Rote Ndao Regency Forms Salt Task Force to Ensure Transparency in K-SIGN

Rote Ndao (ANTARA) – The Rote Ndao Regency Government in East Nusa Tenggara has formed a Salt Task Force to ensure that development of the National Salt Industry Centre Area (K-SIGN) is carried out transparently.

Rote Ndao Regent Paulus Henuk said the task force was established to align the views of the government and the community and ensure that the development process is open.

“The (Salt) Task Force is intended to ensure that this project is carried out transparently, with no hidden agenda and no hanky-panky, and that nothing is concealed,” Paulus said in Rote Ndao on Monday.

The Salt Task Force includes representatives from the regional government, police, the military and community leaders. It will help resolve land-related issues that frequently arise during development of the area.

These issues have been among the most commonly encountered by residents during construction of K-SIGN.

The task force is also responsible for recording residents’ land, accepting registrations of land with official certificates, and helping clarify ownership status within the project area.

“Whatever the central government is responsible for must be carried out, as must the responsibilities of the regional government. The obligations to the community and the rights of residents must be paid and distributed fairly and transparently, so that there is no suspicion,” he said.

The National Salt Industry Centre Area (K-SIGN) is being developed to increase domestic salt production and support the national target of salt self-sufficiency by 2027.

The first phase of K-SIGN, covering 616 hectares, has been completed. The government is now continuing development with a second phase covering 715 hectares.