"Sago has very good nutrients, especially to reduce stunting," Moeldoko remarked after declaring sago as sustainable food at the Jangkang Water Reclamation Tourism Village, Bangka, Bangka Belitung Islands, Tuesday.
According to the KSP chief, sago was a staple food long before the Indonesian people got accustomed to consuming rice.
Sago plants can grow in any soil conditions, including on former mining land, he stated.
"Its consumers in the world also increase," Moeldoko pointed out.
He drew attention to the high demand from foreign countries for sago exports from Indonesia.
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Although Indonesia has 90 percent of the world's sago forests, it is only ranked fourth as a sago exporter country, he remarked.
"Sago processing has not been maximized, so tools are needed to increase the production and export of sago," he explained.
He pointed out that the output of sago production is also consumable and can be processed into bioenergy raw materials and animal feed.
"Managing sago properly can reduce the use of raw materials, waste, emissions, and wasted energy. In the factory, sago can be made into flour, instant noodles, alternative energy, and even feed for cows," he explained.
Moeldoko expressed optimism that sago being declared as sustainable food in Bangka Belitung would be followed up with commitment and concrete actions from the local government and stakeholders to realize it as a food alternative.
"Sago needs to be promoted because it has many benefits. It is an alternative food commodity that needs to be considered by consumers and producers," he stated.
On that occasion, 300 sago plants were planted, and one million sago trees are targeted to be planted on the former mining land.
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Translator: Indra P, Kenzu
Editor: Yuni Arisandy Sinaga
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