Governor Presents Five Strategic Potentials of West Sulawesi to Investment Minister
Mamuju, West Sulawesi (ANTARA) — West Sulawesi Governor Suhardi Duka presented five strategic potentials in his region, ready to be developed to drive regional economic growth, to Investment and Downstreaming Minister/Head of the Investment Coordinating Board (BKPM) Rosan Roeslani.
"West Sulawesi holds extraordinary natural resources that have not yet been maximally developed. We need partners and facilitation from the central government so these potentials can truly deliver a major impact for the community," said Suhardi through a press release received in Mamuju, West Sulawesi, on Thursday.
The five strategic potentials presented by the Governor before the Investment Minister in Jakarta are minerals and coal, including rare earth metals. Additionally, West Sulawesi has marine potential with fish production capacity reaching 2.2 million tonnes per year, whilst actual catches stand at only 64,000 tonnes.
Furthermore, there is potential for carbon capture and carbon credit schemes, in line with low-emission development objectives. Another potential lies in the downstreaming and industrialisation of cocoa, positioning West Sulawesi as more than merely a raw materials producer. Finally, there is new and renewable energy potential, particularly hydroelectric power with capacity of up to 500 MW to support future industrial zones.
The Governor stated that the West Sulawesi Provincial Government does not wish to stop at planning, but will proceed directly through collaborative central-regional schemes.
"We recognise that the region cannot proceed alone. But we have not come merely to ask — we have come with readiness and the intention to work together. Our potential is immense and our communities must feel the benefits immediately," said Suhardi.
The meeting, he said, represents an important first step in building partnerships between government and the business sector to revitalise West Sulawesi's economy based on local potential. The Provincial Government hopes that investment realisation can commence in the near term with concrete projects.
Meanwhile, Rosan Roeslani expressed appreciation for the readiness and strategic direction brought directly by the West Sulawesi Governor. He noted that West Sulawesi Province demonstrates seriousness in building a progressive and measurable investment ecosystem.
"What we need from the regions is clarity of direction, technical readiness, and commitment to execution. Our task is facilitation and acceleration," said Minister Rosan.
He also affirmed his readiness to serve as a facilitator in connecting West Sulawesi's potential with strategic investors, both domestic and foreign.
Minister Rosan expressed particular interest in two sectors for immediate follow-up: marine resources, as there are Chinese investor partners ready to enter and utilise West Sulawesi's vast maritime potential.
"The marine sector in particular is very promising. There are investors from China who have already shown interest. The potential figure of 2.2 million tonnes of fish is extraordinary and we must help realise this so communities can directly feel the benefits," said Rosan.
Additionally, he continued, cocoa downstreaming is considered vital for increasing added value and creating employment.
The Investment Ministry will also establish a joint technical team to oversee investment follow-up in West Sulawesi, including developing a thematic and integrated roadmap for potential development.
"The Ministry will form a cross-deputy liaison team to follow up on the action plan in the near term. A technical desk process will be conducted in the coming weeks to prepare a concrete framework and accelerate permits," explained Minister Rosan.
"West Sulawesi holds extraordinary natural resources that have not yet been maximally developed. We need partners and facilitation from the central government so these potentials can truly deliver a major impact for the community," said Suhardi through a press release received in Mamuju, West Sulawesi, on Thursday.
The five strategic potentials presented by the Governor before the Investment Minister in Jakarta are minerals and coal, including rare earth metals. Additionally, West Sulawesi has marine potential with fish production capacity reaching 2.2 million tonnes per year, whilst actual catches stand at only 64,000 tonnes.
Furthermore, there is potential for carbon capture and carbon credit schemes, in line with low-emission development objectives. Another potential lies in the downstreaming and industrialisation of cocoa, positioning West Sulawesi as more than merely a raw materials producer. Finally, there is new and renewable energy potential, particularly hydroelectric power with capacity of up to 500 MW to support future industrial zones.
The Governor stated that the West Sulawesi Provincial Government does not wish to stop at planning, but will proceed directly through collaborative central-regional schemes.
"We recognise that the region cannot proceed alone. But we have not come merely to ask — we have come with readiness and the intention to work together. Our potential is immense and our communities must feel the benefits immediately," said Suhardi.
The meeting, he said, represents an important first step in building partnerships between government and the business sector to revitalise West Sulawesi's economy based on local potential. The Provincial Government hopes that investment realisation can commence in the near term with concrete projects.
Meanwhile, Rosan Roeslani expressed appreciation for the readiness and strategic direction brought directly by the West Sulawesi Governor. He noted that West Sulawesi Province demonstrates seriousness in building a progressive and measurable investment ecosystem.
"What we need from the regions is clarity of direction, technical readiness, and commitment to execution. Our task is facilitation and acceleration," said Minister Rosan.
He also affirmed his readiness to serve as a facilitator in connecting West Sulawesi's potential with strategic investors, both domestic and foreign.
Minister Rosan expressed particular interest in two sectors for immediate follow-up: marine resources, as there are Chinese investor partners ready to enter and utilise West Sulawesi's vast maritime potential.
"The marine sector in particular is very promising. There are investors from China who have already shown interest. The potential figure of 2.2 million tonnes of fish is extraordinary and we must help realise this so communities can directly feel the benefits," said Rosan.
Additionally, he continued, cocoa downstreaming is considered vital for increasing added value and creating employment.
The Investment Ministry will also establish a joint technical team to oversee investment follow-up in West Sulawesi, including developing a thematic and integrated roadmap for potential development.
"The Ministry will form a cross-deputy liaison team to follow up on the action plan in the near term. A technical desk process will be conducted in the coming weeks to prepare a concrete framework and accelerate permits," explained Minister Rosan.