KKP Trains Local Workforce to Manage National Salt Centre in Rote Ndao, NTT

The Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries (KKP) has equipped and certified 25 local residents as part of efforts to prepare human resources to manage the National Salt Industry Centre (K-SIGN) in Rote Ndao Regency, East Nusa Tenggara (NTT). Director of Marine Resources at KKP, Frista Yorhanita, stated that the technical guidance and certification programme is part of the government’s strategy to build an integrated salt industry ecosystem, encompassing area development, governance strengthening, and human resource capacity building. “KKP is equipping the community with knowledge, skills, and competency certification so they can become part of a modern and competitive national salt industry management,” Frista said in a statement in Jakarta on Monday. The 25 participants, who attended the training in Kupang from 3-5 July 2026, comprised residents from Matasio Village, Serubeba Village, and Lakamola Village in East Rote District, along with five individuals from the Kupang Salt Production Centre. During the training, participants received instruction on effective communication, operation of salt production equipment, salt production techniques, occupational health and safety (K3), and underwent competency certification. Frista noted that the training also serves as a form of community empowerment for those living around the industrial salt area, enabling them to play a greater role in managing K-SIGN. She said that improving the competence of the local workforce is expected not only to support increased national salt production but also to create jobs, encourage the growth of supporting businesses, and improve the welfare of coastal communities. “KKP believes that the success of K-SIGN development is determined not only by infrastructure and technology but also by the readiness of competent human resources,” she stated. K-SIGN is a strategic project developed in Rote Ndao Regency as a national salt production centre. The area is expected to increase domestic salt productivity and quality while reducing dependence on salt imports, which currently account for 60 per cent of national salt needs. The K-SIGN programme is also projected to absorb around 26,000 workers. The designated K-SIGN area covers 10,764 hectares, spread across 13 villages in three districts—Landu Lenko, Pantai Baru, and Rote Timur—as well as the waters of Pantai Baru Bay.