, as the MoU serves as the foundation for transforming non-standard coconuts, which would otherwise be treated as waste, into a high-value commodity. By leveraging research and international partnerships, Indonesia can maintain its leadership in coconut production while pioneering green energy technology.
The partnership is also critical for addressing persistent challenges such as low palm productivity, thereby positioning ICC member countries to meet future global demand for both food and non-food based products. The inclusion of IJBNet’s network is vital for bridging the gap between academic research and industrial commercialization, ensuring that scientific breakthroughs have a direct and efficient pathway to industry and the international supply chain.