Two Projects Worth Rp 640 Billion in Maluku to Absorb 10,000 Workers

AMBON, KOMPAS.com – An investment of Rp 640 billion for the construction of two strategic projects in Central Maluku is projected to serve as a turning point in strengthening the regional economy, particularly through the downstream processing of coconut and nutmeg commodities. The two projects consist of an integrated coconut factory and a nutmeg processing plant, which will be built in Central Maluku Regency, Maluku. The presence of these industries is expected not only to increase the added value of local commodities but also to create large-scale employment opportunities. “Two national strategic projects are confirmed to be built in Central Maluku,” said the Regent of Central Maluku, Zulkarnain Awat Amir, to reporters on Saturday (28/3/2026). “The groundbreaking (laying of the first stone) is planned to be attended by President Prabowo Subianto,” he continued. The total investment for these projects reaches Rp 640 billion, comprising the construction of an integrated coconut factory worth Rp 500 billion and a nutmeg processing plant worth Rp 140 billion. The government has entrusted the management of both projects to PTPN, with plans for the groundbreaking in the next one to two months. The production capacity is targeted at 300,000 coconuts per day. “Meanwhile, the nutmeg processing plant will focus on producing oleoresin aimed at meeting global export market standards,” said Zulkarnain. This step signifies the government’s serious push to strengthen the downstream processing of the region’s flagship commodities, while also enhancing the competitiveness of Indonesian products in the international market. According to Zulkarnain, the projects will be implemented through synergy with Danantara, with PTPN acting as a bridge between local farmers’ potential, modern industrial technology, and global market access. “These two projects will absorb up to 10,000 workers,” he stated. “Insha Allah, with full support from the central and regional governments, Central Maluku is now preparing to enter a new chapter as one of the centres for processing flagship commodities in eastern Indonesia,” he said. This initiative is seen as an important milestone in driving the transformation of a local resource-based economy towards an industry with high added value and competitiveness.