Not Just Nickel: Central Sulawesi Pushes for Downstreaming of Fish and Coconut

Jakarta, CNBC Indonesia – Central Sulawesi Governor Anwar Hafid confirmed the provincial government’s efforts to boost community economic growth through natural resource utilisation, particularly in the mining sector.

Sulawesi Tengah is one of the provinces rich in mineral resources, especially nickel. The nickel downstreaming programme is expected to add product value, create jobs, and improve public welfare.

Additionally, the provincial government is promoting downstreaming in fisheries and agriculture as economic opportunities to be enhanced through processing in farming, plantations, and fisheries. Sulteng is collaborating with China’s Hainan Province to export coconuts and durians.

Looking ahead, Sulteng aims to export processed agricultural and fisheries products such as shrimp and fish to China, creating opportunities for increased income and economic growth in the region.

Regarding the flagship Makan Bergizi Gratis (MBG) programme, the provincial government is sourcing local food supplies including chicken, eggs, and vegetables from local production. It is estimated that the MBG programme has an annual budget of Rp6 trillion, and if maximised through local procurement, it will stimulate the regional economy.