Makassar, S Sulawesi (ANTARA) - South Sulawesi will start the construction of a new palm oil processing plant in North Luwu District in late February 2020.

Head of the South Sulawesi's Food Crops, Horticulture and Plantation Office Andi Ardin Tjahjo said here on Sunday the palm oil processing plant would add to the current plants in the province to six units. The plants are located in Luwu, North Luwu and East Luwu Districts.

"We have conducted the launching and next week Insya Allah (God willing) we can start the construction of the sixth palm oil processing plant in South Sulawesi," Tjahjo said.

He reiterated South Sulawesi's commitment to support palm oil farmers, moreover with the central government's biodiesel mandatory program to prop up Indonesian palm oil price.

According to Tjahjo, palm oil has contributed to the province's economy hence the government has decided to allocate its fund to develop the plant.

"I think the increased price of palm oil and the existence of the plant would encourage palm oil farmers in the province," he said.

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Translator: Abdul Kadir, Sri Haryati
Editor: Fardah Assegaf
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