ASPRINDO Urges South Sulawesi Entrepreneurs to Develop Downstream Processing of Key Commodities
MAKASSAR – The Indonesian Nusantara Indigenous Entrepreneurs Association (ASPRINDO) is encouraging entrepreneurs in South Sulawesi to strengthen the downstream processing of flagship commodities so that more of the economic value added is enjoyed by local businesses. The move is considered important given that South Sulawesi’s economic growth has surpassed the national average and is supported by steadily rising export performance.
ASPRINDO Central Board Chairman Jose Rizal said South Sulawesi’s economic growth in 2025 reached 5.32 per cent, higher than the national average. Meanwhile, the province’s export value has reached US$2.1 billion, underpinned by nickel, seaweed, cocoa and fisheries commodities.
“So what does this mean? One of Indonesia’s economic kitchens is in South Sulawesi. But the question is, what percentage of that US$2.1 billion goes into the pockets of indigenous entrepreneurs? The question is, how much of that economic contribution and output goes into the pockets of ASPRINDO entrepreneurs?” Jose said during the inauguration of the ASPRINDO South Sulawesi Regional Board in Makassar on Sunday (19 July).
According to Jose, regional entrepreneurs need to strengthen downstream processing so that flagship commodities are not merely sold as raw materials. He is encouraging the development of processing industries based on local potential through the Kampung Industri (Industrial Village) concept.
“South Sulawesi has six commodities: gold, nickel, seaweed, fisheries, cocoa and marine tourism. No more selling raw. We build factories. We build Industrial Villages. One Village, One Champion Product. Raw materials from Takalar, processed in Makassar, sold to the world,” Jose said.
Beyond downstream processing, Jose considers strengthening supply chains an important factor in boosting the competitiveness of local products. In his view, collaboration between large businesses and MSMEs needs to be reinforced so that access to capital, technology and markets becomes increasingly open.
“ASPRINDO is a bridge. We bring together capital, technology and markets. If the supply chain is strong, then there will no longer be stories of imported goods being cheaper,” he said.
Jose also urged business players to raise product standards through certification, the use of technology and stronger branding so they can compete in export markets.
“Enough of the stigma that ‘local products are second-rate quality’. From today, we fight back with certification, technology and branding. South Sulawesi products must be on shelves in Dubai, in Japan, in Europe. It is not a dream. That is the target,” he said.
At the same event, ASPRINDO Advisory Board member Jamaluddin Jompa said the academic world stands ready to support the competitiveness of business players through the use of research findings and strengthening entrepreneurship.
Meanwhile, ASPRINDO South Sulawesi Regional Board Chairman Abu Hasan said the new leadership has prepared seven programme clusters to enhance the capacity and competitiveness of entrepreneurs in the region.
“God willing, ASPRINDO entrepreneurs in this region are ready to move up a class and build their competitiveness,” Abu Hasan said.