South Sulawesi Governor Distributes Sagu Cookers to Boost Food Security
In an effort to strengthen local food security whilst aligning provincial programmes with the national Asta Cita vision of the President, which emphasises food security based on innovation and technology, the Governor of South Sulawesi has handed over modern automatic sago-cooking devices, known as Sagu Cookers, to community groups across the province.
The handover marks a concrete step by the South Sulawesi Provincial Government to optimise the management of sago as one of the region’s flagship food commodities.
Through the Sagu Cooker’s technological innovation, communities are expected to be able to process sago into food products that are highly nutritious, hygienic and more efficient in terms of cooking time and process.
This strategic synergy is strongly supported from an academic standpoint by Prof. Dr. Ir. Agnes Dorothea Rampisela, Lead Sago Researcher at Hasanuddin University. The close collaboration between business actors, the South Sulawesi Provincial Government representing regional administration, and researchers from Hasanuddin University is hoped to carry local sago-based food aspirations, research and innovation all the way to the President and central government.
Governor of South Sulawesi Andi Sudirman Sulaiman introduced Aurora Bellatrix Dakka, B.A (Hons), the inventor of the Sagu Cooker and Chief Executive of PT Sagu Cooker Indonesia. She is an Indonesian daughter, originally from Palopo in South Sulawesi, who completed her studies in England and returned to Indonesia to serve and contribute her innovations to the eastern regions of the country.
The Governor also stated that South Sulawesi’s sago potential is enormous but requires a technological touch so that the production of sago dishes can be more optimal and competitive.
“Sago is a richly beneficial local food heritage. In line with the President’s Asta Cita directive to strengthen food security through innovation and technology, the South Sulawesi Provincial Government is handing over these Sagu Cookers so that communities can process local food more easily and in a modern way. This is not merely equipment assistance, but part of our grand strategy to safeguard food security and improve family welfare in South Sulawesi,” he said.
The Sagu Cooker has been designed to be practical and user-friendly, so it can be used directly by households as well as sago-based food-processing micro, small and medium enterprises (UMKM).
Beyond the physical aid, the South Sulawesi Provincial Government is also targeting various sago commodity production centres across the province, which are expected to serve as a stimulus for economic growth rooted in local wisdom.
The producer has also demonstrated a commitment to sustainability. Once initial production targets are met, and with the permission and support of the South Sulawesi Provincial Government, particularly the Governor, a fabrication facility will be opened in Makassar. The presence of this factory is projected to create new jobs for local communities.
To guarantee user convenience, after-sales services and unit maintenance centres will also be established in Makassar and various other cities across South Sulawesi.
On the manufacturing side, the producer emphasised its focus on build-to-order production efficiency with capacity that can be scaled to demand.
The producer does not sell directly to consumers. All distribution and commercialisation is handled entirely by the Sole Principal for Eastern Indonesia, based in Makassar. Information regarding cooperation and partnership mechanisms can be coordinated directly through PT Sagu Cooker Indonesia’s official partners.
Going forward, once initial production targets are achieved and with the full permission and support of the Governor of South Sulawesi, the establishment of a local fabrication facility in Makassar is planned to absorb regional labour.
The facility will also be supported by an after-sales service network and unit maintenance centres spread across Makassar and various parts of South Sulawesi.
The Sagu Cooker is not only aimed at sago commodity centres in South Sulawesi, but is also projected to reach the whole of eastern Indonesia, including Papua, Maluku, North Maluku and the entire Sulawesi region, as well as Indonesian diaspora communities abroad. This step is hoped to become a stimulus for inclusive economic growth based on local wisdom with an impact ranging from the national to the global level.