Rosan supports the operation of coconut processing industry in Morowali
Jakarta (ANTARA) - The Minister of Investment and Downstreaming, Rosan Roermani, has expressed support for the operation of the coconut and derivative products industry by PT Freenow Food Industry in Morowali, Central Sulawesi, which brings an investment of Rp776 billion and employs 2,900 workers.
“This investment is an important step in driving the downstreaming of national coconut commodities. We hope that the presence of Freenow will not only add value to Indonesia’s coconut commodities but also provide a positive contribution to the national economy, create jobs, increase the welfare of coconut farmers, and strengthen the coconut processing industry ecosystem in Indonesia,” Minister Rosan stated in an official statement in Jakarta on Tuesday.
The inauguration of the coconut processing industry operations, which took place on 7 September 2026, is part of the government’s efforts to expand downstreaming in the plantation sector, particularly for coconut commodities, to increase the added value of domestic natural resources.
PT Freenow Food Industry will develop an integrated coconut processing industry from upstream to downstream, with a planned investment of approximately Rp776 billion, or the equivalent of 47 million US dollars, across three stages.
In the initial stage, the company will produce coconut milk, coconut water concentrate, coconut oil, and coconut shell charcoal. Subsequently, the company will develop higher value-added products such as coconut milk and ready-to-drink beverages for the export market.
The industry will also utilise almost all parts of the coconut, ranging from the flesh, water, and shell to the husk, thereby encouraging the optimal use of national coconut commodities.
In the first phase, PT Freenow Food Industry will absorb approximately 184,000 tonnes of coconuts per year and provide employment for nearly 2,900 workers.
When fully operational, the raw material requirement for this industry is targeted to reach the equivalent of 500 million coconuts per year, involving farmers and local communities up to 10,000 people.
Rosan, who also serves as the Head of the Investment Coordinating Board (BKPM) and CEO of Danantara, encourages the involvement of farmers in the industrial ecosystem through guaranteed purchases at fair prices, support for the rejuvenation of smallholder plantations, and the involvement of MSMEs and local suppliers in the supply chain.
“The Indonesian government will continue to provide support to create an even better investment climate so that investors can grow alongside Indonesia and provide the greatest possible benefits to the community,” Minister Rosan continued.