Kupang (ANTARA News) - Kupang Regent of East Nusa Tenggara Ayub Titu Eki is optimistic that the abundant salt potential in the area will become a new flagship commodity in improving the economy of salt farmers.

"The salt potential in Kupang Regency is very abundant, but is still managed traditionally, though the entry of salt investors into Kupang Regency will boost the economic income of the people in this area," Kupang Regent Ayub Titu Eki said, when contacted in Kupang on Saturday.

He noted that the potential of salt would add to the superior commodities in the area bordering Oecusse, an enclave in East Timor, following the livestock and agriculture sectors.

The Kupang Regency government requires investors to partner with salt farmers, so that farmers can realize the benefits of salt investments.

"I am sure that the people`s economy will improve, once the salt commodity is better managed. The government will reject salt investors who do not partner with the community," said Job.

He added that the development of superior salt products is carried out through an integrated system, based upon partnerships, such as improving the quality of management and marketing involving salt farmers, so that salt production continues to increase.

The development of the salt industry began to lessen in Kupang regency after PT Garam (Persero) harvested salt by the Minister of State Enterprises Affairs, Rini M Soemarno, in Bipolo Village early this week.

Meanwhile, the Golden Peak of the World Salt PT (PKGD) began building a farm road as far as 3 km to Babau Beach, East Kupang District.

PKGD is partnering with the Babau community by utilizing 1,200 ha of HGU land for the development of the salt industry, with a production target of 400,000 tons / year for the needs of industrial salt. *** 3 ***

Reporting by Benediktus Sridin Sulu Jahang
Editing by Eliswan, Yoseph Hariyadi

Reporter: Antara
Editor: Andi Abdussalam
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